Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

So tomorrow, the man and I head up to Canada to visit the family. Hopefully, I'll have a little time to sketch and pattern draft some new ideas, and we're going to be spending one day in Toronto, doing a little shopping (for records and hopefully some homemade goods!). But mostly we'll be enjoying some much needed holidays with those we love. Have a safe one!!


Oh, and don't forget about this! I can't wait to see everyone's ideas!

Etsy finds....

Another Etsy themed post? Why not?! Hehehehe... I've been busy leaving feedback and updating items and a couple things caught my eye and were instantly put on my wishlist!

First up, Cuore makes these adorable dachshund felt ornaments (OK, so this one made it past the wish, to my front door, and onto my Christmas tree). We all know I have a love of wiener dogs, and while Cuore named her ornament Fisher, we have renamed her Agnes, or Aggie for short (no pun intended!)


Oh my, whichgoose has totally got me in her spell. I love her headbands and crowns, and one day one of these glorious creations will be mine! Also, she is totally adorable, she works those headbands, let me tell ya!

And finally, I love, love, love dollfacedesign's prints. This one is particularly dreamy. In our hang out room we have a wall of art randomly scattered, and just started on a second wall with the print I got my love for Christmas (to be posted soon I'm sure), and while we have oodles of art, still to be framed and hung, I'm always on the lookout for more.

TsuruBride is spreading her wings...

My product is getting easier and easier to find in a city near you! You may have noticed with my fancy new blog that I have some new buttons. That's right, you can now shop in person for TsuruBride products in Boston and Portland! Oak is now carrying my shark and killer whale iPod holders (in nano and classic editions), and Flora is now carrying owl and snail card holders. If you're in their 'hoods then please go show your love!

Oh, and don't forget about Open Door Art Studio, here in Columbus, they carry my clutches and change purses, and 9 Stork, in Jacksonville, who also carries clutches, as well as iPod holders. Both Open Door and Stork have been great supporters of TsuruBride so please return the favor if you're in their neck of the woods! =)

Etsy and the Holidays

So while I'm not having a 100% handmade Christmas, I did indulge in some Etsy finds this holiday season.

First up, is something I've been meaning to share for a while. My first wedding anniversary was back in November, and the traditional gift is paper. My husband and I wanted to stick to the traditional gifts to make it an interesting challenge in finding gifts since neither one of us really needs anything. So for my cycling-fool of a husband I bought him this print by berkleyillustration:

Fortunately my husband doesn't encounter many sharks on his daily commute to work, although come this spring he'll have a new obstacle to look forward to... me!

Without intending to, I kept the cycling theme going for Christmas and got him a Christmas ornament. I'm usually the crazy one when it comes to buying ornaments (they're so tiny and cute!), that when I find one that's just right for my bebe, I just have to get it. This one, by ReCycled Concepts, is made from recycled bike chains. I knew I made the right choice when I got his "message from seller" in my confirmation email: You have given me the opportunity to save an item from a landfill and given me a reason to ride my bike today. I knew my bebe would appreciate that someone got to ride their bike for his gift!

And finally, my team at work does a Secret Santa gift exchange, and a little birdie (aka my husband) mentioned to my Secret Santa that I was a fan of Etsy, and what should I receive but a gorgeous clock face pendant from none other than JewelsOfLuxury, good friend, and fearless leader of Etsy Team Columbus! This was perfect since I have been coveting Michelle's jewelry since I met her, but she has so much great stuff I could never make up my mind about what I wanted! I'm going to rocking this necklace to all my holiday festivies that's for sure!

I'd like to thank everybody that supported handmade goods this holiday season, and hopefully they get bit by the craftin' bug and everyone ends up supoorting them next year!

Thank you to my love!

I have to give big thanks and lots of hugs and kisses to my love! He pimped up my site and made it look all shiny and new! He also gave a little face lift to his own site: www.tsururadio.com, as well as his new photography blog: www.tsurufoto.blogspot.com. Go show the boy some love!

Creative Minds Think Alike Contest

Tsuru Bride presents: The Creative Minds Think Alike CONTEST!!

I enjoyed the last contest so much, and the joy giving free stuff can bring, and so I decided that it's time for round 2! And, like before, I'm going to make you work for it! =)

Sometimes new products in my line come from custom orders, like my chihuahua clutch, and my sad, sad panda (for Vinyl Society member Isa). Sometimes I like the idea so much, or it inspires me to get off my butt, and I have to make more! Or even build a line from it.

This bull terrier iPod holder was a recent custom design for a Chistmas gift, and coming next year, I'm making more of them - so cute!

So here's your challenge! If you could have a iPod holder, card holder or change purse (let's leave out clutches for now) made by TsuruBride what animal or item would you want? It doesn't need to be an animal, I made a vintage camera inspired card holder for a photographer friend, and a cupcake shaped card holder for a baker. Really any idea you like.

Here's how to play:

Once you figure out what your heart desires, post your idea on your blog and send me the link. Or post your entry in the Vinyl Society - here! Now, it can be a sketch (the sketch doesn't need to be pretty), it can even be a photo of the object - whatever works right?

For ideas posted on a blog I must receive your emails by January 31st, and for ideas posted on the Society, I'll only review items posted by January 31st.

That's right, you have the holidays and all of January to get those creative juices flowing. You can submit as many ideas as you like. Then the creative team of TsuruBride (read: my husband and I) will select a winner and they get their design made and they get a free prototype!

And as inspiration, here are a couple designs that will be heading your way in the new year (one inspired by a custom order!!)

This Sunday!!!

This Sunday a group of us fine Etsy Columbus ladies will be selling some amazing designs! Stop by, say hello, finish up your Christmas shopping, all while supporting local artists and giving meaningful, handmade gifts!

Details: December 14th from 1 to 5pm to Gresso’s Restaurant at 961 S High St. in German Village.

Congrats!

CONGRATS GRACE!

Grace, from the Vinyl Society, was the winner of the Copper Cat Clutch Contest, and is now the proud owner is a new whale friend! Enjoy!