Nassuvian Marva Dean grew up in a traditional Bahamian family. As a child she spent many hours watching her grandmother make "straw bags" from scratch. When she moved to the island of her husband's roots as an adult, she re-discovered her love of the creativity and simplicity of this traditional Bahamian craft. Straw veteran Madeline Major took Marva under her wing and taught her the different styles of plaiting palm fronds known as "straw plait". 15 years later, Marva Dean is a master and produces the sought after "Marva Dean's Creations" handbag line in Long Island, Bahamas.

 

Marva's creations are made from scratch - palm fronds collected by hand dry in the sun on Marva's porch and inside her daughter is busy weaving the the fronds into 'plait' as Marva creates the latest handbag designs and sews them together. Bags of all shapes, sizes and colours including wallets, clutches, and extra large "specials" are available online by special order through ting-n-ting.com. Custom and wholesale orders welcome.