Yes, It's Upcycled
Finding Inspiration in Discarded Coffee Sacks
Burlap is durable, naturally water-resistant, and has endless potential for creative repurposing.
Our upcycled totes, handcrafted from reclaimed coffee sacks, are a perfect example of this philosophy. Each tote tells a story—not just of its origin as a humble sack that once transported coffee beans, but of transformation, sustainability, and creativity.
By preserving the unique textures and prints of each sack, we ensure that no two bags are alike. With hand-sewn appliqués added, each tote becomes a personal, one-of-a-kind piece. Beyond being durable and practical, they embody our commitment to eco-friendly craftsmanship, showing that beauty and purpose can come from everyday items.
Each tote represents the story of thoughtful design, style, and a step toward a sustainable future.
Sustainable style
Upcycling is a powerful way to reduce waste and promote sustainability by repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
Unlike recycling, which often breaks materials down into their raw components for reuse, upcycling transforms existing items into something new and of higher value.
This process not only saves energy but also reduces the demand for raw materials, thereby lessening the environmental impact of manufacturing. By turning discarded coffee sacks into useful and beautiful totes, upcycling conserves natural resources, cuts down on pollution, and significantly reduces waste streams.
Hello,
I'm Bianca
Doer. Creator. Changemaker. Possibilitarian.
"I repurpose coffee bean sacks and blend them with beautiful printed fabrics, breathing new life into the burlap sacks to create gorgeous, eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind tote bags."
I started using burlap to honor this great material by upcycling and recycling not only as one-of-a-kind tote bags but also in our gardens and home.
The first bag I made was a basic midsize tote, with no lining, and a simple handle.
I wanted a Frida Kahlo bag, but I couldn't find any bags just the way I wanted.
I had a few coffee sacks I had picked up at our local coffee roaster and some leftover Frida fabric from an upholstery project so I decided to try and make my own. I cut out Frida's shape from the fabric, fused and sewed it onto the burlap sack. And ...voila! I had just made my very first appliqué!
Surprisingly, friends and family loved the idea. With every exchange, feedback on my bags was warm and encouraging. People kept asking to see more and were curious about what new designs I had to offer.They loved knowing I was using coffee sacks destined for the landfill and turning them into something useful and beautiful.
So I started thinking - What else can I do with this fabric?
From that moment on, I never stopped coming up with new ideas.
I made myself a cool set of placemats, that we now use on a daily basis, a nice variety of throw pillows, and even a couple of frame-wrapped wall art and I have sold most of it all, except for a few pieces I kept for myself.
About Me
Why Frida?
“I paint flowers so they will not die.”
– Frida Kahlo
Many people ask why I choose to feature Frida Kahlo’s images on my bags.
Frida’s life and art have been a powerful source of inspiration for me.
She expressed herself without apology, staying true to her identity despite adversity and societal expectations. Her unwavering embrace of her Mexican heritage and individuality set her apart, making her a symbol of strength, creativity, and resilience. As a Brazilian, I deeply relate to her bold celebration of cultural identity.
Like Frida, I take pride in my roots, and her fearless ability to weave her heritage into her work encourages me to do the same. She transformed her struggles and differences into sources of strength, a perspective that resonates with me as I draw from my own rich culture to shape my creativity and artistic vision.
To me, Frida represents the power of authenticity.
She wasn’t just an artist—she was a storyteller, turning pain into beauty and hardship into art. Despite the challenges she faced, she never lost sight of who she was. Her work was raw, honest, and deeply personal, reminding me to create with passion, purpose, and individuality.
Frida was ahead of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire me in everything I create.