Stacey McCracken

Artist Statement

I spent my childhood watching my mom sew clothes for her five children. When I was 10, never starting easy, I asked her to teach me to make a swim suit. She happily agreed, and my sewing journey began. That swim suit was followed by simple skirts, vests, and shorts for myself then costumes, dresses, and baby jackets for my own children. I moved on to household items and quilts. Then my daughter needed a tote bag. That tote bag was the start of my true passion - handbags. Starting with fabrics and vinyl helped hone my bag making skills over several years. Then I tried leather and have never looked back! I now work exclusively in leather. I love entering my sewing studio, each day, to the smell of genuine leather. Leather is durable, which speaks to my practical side. It comes in so many colors and textures, which appeals to my creative side. I enjoy creating custom orders that appeal to my clients. I love the challenge of taking what is in their mind and creating the handbag in the form and function they desire.