About 3 years ago a statistic came out stating that 99% of things purchased today will be in a landfill within 6 months (The Story of Stuff, 2007). Designer, Gwen Cornish, was horrified by this and resolved to be a part of making a change in how we live and how we view the things around us. So in her early 30’s she put her hand to the sewing machine for the first time in her life and began creating new things out of stuff that already existed. She found a 1942 drafting textbook online and began teaching herself the art of pattern drafting. Determined that old could be new and beautiful, she discovered a passion for creating unique handbags that were made from things others had discarded – not just from the great old fabrics, leathers, and buttons she found but also many other items that are often thrown away: busted Christmas light wire, remnants from laminate underlay, even plastic grocery bags. So, bywa was born.
Bywa is a Celtic word from the Cornish language that means “to live”. We believe that it’s possible to live in a way that promotes beauty as well as sustainability and justice for our world. It could be that if we learn to live creatively, not only ourselves, but the whole world will benefit. So when you choose a bywa bag you are not just helping create a sustainable future for everyone, but you can also show your own unique style by carrying a beautifully handcrafted bag that is the only one of its kind.
We hope you like what you see, and that in our own little way we can encourage you to live creatively.
LIVE CREATIVELY :: CARRY CHANGE
