It’s great to get noticed, especially for something that you enjoy doing. That’s exactly what happened to me this week when Union Leader reporter April Guilmet took a few minutes to notice me and my line of Java Jayne bags at Londonderry NH’s Concert on the Common Series. April’s story was published in the June 29, 2012 Business section and was titled Londonderry’s ‘bag lady’ crafts a new business.
I was at the concerts on the common event along with other artists as part of an effort of Andy Mack Jr., artist Michael James Toomy and friends at Londonderry Arts Council to include local art along with music at the summer concerts, which have been running now for eleven seasons on Londonderry’s town common . The message; to showcase local art and artists who contribute to the community’s unique character and culture.
Although Java Jayne bags are more craft than art, true fine artists Jason Williams from ApartfromtheDirt and Steve Sullivan were on hand to give patrons a turn at actually participating in art as it happens. While some concert goers listened to the melodic tunes of indie songstress Amber Rubarth, the featured musical artist, others with paint brush in hand, took part in the process of creating fine art. Thanks to Jason and Steve’s gentle encouragement and skillful blending talent, children, teens and adults alike took turns adding their own personal paint selections and strokes to the canvases, which were then incorporated into the overall finished pieces. Reporter April Guilment also wrote a nice article on them as well. Music to their ears – and eyes – in Londonderry.
As for Java Jayne bags, I’m just grateful people find my recycled coffee sack creations interesting and fun. I enjoy making them, but the part I like best is the green nature of of the products I make. I reuse coffee sacks that otherwise would have been tossed away and turn them into trendy tote bags, messenger bags, aprons, laptop sleeves and home decor items with an earthy and sustainable vibe.
The repurposed bags are definitely green, but like most green businesses I’m not 100% sustainable just yet. I continue to resource and include materials (like lining and hardware) that are eco-friendly whenever I can. Maybe the next time I bump into the Union Leader’s reporter April, I’ll be even further along the green business curve.
Are the burlap bags pre-washed before turning into an article?
Hello, Yes. The bags are washed to remove dust and grime associated with packing and shipping, and then air dried prior to stitching. Inconsistencies in material are the nature of the burlap itself or from it’s former life as an international coffee bean transportation vessel.