Barbara creates beautiful designs through appliqué and patchwork, and uses them to make unique and useful bags. She is passionate about sustainability, so most of the fabrics used are upcycled from clothing, curtains or remnants.

Some of her shopping bags carry the acronym WHOOP - this stands for We Have Only One Planet - surrounded by the reduce, reuse, recycle symbol. This acronym originated in the novel “Four Degrees More” written by her husband, Malcolm Rose, several years ago. What a creative couple!

Many of her designs are inspired by the flowers in her garden and the hedgehog that is a frequent visitor. The "Happy Hedgehog” appears on bags, purses and pencil cases.

Recently Barbara has been creating bespoke or made-to-order bags. Who would think that a wedding dress with multiple layers of satin and tulle could be used to create 33 unique bags and other items for the bride to give to friends and family unable to attend her wedding! What a beautiful example of recycling!