Name: Laura Collins
Shop: Pansy Maiden
Website: www.pansymaiden.com
Blog: www.pansymaiden.com/blog
Location / Hometown: Medford, MA, grew up in Lafayette, IN

What do you make, and how are your products environmentally-friendly?
I make vegan handbags of many shapes and sizes using sustainable materials such as organic twill and hemp/tencel.

Why did you start making earth-friendly goods?
Once I decided that starting a handmade bag business was an itch I had to scratch, the "earth-friendly" part was an easy and natural choice to make. I'm all about social responsibility these days and I wanted Pansy Maiden to be a reflection of that. I believe sustainability and social responsibility go hand-in-hand.

What is your favorite material to work with? Why?
I love working with organic twill. It's super durable (which is what you want in an every day bag), machine washable (looks good as new after a good wash), all-natural (no man-made fibers which means zero chance of testing positive for lead) and the "muted sheen" that characterizes twill is a bit more glamorous than a fabric with similar merits like, say, canvas. Oh, and I can't forget to mention, twill is animal-free!

What's your favorite thing you've ever made? Why?
Aside from my bags, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the wedding invitations my then fiance (now husband) and I made together. Neither of us specialize in paper but it didn't matter. Then end product was perfect to us.

Give us a link to one of your favorite resources for running your business:
I've really been enjoying the business discussions happening lately on Crafting an MBA. Also, I have made a few trips to my local SCORE office—they are so knowledgeable and kind (and free!). And then there is my Etsy team, Boston Handmade. So many savvy and talented peers in one place! Oh...you said "one of your favorites." Oops.

Give us a link to one of your favorite handmade artists.
This is such an impossible task. I find someone new to love everyday. I guess I will pick the shop I have spent the most money in lately: Cheap Date Jewelry. I love designer Jessi's (designer) guitar string collection. I bought a silver guitar string ring for myself and two of my best gal pals. And I bought a pair of guitar string earrings from her as well. Jessi's great and does great work.

What's your #1 tip for living greener?
Since the lease expired on my car in July of 2008, I have been sans car and loving it. I walk, bike, bus, or take the subway to places I need to be. And for longer trips, I use my Zipcar membership and reserve a hybrid. My love for Zipcar cannot be overstated.

What's your #1 tip for crafting greener?
Reuse/Recycle whenever you can. And when sourcing new materials, set aside multiple hours of your precious time (it will take multiple hours) in order to learn about different Earth-friendly materials that are out there, find out who you can purchase these items from (can you find local sources? Even better!), and then ask for copies of their organic certifications (avoid greenwashing!).

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
For a few hours a day, I would make time stand still for everyone but me so that I could get all my work done in what would seem like an 8 hour day. Maybe then I could get my weekends back!