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!