Laurel Burch Purse Bursts with Colors

A very dear cousin of mine, Mary, gave me an early (September) birthday gift----a colorful and whimsical purse that I absolutely love.

It is the creation of Laurel Burch.

According to her website, the artist once said,  "I refuse to have anything in my life that I can't turn around into something magical and beautiful." 

For years I have seen the designs of this very talented artist and always wished  to have something done by her. Now I do, thanks to my generous and sweet cuz!

It was extremely interesting to find out that online that Laurel Burch had quite a life story and you can read about it in detail and see videos on her website.

She was born with a rare bone disease called "osteopetrosis," it was noted.

She left a troubled home life in Southern California at the tender age of 14 years, opting to babysit, clean and cook for room and board.

A self-taught painter, the artist began to make very unique jewelry that people were attracted to.  They began to ask her where she got the jewelry, according to the website.

The artist started to give it away, sell and also trade it with people all over the country.

Eventually, her intricate and color-plashed designs became well known.  

She painted birds, cats, dogs, fish, mermaids, the moon,  the sun , tigers and so much more, in bright, sizzling colors.

She did speaking engagements across America, too.

At times, as her bone disease progressed, she even painted from a wheelchair or bed.

                                            (Wooden tag, attached to purse) Laurel Burch died in 2007 from complications related to the bone disease that plagued  her since birth.

Her marvelous designs on wall art, clothing, and even my purse, however, live on, making the world a brighter, happier place!

HAVE YOU SEEN WORK BY LAUREL BURCH?