They are mere leftovers that come to life in the hands of Catarina Brandão. They are small portions of tissue that become large bags, blankets, pockets and multicolored key chains. Fashion accessories are made with lots of creativity, love and passion.
What is the company of rags?
Catarina Brandao: I use tissue in patches, hence the name. They are rags, because it's cheaper than buying fabric by the meter. This idea comes from my childhood, I come from a family where they used all this, patchwork, knitting, crochet and I learned. Then life takes us not to practice and two years ago I had an illness that prevented me leaving home and had to occupy myself with something. I had a sewing machine, got old stuff that I had for a long time and created a blanket with fabric and crochet and friends liked. It began there.
How did you jump to the other accessories?
CB: I decided to make a bag as a gift and others came and people started placing orders. Then I went for the big bags and accessories for the little ones, who give me a certain joy to do. One thing is pulling the other. My creative process involves placing the tissues on the table and waiting for the inspiration to arise, for example, the bag of balls and stripes; it was three minimal flaps, looked at them and thought what am I going to do with it?
Why the big bags?
CB: Because that's what gives me immense pleasure to do. I like them big, but I also do other smaller pieces, the bags and key rings, in addition. I use everything. I also make necklaces and lavender hearts to put in the drawer. Everything is done with little tissue.
What is the future of the company of rags?
CB: I really like it though I cannot survive economically with this. When I return to my profession, be a teacher, will be difficult to reconcile. From now on, however, I want to continue and do wish to stop, because it gives me immense pleasure to do it. The creative process gives me peace and tranquility. It is a leak. There are those who run or ride a bike, I find it all in my small studio, as I call it, that's mine, where my rags are, my things.
How long on average it takes to make the bags?
CB: It depends on the size. Some take three hours, others more. It's not like I told you my occupation. I do not do these accessories from nine till five in the afternoon. Am doing it in my spare time, since I also have my kids home with me, I pick them from school, study with them and these little bits that I'm not with them, I make this work.
www.nacompanhiadostrapos.blogspot.com/
