By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Katie Reim/Cultivar

Cultivar hairpieces and bouquets are ideal for brides, bridal parties or the Main Line fashionista who wants to embrace her inner Coco Chanel. Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Timbers (kateslens.com)

Katie Reim came about the idea of using recyclable materials for hair pins and Victoriana headpieces in February 2009 while recovering from brain surgery. One year later, Reim has a clean bill of health and a successful Etsy shop. Reim is also a local artist with a line of perfectly charming illustrations of some of the Delaware Valley’s most beloved landmarks and events. I chose Cultivar, Reim’s booming accessory business on Etsy, as party of AML’s ongoing series, Etsy Phavorites. Her gorgeous clips, headbands and pins are irrestible and so SJP, I knew my AML gals will appreciate the selection!

Each piece of the Cultivar collection is constructed by hand using cleaned, recycled fabrics (mostly acquired at a Philadelphia Salvation Army) and buttons, in addition to new and reclaimed beads. Want to check out the designs in person? Look for Cultivar pieces at Manayunk’s new chic boutique, The Little Apple.

Reim designs custom bridal bouquets for approximately $125 that will never wither and can be cherished as a family heirloom.

Etsy Site: cultivar.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: In February ’09 with Cultivar-Reim was bedridden while recovering from brain surgery and started making fabric flowers on the couch to pass the time. Before she knew it, her living room was full of one-of-a-kind fabric flowers. Reim describes her thirst for creativity as “creative A.D.D.”

Company Slogan: Blooms Cultivated from Recycled Fabrics

Publisher’s Pick: So perfect for Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and beyond is ‘Picnic in the Park,’ a hairclip and brooch priced at $26.

Price Range: $8-$85 and up

Etsy Sales: 898 to date

Current Items for Sale: 91

Hometown: Originally from Maryland, Reim currently resides in Roxborough

Blooms for Brides: Katie regularly creates custom headpieces for brides and bridal parties for summer garden weddings, or for those brides looking for a funky twist on a reception hair piece. “I really enjoy working with brides; it can be a lot of fun. We also offer coordinating fabric boutonnieres, headbands for flower girls as well, you name it.” Since she is shipping around the country, Reim asks the brides to email her pictures of the dresses, floral arrangements and consults on the wedding locale and colors to construct the appropriate pieces.

Picnic in the Park, perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, is handmade with reclaimed fabrics and an antique scarf. It can be worn as a brooch or hair clip. $26

Reim’s Etsy Experience: “Etsy is a wonderful community, all the artists want to help and support each other out-as opposed to viewing each other as competition. I regularly get feedback from other sellers and advice, which has been great,” said Reim.

Giving Back: Reim gets satisfaction out of supporting the Salvation Army, stopping by weekly to find shirts, cool buttons, beads and fabrics to ‘tear up’ and ‘cultivating’ them into her one-of-kind pieces.

Kudos: Reim’s portfolio and talents can be seen on her website, katiereim.com. She boasts a 2006 Golden Addy award in illustration from the ad club of New Orleans.

Other Interests: Reim is a professional freelance illustrator (katiejeannereim.etsy.com) when she is not focusing on her other love, painting. Her whimsical interpretations of the Manayunk Bike Race and Philadelphia landmarks (Boathouse Row) are reminiscent of famed children’s illustrator Richard Scary.

Obamalot: The nation’s first lady, Michelle Obama, has been lauded for her feminine fashion sense that includes designs with floral appliqués and accents. So, Cultivar’s feminine accessories are right in step with the nation’s most prominent style figure. Last year, Mrs. Obama sported a vintage green paper maiche flower pin (on a Jason Wu canary yellow sleeveless sheath) while in Rome www.mrs-o.org. Cultivar’s one-of-a-kind cloth flower pins offer the same chic look for the Philadelphia fashionista.

A full collection of Cultivar’s designs can be found on Etsy.com at cultivar.etsy.com. Her other Etsy sites include katiejeannereim.etsy.com and a line of t-shirts, cirrusskooter.etsy.com. Katie’s professional portfolio can be viewed at katiereim.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com