Upcycle– verb: to process (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original.

I have recently been introduced to a line called Retro Remix Pass It On.

A very talented artist, Dawn Lipman, has been “upcycling” vintage handbags and belt buckles. She combs through flea markets and thrift stores to collect vintage “treasures”. Dawn started RETRO REMIX in 2014.  Her studio is filled with vintage handbags, vintage jewelry , remnant trims, ribbons, tassels and lace. She creates original artwork and photo montages for the handbags on the computer. Then they are printed to paper and run through a laminating/adhesive machine.  These graphis are applied to the bags and she finishes the edges with vintage trim remnants. Dawn also crafts one of a kind belt buckles.  The blank buckle bases are filled with vintage jewelry, skeleton keys, and watch parts and watch bands. Each buckle is sold with a snap on leather belt.

The result is nothing short of spectacular. Barbara Lattoz is the sales consultant for the line. When I recently had a house party for Touchstone Crystal Barbara also brought a representation of the RETRO REMIX line. The women attending my party were so excited with what they saw and many went home with a new “old” bag!!!

The concept is just so great! The styles are very glamorous and some are kitsch. There are hollywood icons laminated on bags as well as cartoon super heros!! The entire thing just generates energy and individuality. And in addition to your upcylced product, you can create your own story about the original owner of the bag.  The bag I purchased was made in France! I have been having fun wondering about the original owner.

Dawn will be on LBI , NJ 5/29/16 at the Viking Village Art & Craft Show. She will also be at the Spring Chester Craft Show and in September on the 4th back on LBI at the Viking Village Art & Craft Show and then on 9/18 she will be at The Fall Crafts & Art Street Fair in Ridgewood, NJ.

Barbara Lattoz can be reached at barbaralattoz@aol.com. Her # is 908-963-1654.

Parties are a natural for these products. Enjoy!

Here are a few of styles: