That's a funky name...How do you pronounce it?

Lei Chartru (lay-shar-true) was inspired by the beautiful orchid leis of Hawaii and one girl's secret obsession with the color Chartreuse.

People often wonder how a local girl from Hawaii could leave the sun and beaches for the harsh winters of the midwest. It's easy! Just add a little art school, travel, romance and you've got yourself a recipe for hometown cabin fever. Luckily the fever has subsided and Nel has moved back to her hometown to lay down roots for Lei Chartru and now shares a sewing and design studio with her mom and brother. She has spent the last several years planning events, designing handbags, wedding invitations, favors and many other accessories she likes to call "curious finds".  Most of her projects are created from reclaimed or upcycled materials that were headed for the trash, with a little creative twist they are transformed into functional and unique accessories. It goes along with the old saying... another mans trash is another girls crafty treasure! Or something like that.