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Christine Winney, owner of the business Ogsplosh Accessories, describes herself as an "Upcycled Textile Artist."
"I have always looked at items and wondered what else it could be turned into," says Winney. "I have made several different products over the years and almost all of them were from up-cycled materials."
Many of her available pieces are necktie scarves for women, made from men's ties. Winney's appreciation for ties came from her father, who has a huge collection and wears one every day.
"Even if it's just to walk the dog," says Winney. "I love the textures, vibrant colors, prints and elegance of a tie."
Winnie made her first necktie scarf 10 years ago. She took one of her husband's ties and played around with it until she created new, feminine looks for the classic accessory.
Her father not only inspired her love for ties, but also her passion for sewing.
"All of my sewing skills are from my father. He used to make all of my clothes when I was a child and he taught me to sew when I was a teenager," says Winney. "I didn't really appreciate this until I was a parent myself and I started to make clothes for my two girls."
Winney's ties are for sale via her Etsy site, OgsploshAccesories.Etsy.com. The name "Ogsplosh" is Winney's husband's nickname for one of their daughters.
"My business was progressively growing but with the pandemic that has now pretty much ground to a halt," she says. "I'm looking forward to building it back up."
See more of Christine Winney's necktie scarves here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.