Purses, crossbody bags, larger totes, clutch wallets for women, journal covers, small accessories for your bag including card holders and coin purses.
Cork leather, which is shaved from the cork oak tree and then backed with a cotton poly woven backing which allows me to sew the cork. The prints/dyes are infused into the cork and then sealed. Each item I make is cut by hand by the artist into various component pieces. The pieces are then prepped for either addition of hardware or other elements necessary before sewing. I sew each item on my industrial sewing machine. When the item is done with the sewing process, I then add the hardware elements, hand make the straps for the bags and those items that have raw edges I hand paint custom blended colors of leather edge paint, appropriate to match other colors within the cork print or a stark contrast to make them stand out.
I'm Mari, AKA Tallgal, I've been over 6' since I was 13. That's where my name came from.
I began my textile adventure as a teen, when I learned how to knit from my mother. I now use techniques that combine my years as a textile artist in other mediums; I have dyed wools, fabrics and silks for years, using a variety of methods. I have been a knitter and quilter most of my life, so putting pieces together into beautiful shapes almost came naturally to me. I am constantly learning new techniques to incorporate into my art. I find joy in creating both beautiful and functional pieces for others.
I chose cork as my medium because it is both sustainable and renewable. Which in our ever-changing world is important. I believe there is value in something handmade, that is not mass produced. Each bag or wallet I make is made with care with the hope that it will bring you joy. I choose patterns and colors that range from subtle and elegant to bright and funky, making every bag unique, just like you.
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