A Show of Hands
Locally Made Craft and Artwork
Copyright © 2008 A Show of Hands; Logo design: Becky Heavner
All designs are copyrighted and belong to the individual artists.
Member: Del Ray Business Association
TRUNK SHOW
Saturday, June 14, 11am to 4pm
at A Show of Hands
Pam Matthews
As If Bags
Pam Matthews makes funky totes and purses, under her own label, Pam Matthews Designs. She also makes colorful, unique bags in a variety of shapes and sizes together with two friends, Susan Hardt and Ann Benefield, under the as if bags label. Their line has expanded to include cosmetic cases and baby items. They’re constantly coming up with new ideas for fun things that will help women show off their own personal style.
As if bags began in 2005 when Pam, Susan and Ann started making simple tote bags for friends and family and soon, everyone wanted one! So after some quick sewing lessons and many fabric-buying excursions, all three were busy designing and making bags in different shapes and sizes. Ann had the idea of starting a small business selling the bags at craft fairs and local markets. The only thing they needed was a good name.
Asperger’s Syndrome in their families was the common thread so they wanted to somehow incorporate Asperger’s Syndrome awareness in their business. Susan came up with the name “as if” to stand for Asperger’s Syndrome In the Family, and a share of all of their profits goes to organizations that promote the understanding and acceptance of these unique and special people.