Handbags for every woman

WL woman uses highest quality materials to make women’s handbags in memory of her son

By Jim Hart

The West Linn Tidings, Jan 25, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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“I do believe in my heart that this was inspired by Max,” she said. “It brings us closer together. This is more than a business; it’s about a journey. I feel that this is what I’m supposed to be doing now and I believe that he’s there with me (in his room).”

Dearborn only uses quality materials such as silk and wool fabrics, suede, sterling silver, semi-precious stones, vintage beads and buttons and Czech fire-polish glass beads.

The designs come from inspirations that materialize as images in her mind. When she gets an image, she sketches it, designs a pattern and begins to create art.

Since each piece – each inspiration – is like no other, her work is considered limited edition.

Therefore, she might be recreating some of her designs in the future from previous patterns, but if and when she does copy earlier work the number will be limited.

“I’ve done a lot of research on women’s handbags,” said husband Chris Dearborn, who is assisting Jayne in marketing. “And you just don’t see anything like these bags in stores. They are super unique.”

Dearborn’s handbags have been sold at “trunk shows” alongside other vendors as well as at several boutiques and through her Web site www.designsb

jayne.com.

Boutiques where her work is available include Grapevine in Lake Oswego, Tres Savvy on NW 23rd in Portland and another in Camas, Wash.

Her business and Web site were featured recently on the Portland Internet newsletter Portland Picks.

All of this notoriety for her skills as a multi-media artist is an honor to Dearborn, but she shirks the tribute and passes it on to her son.

“I honor Max every day that I step into his room and create,” she said.

For more information, visit the Web site www.designsbyjayne.com or call Dearborn at 503-557-4475.

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