In the first Design Capital of April, we highlight Caitlin Phillips of Rebound Designs, a purse and accessory designer who isn’t afraid to admit that she will judge a book by its cover.

“You know how some people attract stray cats? I attract stray books.”

Caitlin Phillips always loved books…until she started tearing them apart. Actually, Caitlin’s affinity for vintage volumes runs so deep that she started creating handbags out of old, damaged and unwanted books. Remember that semester in college when you thought it would be a good idea to take organic chemistry? Well, Caitlin can outfit its menacing cover with a coordinating fabric and beaded handle to create a stylin’ handbag…and then maybe the nightmares will finally stop.