Unique Handbags

This week’s Reno Revealed features Reno artist, Pamela Robinson, owner of Unique Handbags. She creates jaw dropping purses, wallets and jewelry from scrap leather and material. Her work is so stunning you can find it for sale at the Nevada Museum of Art.

Tell us about you and your art…

My work ranges from handbags to jewelry and anything in between. I love to work with different mediums, paint and thread being my favorites.

I enjoy experimenting with all kinds of fabrics and textures utilizing the materials that I have. I love the challenge of applique work and find that it works well with a lot of the small scraps that I have. I love color and a lot of the fabrics I have are dull, so I have to be creative in finding ways to add color, this is where my painting and stitching comes in.

How did you get started?

A friend of mine gave me some leather scraps to play with and at the time, I had just purchased a sewing machine for my birthday. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with leather. It was so easy to sew. I was hooked right away, plus I loved the fact that I could be creative with pieces that no one had use for.

Tell us about your workspace.

My garage, the computer room floor, the dining table, wherever there is a clear space at the moment. I cut most of my fabrics on the floor where I have a large amount of space, then sew and do all the rest of the work in the garage where my machine lives. I work in a space about 3′ x 4′ without a chair.

The rest of the area is used for storage. It gets cramped in there. I have to constantly clean up after every little project or I would be buried quickly.

What inspires you?

Inspiration just sort of comes and goes. When I am out of ideas I pick up my Art Quilt Celebration book and flip through it. I love that book! I also love Quilting Arts Magazine. Sometimes I just get into a weird funk and nothing happens. Thats when i take a few days off. I have found that if I take a break and refresh, the ideas start to flow again more naturally.

What aspect of your job brings you the greatest satisfaction?

Often its just seeing the end result of my creations. I get most of my joy when i hear from my customers. Their satisfaction and appreciation for all the work that went into the item is what keeps me going.

Are you offering any upcoming classes or events?

Not at the moment. I would eventually like to invest in a video camera so I can film my process to share with others. I am always on the lookout for a good show or opportunity. You can stay up to date on events on my website.

Can your art be found in local venues?

The Nevada Museum of Art gift shop on First Street and Liberty in Reno

Do you have a favorite Reno hotspot or event?

The Truckee River is the most beautiful place in Reno.

Where can we find you?

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/uniquehandbags
Website: http://www.uniquehandbags.net/
Blog: http://www.uniquehandbags.net/
Local Shops: Nevada Museum of Art Gift Shop
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/24216472@N04/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uniquehandbags

*Photos courtesy of Pamela Robinson

Thank you, Pamela! I agree the Truckee River is fabulous. I have several upcoming features that star the Truckee.

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Reno Revealed is a weekly feature highlighting artists, restaurants, boutiques, non profit organizations and events from around the Reno/Tahoe area. If you have a special request for a future feature,please email me. I’d love to hear from you!

Next week: Scattered Daisies, a team of 12 female runners who will be racing in the 178 mile Reno-Tahoe Odyssey June 4 and 5.