Indie Designers: TsuruBride

I recently came across these adorable handmade animal clutches by TsuruBride; instantly I knew that I had to get in touch with Meg, the owner of this whimsical and adorable shop.  Meg creates “Orwell” leather clutches, card holders, and iPod cases with playful critters on them–hedgehogs, owls, and assorted sea creatures.

The attention to detail on these bags are absolutely beautiful– each looks carefully cut and sewn to create an animated, playful caricature of their real life counterpart. I love that the bags featured an adorable polka dot lining and a dainty pocket.  Meg was kind enough to take time out of her crafting schedule to answer my 5 favorite questions…

Describe the girl/guy who uses TsuruBride accessories:
TsuruBride is really for anyone with a sense of humor and who isn’t afraid to get noticed.  For me, fashion is about having fun, and I think my customer gets that as well.

What are your inspirations?
Most of my inspiration these days comes from nature.  I’ll see a squirrel running across the street, and wonder what it would look like as a purse.  I’ll search through old nature books, and my best friend is Google images, to help create my designs.  For my newer line of Artisan Purses, I’ve been researching animal-based mythology to create pieces with an extra sense of wonder.  I’m also inspired by other artists & crafters.  Seeing the work they put together, and the heart & soul they put into their own pieces, pushes me to do more.

If you could put any piece from your collection on the body of any person, which piece on who, and why?
I’d love to see Zooey Deschanel with one of my Orwell Clutches, albeit a pleather version since she’s a vegan.  She has such a great sense of style, and a quirkiness to her, that I think would work well with one of my whimsical animals.

If you could create a collection, without cost, supplies, and inspiration holding you back, what elements would we see in it?
Oh my, too many choices!  On one hand, I’d love to expand and fully develop my line of dolls – really go all out with it.  On the other hand, with unlimited resources, I might go back to my first love – clothing, and create a line that would be complimentary to my purses.  A mix a fabulous evening wear and pop pieces, for a head to toe TsuruBride look.  I’m thinking hand-dyed silks for flowing gowns and structured separates, all done in a bright palette.

What can we expect in upcoming collections from you?
Definitely more the same amusing pieces: a doll of a tiger in a rabbit suit, a hammerhead shark card holder, an Orwell clutch of a snail, an Artisan clutch of a goldfish, and the list goes on.  I’m also tinkering with some new concepts that aren’t fully fleshed out yet.