Someone once told me ” Creative people have to create,” and I totally understood. I had a photography/graphic design studio for 25 years and enjoyed the creative freedom of photographing people, places and products. I didn’t think I would be in business again but the bag business was just meant to be. Everything came together quickly and within 6 months we were selling on our website and at Makers and Art Shows. I bring my artistic eye for design and color while my husband helps me sew, ( yes, he sews) sell at shows and manages logistics. We are driven to show people how you can create beautiful, useful items with waste slated for the landfill. All our bags are from repurposed material. We are honored to be in the company of such inspirational Maine makers.

Designing and printing since the 70s, Liberty Graphics was established when we, as a locally based community of artists and artisans, were looking for a means of support that would not disturb the natural beauty of our rural setting in Liberty, Maine. Over the years, appreciation for the art and the process grew in the community and beyond—as well as demand for the high-quality screen prints. With design emphasis on the wonders of the natural world and production methods that meet rigid ecological standards, our concern for the environment has always been reflected in everything we do. Years of experience with water-based ink and hand-separated artwork allow our printing to be accurately detailed and brilliantly colored. 2021 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Liberty Graphics story. Liberty Graphics, Incorporated, is now owned and managed entirely by a cooperative made up of its workers.

From Bib to bag.

I’m Taylor Strout and along with my wife Nikki and our three sons—we are excited to bring to you, Rugged Seas.

Our brand is as tough as the people who fish our oceans and live in our coastal communities. Rugged Seas isn’t just for the fishermen who work year-round and through all kinds of weather to bring seafood to the table—it’s for all of us who love and respect the ocean and what it does for us.

Our goal is to take something that represents every fishery—fisherman’s hauling pants (bibs)—and turn them into something recognizable, for everyone to utilize and enjoy.

Rugged Seas commits 1% of pre-tax profits to protecting fishermen and women, their working waterfronts and way of life. As a fishing family first, the core of our business is this industry. So, we have chosen to stand with and donate to both the Maine Lobsterman’s Community Alliance and the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association.

With every purchase, you are helping us in this mission.

The Shoes:Traditional handsewn footwear made by hand in Maine, both in stock and made to order, using both American and globally sourced components.

At the helm: We’re Kirsten and Kevin Shorey. Officially, we’re the owners now, but we see ourselves more as stewards for the brand, charged with keeping the company on-course and progressing. We’re proud to say that Quoddy is stronger than ever, still true to its roots, and committed to its customers and its traditions. Made in Maine, made by hand.

The Quoddy Team: At our Lewiston workshop, crafters hand-make shoes the way generations before them did. In fact, some of the same machines they use, others worked with a hundred years ago.

It’s not just their hands on the tools that make a Quoddy shoe. It’s also their eyes and their judgment. Every crafter can make a shoe from scratch, and at any point, if a shoe isn’t Quoddy quality, anyone is empowered to reject it.