Interview: Spoonful of Chocolate

I was late in getting my mom a Mother’s Day gift so I knew I had to make it a good one. My mom is a reader and I thought I would get her something a little different this year – a book purse. Mom LOVES her book purse (I got her the green Alice in Wonderland purse, picture below).

What is a book purse? you ask…It’s a purse made out of a book cover. It’s a really cool concept and I had some questions for Michelle, the gal behind Spoonful of Chocolate, so I decided to interview her to share the story and background behind the magic. So please help me welcome Michelle!

When/Where/How did you come up with the idea to create purses out of books? 

About a year and a half ago I was looking for something to sell online so I can help my parents out with money, so they wouldn't have to foreclose the house my dad built with his own hands. I actually had a pattern to make a clutch out of a book, so I just expanded it by finding larger books and adding handles and using fabric instead of plastic.
[What a great cause!] 

How long having you been creating book purses?

Since December 2008, and have loved every minute of it! It really relaxes me, and I love picking out the fabric and books. I get so excited and rush home to make a new one!

How long does it take you to create one? 

It depends, but usually about 3 hours.

What is the most difficult part of the process of creating a book purse? 

Usually the last part of putting the purse together. At first, you feel like you need at least 4 hands to do it but I have it down to a science now.

What is your favorite purse that you have made to date?

That is such a hard question because I have literally made hundreds of them! But here are a few of my favorites:

 

What is the most requested book used to create a purse?

Anything Jane Austen! Especially this one:

[Srsly, if you go through Michelle’s sold items, there are like a hundred sales of this purse! It’s very eye-catching.]

Also anything Alice in Wonderland, especially these 2:

[I got the green Alice in Wonderland bag for my mom :)]

 

What was the more unique request you have received?

I once had a lady who wanted to get a present for her friend that teaches "manners" so I made this little gift set out of a book about manners, and just re-bound the pages:

How can someone request a book purse from you? 

Contact me anytime through my Etsy Store or email me at Michelle80118@gmail.com!

Thank you Michelle for stopping by! And just in case my mom is reading this, *cough* I’d like one of these purses too ;)