As a former stylist, I developed the uncanny ability of transforming ordinary subject matter into artwork that reflects my creative vision, and instills a notable feeling of originality.

I also am a mother to three amazing kids. As a mom, my children inspire me daily in many ways. My son, Quentin, did just that.

From a young age he enjoyed exploring on the ground - even well after learning how to walk, which resulted in worn and tattered trousers. It reached a point where he was wearing through the knees of his pants within a week! At that point I decided to try and mend a pair of pants. With no success, might I add.

It was a good combination of a mom who lacked seamstress skills, time and patches that were no match for my son's play style.

After a few attempts trying to use traditional patches that required the time-consuming application process of gluing, Velcroing, sewing, ironing, etc., I thought there must be a less tedious way to mend my son's pants.

I finally decided to design my own patch. Snappy Patches journey had begun.

From the beginning I wanted to make an accessory that not only brought added longevity to one's wardrobe, but that was fun to wear, while still being easy and quick to use for those moms and dads on the go who were maybe a little like me and didn't have the sewing know-how. Therefore, I created the first, and only, no-sew, reusable elbow and knee patch.

It was important to me that I kept a playful aspect to the accessory, whether it was the color combinations, or its functionality that allows children to change their minds in a "snap."

Snappy Patches elbow and knee patches are handcrafted and packaged locally in Bellingham. Snappy Patches are created from genuine leather, with a snap function that allows you to recycle them from one child to the next. All our patches "snap" in such a way as to give the versatility to be worn on any garment, or person.

Hillary Esquivel is an Angeleno who moved to Bellingham a little over three years ago. For information about her business, visit snappypatches.com. Window On My World is an occasional essay in Monday's Bellingham Herald that allows Whatcom County residents to share their passion for what they do, or an idea or cause they support. Send your Window On My World, which must be no more than 700 words, to julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com.