Russian artists' book bags let you wear your favorite novel as a purse
Bookbags are not just Jansports anymore.
Moscow-based art studio Krukrustudio is redefining the term with their Book Bags – gorgeous wool felt, leather and faux leather purses that are designed around a variety of different book covers.
"The idea just came from above. We just finally decided to work together on something creative (back in January 2011). So we decided to make bags (because everyone needs a bag) but to make it the most unusual," Krukrustudio founder and artist Max wrote to Mashable.
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"We started with wool felt, but now motsly working with leather and faux leather," he said.
Krukrustudio was founded by Max and Lyuba in 2011, who are still the company's only artists.
"We started this project from scratch. It took about a month to find right materials, draw sketches, make patterns and sew first bags," they wrote on Etsy. "Finally, we produced our first models for a chain of handmade shops in Moscow by March. Since then these fascinating 'bags-objects' make their way finding admirers throughout the world."
"Each bag is different. We may have many ideas that stay on paper for years. But if we finally start working on a specific bag then it takes one to seven days to make it," Max told Mashable. "We start from a tiny image that becomes a pattern, which becomes a prototype. Then we make corrections according to our taste and then finalize it as a finished bag."
Some of the bags come in three different sizes – choose wisely, to make sure you can fit your favorite book inside.
"Luckily enough, the reaction has always been positive from the very beginning. That lets us just work on the product and don't lose our energy on advertising," Max said. "These bags advertise themselves. We just work hard to keep up to the initial idea of making something beautiful to this world."
There are also almost too many Harry Potter-themed bags to count.
Krukrustudio doesn't only sell novel-based purses – they also make bags inspired by books such as Gray's Anatomy, Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and Shakespearean plays.
"The craft is always about service. One starts with the idea to create something or to be someone but if one gets lucky enough on this way, one ends up in service to others," Max told Mashable.
Krukrustudio's Book Bags are available for sale on their website and on Etsy, with prices ranging from $99-$170.
Topics Books Harry Potter
Sophie was a Viral Content Intern for the Watercooler channel. More writing and other stuff by Sophie can be found at www.sophiehirsh.com.
