Lesley Hornbeck – ‘Whimsy bags’

Lesley Hornbeck is 42 and lives just outside of Washington. She is the creator of the wonderful ‘Whimsy Bags’. The name was born after the label was formed on a ‘whim’, when she had become bored and tired of the world of work and being away from her own children.

She studied at University and graduated with 2 degrees, neither of them related to the delights she creates today.

Wanting to be her own boss, Lesley decided to take her career into her own hands and found something she enjoyed – and we are so glad she did. Whimsy Bags focuses upon making custom tote bags. Usually the designs are geared towards whatever Lesley is a fan of or is making her happy that particular day.

Other inspirations for her designs come from a whole host of things she loves, but she particularly loves vintage images, Victorian art and the ‘lost’ art of old greeting cards as they all come from the age before computers were invented. She wanted to replicate the love and attention put into these inspirations into her own work and that is something which has certainly been achieved.

Since the shop was created on Etsy, it has rapidly expanded and has managed to form relations with artists who allow Lesley to use their work on her tote designs. Future artist designs are going to include watercolour bunnies and sassy, colourful girl art. It however, doesn’t stop there. Lesley also caters for requests, creating prints for all occasions including weddings. As well as this, Lesley has just launched Whimsy Tees, a range of T-shirts following the same inspirations, how exciting?

You can’t help but love this label, for its unique and individual designs, personalised and catered to yours needs. Every girl needs a tote, why don’t you get yours from Whimsy Bags. Click here for more bags and prices.

Kellie Griffiths