This series gives you a peek into what’s behind some of the art you can find at Vintage Karma. Each item is created with care and creativity; you’re not buying something manufactured on an assembly line or made by mistreated workers. 

Behind every handmade item, there’s a story and a person. 

This week, meet Tuscola resident Leslie Hornaday. She runs her company, Mother of All Design, and her creations range from baby bibs and toddler aprons to fun handbags and rosette headbands. Leslie’s aprons are often vintage-inspired and her headbands made with vintage fabric and earrings!

 

 How long have you been creating?

I have been creating ever since I started out on my own after college.  I learned that things can get really expensive and sometimes it is just easier to create it yourself.  I didn’t know at the time when I was trying to save money that I would find a hobby I enjoyed so much!

What was your first piece? What inspired you to create it?

My first piece was a half apron for my mother-in-law.  She had wanted one, and I couldn’t find one I thought she would like.  I decided to get out my sewing machine and make her a half apron for Christmas.  This was the first item I created for someone else.  That following year I ended up making quite a few more half aprons for some of our friends who wanted to give them as gifts.

How did you get into making your creations?

My creations are mostly items sewn from fabric.  I can give my mother credit for getting me interested in the idea of creating items on a sewing machine.  She made many things growing up, and the most memorable are some of our cutest Halloween costumes.  I also have to thank my father for buying me my first sewing machine!

Describe your creative process. 

As a mom, all my items I create are inspired around being a mother.  A new item usually gets added to my list of creations when I find a problem or a store item I just don’t like and end up making it with my own design.  Once I create it I usually end up loving it and making more to sell to other moms out there! Also having children makes it hard to find time to sew, but I usually use nap time as my creating time.  Some people find watching their favorite show or reading relaxing.  I find that I can really relax and enjoy myself when sewing and creating new items.

What drew you to your chosen medium?

My mother is responsible for getting me interested in owning my own sewing machine, and my mother-in-law is responsible for getting me interested in working mostly with fabric items.  It is neat how much “mothers” are behind my company and what it is all about!

What is your favorite part of the creative process? What is your least favorite part?

My favorite part would be when I get to pick out the fabrics in the beginning and then seeing the finished product at the end.  My least favorite part would be if my sewing machine is not cooperating that day.

What keeps you inspired/what inspires you?

My children and my day-to-day life inspire me!  I see what I need as a mother to make my life easier or just a little bit more fashionable and fun!!!

What do you do when you’re not making art?

Full-time mom … enough said.