About Rosie Way Design
Hi, I'm Sandy, the Owner/Artist here at Rosie Way Design. If you're curious, "Rosie" is for my daughter and "Way" is for my son. They inspired this venture and often help me with new designs.
If you asked me a few years ago if I'd be making bags, I would've laughed. But after having kids and needing an outlet, I found myself sewing and somehow found cork. With a background in the arts and sciences, sewing cork products is the perfect way for me to combine my varied interests.
What I LOVE about making my own designs come to life in a bag or wallet is the idea of making things people can carry with them that inspires them in some way: It's wearable and useful art! Perhaps the bright colors make someone smile on an especially bad day and remind them of the beach. Maybe it's a gift for a loved one or something for a new job or another milestone. I enjoy hearing stories from customers too. It makes my day!
Sewing is a meditative and mindful practice for me, allowing me to embed positive vibes into each piece. Everything is drawn, cut, and sewn by hand by me in Ohio. Your support of this small business goes toward my son's therapy so you can be proud you helped a little boy find his voice!
What is Cork Fabric?
Cork is an incredible material. It feels like leather, but is harvested from trees so no animals are harmed. It is vegan and PETA approved. It is water and fire resistant, hypoallergenic, scratch resistant, very lightweight, and antimicrobial.
Cork comes from the Cork Oak tree in the Mediterranean (the highest quality cork typically comes from Spain or Portugal). When these trees are 20 years old, their bark is removed and then labeled so that it won't be harvested for 8-10 years. Incredibly, once their bark is removed, the cork tree can absorb five times as much carbon dioxide, making it important in the reduction of greenhouse gases. All of these qualities, and the ability to be harvested for approximately 200-300 years, makes cork a very sustainable, renewable, and eco-friendly material.
Once harvested, the cork is boiled, dried, and shaved into thin sheets that are adhered to a fabric backing. A non-toxic sealant is also applied to seal the material.
All information from Fabric Funhouse and Sallie Tomato
Product Care
Cork is easily cleaned with a soft cloth and gentle soap or a baby wipe. If needed, a disinfectant wipe typically doesn't harm the surface. I don't recommend throwing it in a washing machine if heavily soiled. Gently clean by hand and let air dry. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask.