Joy Freyou Bonin
Fiber, Mixed Media

Dragonfly Designs

I recycle textiles such as fabric and leather swatches as well as vintage buttons, lace, lines, neckties, buckles, belts, and used burlap bags. I make various kinds of handbags, sling bags, pouches, wrist cuffs, bracelets, Christmas stockings, and grocery bag holders. Whatever I can think of that people can use in some way, I make from my collections of materials. Everything I make is unique, no two items are exactly the same. I love collecting the materials as much as I love creating the items. I am a perfectionists when it comes to sewing. I will not sell something that I am not completely satisfied with and proud of. I have been sewing for about 50 years. I am a retired school teacher and have been selling around the state fo six years. I am a member of the Louisiana Craft Guild.

I retired from the Iberia Parish School System in May of 2013 after 30 ½ years of teaching. Retired life is wonderful. Mike, my husband, retired from Iberia Parish School System in 2013 as well and started a woodworking business. My business is called Dragonfly Designs. I always loved to sew and work on projects and now I have more time to do what I love. We are both very busy with our businesses. We have three children and we also have three grandchildren who take up much of our time. Our daughter Breigh lives and works in New Iberia and our oldest son Alex lives and works in New Orleans. Ian, our youngest, is majoring in math at ULL. We enjoy camping and traveling around the state and country.