Monday 9 April 2012

Maps as jewellery

I wanted to use today's post to introduce you to a lady who's embroidery is amazing. Penelope who runs the blog and etsy sites of Il Gatto Sellvatico is not only a stitcher but then goes on to transfer some of her designs into divine pieces of jewellery which she sells on Etsy. It's this embroidery jewellery mash up which I adore the most. I spotted some of her pieces around the blogging world and more prominently within a tiny tiny article within the Cross Stitcher magazine and I wanted to share some of my favourite pieces with you.


FROM A MAP TO A PIECE OF JEWELLERY - map of the USA to an adjustable necklace map - both hand embroidered. 

European maps of Italy and Norway.
Felt appliqued map of LA and a statement mountain piece.

Penelope credits the shape of the USA as being one of her biggest inspirations; "I thought that the shape of the US is such an iconic shape and would make a really cool necklace. Then I thought that other states and countries might look good as necklaces as well and that they would make great souvenirs of a people's beloved places. I think that all the colors of the regions (of a country) mixed together in the irregular way that it is on a map is really beautiful. I love to travel and I have travelled quite a bit as well as moving around a lot. I have lived in two different countries (like LOTS), I have lived in America and Italy. Because of this geography is particularly intriguing to me."

I think they'd all make the most gorgeous little gift or a treat for yourself and have really inspired me to look into map crafting ideas featuring and based around the UK as a memento of my homeland and my English roots. But that's another crafty thing to add to my to do list!

Be sure to check out Penelope's blog and etsy pages and see everything else she gorgeously creates and let me know which designs you love!

12 comments:

  1. Just wanted to leave you a little message, found your blog through your interview on DollyBlossom. Thought it was neat because I've done the opposite of you, met an English guy and moved to England from the states. Great blog, looking forward to reading more posts! xx

    http://makeupfortheinept.wordpress.com/

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    1. Thanks for the follow, the longer i've done this blog the more amazing stories i've heard about when it comes to love and moving countries. Nice to see love isn't dead!

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  2. These are fabulous, what a talent she has! Scarlett x

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  3. I swear you can find the neatest and coolest things off the internet! Really there is so many talented people in the world!

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    1. Haha thanks! But yeah there's some really neat independent home made crafters out there.

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  4. Wow that's some amazing embroidery, my heart has alway lied in this craft and something like this inspires me to start again xxx

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    1. I really wish I could embroider, i've tried a couple of times but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. I know I should just keep trying but hmmm it's hard!

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  5. This is beautiful Rachael - so inspiring and all of these pieces are the sort of thing I'm sure anyone remotely crafty would be proud to display in their home. What a great idea to get crafting something with a British feel!

    Jem xXx

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  6. WOW. These are amazing pieces! I would totally wear an Alaskan embroidered necklace!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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