I began sacrificing my collection of vintage goods- in the name of ART- a while back... Despite the fact that I've always had a great appreciation for our past (special thanks to dad), I jumped over the taboo of purposely deconstructing my 'mint' vintage magazines with the justification that it's new life will be appreciated more by the masses (at least it helps me sleep at night). "Functional Art with Vintage Appeal" came to be by accident when I realized that my piles of collaged coffee table boxes could be worn as an accessory, out on the town, by simply adding a handle- WAH-LA!!
The concept of 'dorabean' symbolizes the respect of our history and heritage- from the torn pages of a 1920’s life magazine made into a one-of-a-kind box purse, to an obviously once loved housedress, updated to a dorabean classic skirt.
The name comes from a combination of my grandmother’s first and middle name- Dora Jacebine. She was an unstoppable woman of tenderness and faith, whose talents, creativity and resourcefulness were simple and practical concepts, yet ingenious and beautiful in the same breath.
A product of the depression and a mother of four by 1930, my grandmother learned to adapt to this difficult time by salvaging and recycling by all means possible. One of my fondest memories of this incredible woman was watching her work on her treadle sewing machine with a rhythm un-match by any drummer I’ve ever seen. Carefully inspecting clothing worn beyond wear, a once beloved dress would be stripped of all buttons, zippers, snaps and ornamentation and then cut into strips, which were sewn together and finally crocheted into the most amazing 'rag rugs'. These creations are still in existence today- 30 years after her passing… a true example of dorabean. I inherited her sewing machine and often marveled over the four side drawers once full of buttons, zippers, snaps, ornamentation and crocheting needles- all waiting for a new life.
I also inherited her unwavering practice of collecting, saving and recycling- without the understandable excuse of living through such a devastated economy. The concept of dorabean has allowed me to make use of my packrat awe of what “once was†within a creative outlet, while sharing my visions and creativity with others.
Enjoy.
DORABEAN GOODIES ARE AVAILABLE AT....
Located on the second floor of the Flint Farmers Market. 420 E. Boulevard at Robert T. Longway, Flint, Michigan. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday's, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All year round!!
The Getup... your outlet for an authentic vintage experience!
215 South State Street Ann Arbor, Michigan
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