Creative HeArt: Creative Spotlight

Linda Sienkiewicz

Owner and Creator of Rokki Handbags

Sometimes I meet a creative soul who has an idea so cool, I have to share. I was taken with a Rokki Handbag as soon as I saw one--to be exact, it was a Michael Jackson Thriller handbag that thumped my heart. As I shopped through Linda's bags I found myself smiling and saying, I remember. Music brings back place and time and people like nothing else, doesn't it?

I had to know more about this creative endeavor, and Linda was kind enough to answer some questions for the Creative Heart blog:

CH: Tell me about your creative moment--the great idea for Rokki Handbags! How did it happen?

LS: I saw a Doors tote bag made from an album cover for sale online, and thought it was cool idea, but I didn’t want a tote. I wanted a purse. I wanted it real bad, too, being a devoted Doors fan. I’ve been sewing and crafting since I was a girl, and it came down to basic construction after the front and back of the LP cover were laminated. The hardest part was sewing the imitation leather. Yikes. I must have remade my Morrison Hotel bag four times before I figured out a method that worked. But I was dancing when it was done! It got a lot of attention and compliments, and before long, people were asking me to make one for them.

My sons helped me with design, such as using o-rings and studs, and also marketing. Rokki means rock music in Finn, which is my heritage.

CH: What do you like most about creating Rokki Handbags?

LS: Gosh, it’s such a blast. I enjoy the physicality of designing and creating things. I’ve always been a passionate music fan, and I sing along to every bag I make. As a graphic artist, I appreciate the art and design of the covers. Many were designed by big name artists, such as cartoonist Gahan Wilson (Herbie Hancock) and illustrator Patrick Nagel (Duran Duran). And take a look at the wild, elaborate die-cut design by Peter Corriston on The Rolling Stones’ “Some Girls.”

I like the idea that someone will be happy, carrying their purse around, showing it off.

I feel the same about the book purses. There’s nothing better than rescuing old books and giving them a new purpose. Otherwise, they’d be lost forever. The text from many of the books I use end up rebound and in my own library; otherwise, they are recycled. I do not use first editions or rare books for my purses.

CH: How long does it take to create a bag?

LS: I make components ahead of time for the record bags—I may spend an afternoon sewing a batch of linings or straps—so it’s hard to say exactly how long. Maybe two hours in all. The book purses, even though each one is custom made, are smaller and easier, and come together in less than an hour from start to finish, although I spend considerable time shopping for just the right lining for each of them. I’m very particular.

CH: Where do you find the vintage record albums for your record album cover bags? Do you have a dream album you'd love to get your hands on?

LS: I buy them from garage sales, used record stores, eBay and store closings. Friends and neighbors hunt for me, too. I don’t have a dream album, but I’m delighted when I find an Abbey Road LP because it sells fast. It’s a favorite. The Beatles and Rod Stewart, surprisingly, have been my best sellers and most requested.

CH: Do you take custom orders if someone would like a specific album or book? Will you use an album that someone provides for you?

LS: Absolutely. Many people have sent me their own albums and books. I have a post office address set up for this purpose. Information on custom orders is on my website.

CH: Have you ever had a request from the author of a book or a musician on an album?

LS: I’ve made book purses for several authors. Actually, I started making the book purses because Laura Navarre asked if I could make one from her own novel, “The Devil’s Mistress.” It never occurred to me to make purses from books—I’d never even seen them. Right now, I’m making a book purse for poet Christine Rhein, using her award-winning book, “Wild Flight.” Last Christmas, Keith Hollihan sent me two copies of “The Four Stages of Cruelty” to have made into books. I’ve never had a musician ask for one, though. That would be very cool.

Be sure to click the above links and check out the Rokki Website and Etsy Store. She has a wonderful selection to choose from, and she adds more periodically.

Thank you, Linda! You're an inspiration!