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Amy Traggianese
Amy Traggianese, an accomplished multi-media artist, has expanded the definition of sculpture with unusual fabric and fiber handbags. Her most unique and most popular bags are embellished with couching. This term is taken from the French word "coucher," which means to lie down. The technique involves a surface thread or yarn laid on fabric and anchored down by a second finer thread. Interesting geometric lines and textures are embroidered by Amy on her contemporary handbag designs. The combinations of colors, thickness and textures make these bags truly one of a kind. Many handbags and clothing items made in Europe in the 1800s were decorated with this ancient technique. Amy's expertise in three-dimensional design and construction has now combined with fabrics and fibers in Tragg Designs handbags. She personally makes every handbag by hand, from start to finish, one at a time. She is inspired by the fabrics, trims, yarns, beads and buttons she uses to make these uniquely handcrafted wearable art pieces. Her new business, Tragg Designs, began when a friend was cleaning his sewing room and gave Amy some fabric. Many of these fabrics were fabulous, but a tiger print upholstery sample was just the thing to make her first distinctive handbag. Amy carried it, and was surprised that strangers would stop and ask where she got it. After experimenting with other designs, creating different patterns, and embellishing fabrics with couching, Tragg Designs was born.
Throughout her art career, Amy has created different types of sculpture. She has produced her own pottery, stained glass, baskets and gourd vessels. She has participated in numerous juried craft and art shows throughout the United States, exhibited in museums, and has a piece on permanent display in the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, CT.
Amy has been a teacher for twenty years. She started her career in Suffern, NY at Richard Connor Elementary School. She also taught in the public schools in Trumbull, CT and she is currently teaching art in Easton, CT at Samuel Staples Elementary School.
Since you are new to the craft circuit what are your feelings about craft shows?
After participating in 13 craft shows in 2005, I have learned that it is not the amount of shows you do, it is their quality. Unfortunately, many shows are allowing people in who are selling manufactured and/or imported items. To help prevent participating in a show like that, I apply to juried shows. I have found this is where my product sells the best. Also, outdoor craft shows are exhausting. After preparing all of your stock and loading your vehicle, you usually need to get to the show very early in the morning. Then you need to set up your display. The weather is unpredictable. A show you were counting on could be a wash out if it rains or if it is very hot and humid.
How do you balance teaching, family, and your business?
It is difficult. I am now teaching 3 days a week instead of 5, so that really helps. Then I have the other 2 days to work on my business and do any family related items or errands. I find I have to plan out those days I am not teaching to be the most productive.
Why are your bags different?
My bags are different because they are one of a kind. I make each one so the inside is as beautiful as the outside. When a customer looks into her bag I want her to feel that it was made carefully and beautifully to hold her all the items she carries each day. Also, when I started the business, I was using quite a few animal prints and I have expanded my palette of fabrics to include upholstery and fabrics that I decorate myself with couching.
If you would like more information, contact: Amy Traggianese, Owner, Tragg Designs, through her website. www.TraggDesigns.com.