Ladies and gentlemen of the internets, I present to you our vendor spotlight on BIG THAW vendor, Hand Me Down Designs. Malaika Picard, owner and seamstress extraordinaire, has been such a valuable resource and not shy at all pushing her sleeves up and getting her hands dirty in the muck of craft fair construction. OK – that involves writing emails, making tough calls, hanging posters, writing spotlights, networking, scouting locations, brainstorming poster ideas, etc. etc. So it may not be mucky, but it sure is hard work! Shanna Tice (our other fearless, volunteer, totally awesome coordinator) has taken the time to write this Spotlight. Thank you to both of them for being so, so, so, so, so, (you get the idea) helpful to me. I <3 them, 4-eva. –Audrey
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Your beloved, now too-tiny, corduroys repurposed by Hand Me Down Designs
Pockets, pouches, and snaps, OH MY! Malaika Picard is the bright and clever mind behind Hand Me Down Designs, a new enterprise featuring all things remade, transformed, up-cycled, and re-invented. The beloved corduroy pants you can no longer fit into will be metamorphosed into trendy wallets, a new purse, or an essential iPhone or blackberry case.
Checkbook Cover/Wallet by Hand Me Down Designs
The once preferred pair of jeans that you don’t want anymore, will be reborn into tote bags you will use every day, spacious slouch bags, checkbook covers, or the most fantastic little business card holder you’ve ever seen!
One-of-a-Kind Slouch Bag from Hand Me Down Designs
Malaika’s has an attention to detail that extends to every aspect of her excellent sewing skills. She is very deliberate when placing pockets on her designs or choosing a shape for her creations. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her one day and discussing her budding business, and the origin of her merchandise. When talking about where she gets her idea’s she mentioned with a big grin on her face, “From my customers!” She went on to explain that so many of her inspirations for her new idea’s comes from customer suggestions. However it is also clear that she has a sophisticated eye for what she likes and what she thinks will hold up to her standards as a design.
Recycled Denim Barrette from Hand Me Down Designs
Recycled Denim Bracelet by Hand Me Down Designs
Something also very impressive with Hand Me Down Designs is Malaika’s desire to be versatile. Among her meticulous bags, wallets and pouches you will find fun and fresh uses of these re-purposed materials in hairpieces, bracelets, and cute little key chains.
Hand Me Down Designs is a venture that Malaika is delighted to have started. She loves that it will give her the opportunity to maintain a focus on being a stay at home mom who home schools while making money for her family. She is also praying that this adventure gives her unique ways to stay in God’s will and share it with others. I am just delighted to have become fast friends with Malaika and to be sharing experiences with her in this super fun event as a ‘Big Thaw’ vendor!
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Many thanks to Shanna Tice for her awesome feature! It should also be noted that Malaika offers custom bags, jewelry, barrettes, key chains, etc. if you have a special garment that is no longer wearable but you’d like to see turned in to something functional again.
Hand Me Down Designs is one of nearly 40 artists, crafters and vintage vendors who will be peddling their wares at The BIG THAW on Saturday, April 16th from 10am to 4pm at the Mayo Street Arts Center at 10 Mayo St. in Portland, ME. We are so looking forward to seeing you there!
[...] so very grateful for being todays featured artist in The BIG THAW post. Won’t you check it [...]
(blushing!) Thanks, guys! Can’t wait for the big day!
As Malaika’s mom, I can say, totally without bias or prejudice, that she is the most artistic woman of God that I have ever had the pleasure of giving birth to! LOL. Back here on earth, I would like to comment on the beautiful and useful “Forget-Me-Not” tote bag she made for me after my mother’s passing. She took some of mom’s gently used pants to make this tote – because of which, I have a piece of my mom and my daugher with me wherever I go.
LOL – Susie, we think so, too! Your daughter is so talented and her ability to turn something old in to something new is amazing. I loved the story of your mother’s clothes being turned in to a bag for you by your daughter. Three generations going in to one piece of art — so touching.