Local Mind shop makes handbags from gladrags

Posted Monday 20 July 2009

Mental health charity Mind's Ipswich shop is launching 'Piece of Mind' next Monday (27 July), a range of eco-friendly bags designed and made by volunteers at the shop, many of whom have direct experience of mental distress, using items donated to the shop as raw materials.

Each bag is unique and has been made from scratch using items donated by the public. Curtains, clothes, bedding and even blinds have all been transformed into bespoke bags that are embellished with everything from buttons to appliqué. They come in a variety of sizes, from a small clutch bag right through to roomy shoppers and totes.

The idea came from one of the shop volunteers who used to customise her own bags and wanted to share her talents. The creative team has now produced over 50 one-off bags and is already planning to branch out into making other items such as jewellery and knitwear from reclaimed yarn they get from unravelling knitted goods.

Gill Dibben, Manager of the shop, said:

This has been a team effort from start to finish and I'm so proud of what we've achieved, the bags look fantastic. I hope people come in to see what we've made and buy our designs, that way they'll be doing there bit to support Mind and also to help the environment by using recycled bags.

Jules, who helps make the bags, said:

I've really enjoyed being involved with the Piece of Mind project and have actually found that making the bags and being creative with materials has helped with my obsessive compulsive disorder, as it's very relaxing and you feel really good when you see the finished product.

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