{il} {gat-to} {sell-va-tee-ko}

Vintage Finds

2012-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Vintage finds from my last thrift expedition. A 70s white dress with crocheted color. Could be handmade, there's no tag. A hand knit acrylic fair-isle and cabled white, pink and grey sweater.

Personalized Valentine's Embroideries

2012-02-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here are all the personalized embroidered wall hangings that I made this Valentine's Day season. You can order one for your anniversary or something at my shop.

Postcards From Italy

2012-02-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

...is a Beirut song (see below)...and the subject of this post. I'm clearly getting a little Rome-sick, but the good news is I will be going back in there March! These are postcards that I collected in Italy.

Simbolo Celestiniano

Porta Sancta (Basilica di Collemaggio Apertura annuale 28 agosto)

Fontana Fraterna (Isernia)

Subiaco m. 450

Laghetto di S. Benedetto e veduta del Monastero - Lake of Saint Benedict and a view of the Monastery

I went to Subiaco, a town in Lazio, with the teachers and staff of Istituto Marymount where I taught art for a year. We went to the Monastery of Saint Benedict as a sort of pilgrimage. The monastery is the buiding at the top of this waterfall.

S. Agata Mugello

Vita artigiana e contadina di un tempo con personaggi i movimento. Realizzati da Lepri Faliero - Artisan and peasant life of a time with character in movement. Made by Lepri Faliero

I bought this in a little used book shop in Florence when I went there with my mother and husband.

Isola D'Ischia - Un paradiso nel Mediterraneo - Isle of Ischia - A Mediterranean paradise

Sant'Angelo - Cava Scura - An old radioactive natural thermal bath

I went to Ischia with my husband during the first summer we spent together in Rome after I changed my flight plans to come back to Rome to be with him. We went to Ischia because his aunt and uncle were vacationing there. Although I didn't get this when I was there, but he gave it to me later.

New Jewelry

2012-02-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

New jewelry in the shop. And they are all named after deity and characters in Greek and Egyptian mythology. Go take a look.

Majestic Mountains and Romantic Embroidery

2012-01-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

These romantic embroideries are available at my shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ilgattoselvatico) order 'em now for V Day. I'd move ∆∆∆ for you looks great among my collection of mountains.

Treasuries

2012-01-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have been making treasuries on etsy the past few days. Today I made a Twin Peaks themed treasury, on Saturday I made a Valentine's Day themed one, and Friday was Epiphany so I made one to celebrate that. Enjoy. See more of my favorites and treasuries on my profile and possibly add me to your circle.

Holiday Craft Fair

2012-01-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

My first craft fair by myself (with my husband helping, he was my tech support). It went really well so I think I will do it again. This is what my display looked like. I even made hand painted wooden jewelry and ornaments. (If you are interested in these email me at ilgattoselvatico at gmail dot com I'm thinking about making more wooden jewelry this year and adding it to my shop. The fair I did was the Richmond Handmade Holiday. Let me know if you know of any other good fairs in the Richmond area (VA, NC, DC, MD or Philly) that I should do.

2012-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over I have time to relax and clean...maybe I'll even start baking (moustache) cookies and canning fruit. I also have time to start working toward my 2012 goals of expanding my business both virtually and in the brick and mortar realm. I have plans to make more art and sculptures. Like these cat sculptures... Dilly and Tiger, mother and daughter cats who past away in the past years. They were a gift for my mother.
These are orders that I completed this past holiday season. You can order them at my shop. Many of them were custom made, you can order custom made portraits and necklaces (or art) of your favorite places personalized with a heart for Valentine's Day.

Mini Rome Guide Book

2012-01-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recently asked me to write up a list of a few places to go in Rome for her sister who is going to study there this semester, so I did and it turned into quite a lengthy list...Here are my favorite places in Rome...Please add yours to the list

Rome

Food:

Restaurants:

La Gatta Mangiona

Via F. Ozanam, 30- 32 (Monte Verde- near San Giovanni di Dio take 8 tram from Largo Argentina)

www.lagattamangiona.com

Gourmet pizza. best pizzeria in Rome, the also have pasta, salads, meat…

Remo

Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice 44 (Testacio)

Traditional pizzeria. Best traditional pizza.

Gea

Via Camillo Serafini 47 in Bravetta/ Monte Verde

La Smorfia

Seafood

Via silvestri, 197/199 in Bravetta/ Monte Verde

Pistoia

Piazza Madonna della Salette 13/14 in Monte Vertde

http://www.osteriapistoia.com/

Formula 1

Pizzeria

Via degli Equi, 11 in San Lorenzo

Da Franco

Seafood

Via dei Falisci 1/b

Il Buchetto

Pizzeria

Via Flaminia 119 in Flaminio

Spaghetteria L'Archetto

Via dell'Archetto, 00187 (Trastevere)

Street Food- Pizza al Taglio and Suppli and Arrancini:

Casa dei Suppli

Piazza Re di Roma 20 (right next to metro A stop Re di Roma)

I Suppli

Via San Francesco a Ripa in Trastevere

Mondo Arrancina

Via Marcantonio Colonna in Flaminio

Il Pizzettiere

Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice in Testaccio, Ostiense

Gelato and Coffee:

Giolitti

http://www.giolitti.it/

There’s one near the Pantheon and one in Testaccio (I like the one in Testaccio better, less turistic)

Caffe Sant Eustachio

http://santeustachioilcaffe.it/

Piazza Sant’Eustachio, 82 (near the Pantheon)

Night Life:

Big Star

Pub- Good imported German and English beers

Via Goffredo Mameli, 25 in Trastevere

Il Baretto

Bar/ pub/ aperitivo

Via Garibaldi, 27

Circolo degli Artisti

Music Venue (Rock and Alternative Music)

via Casilina Vecchia 42

www.circoloartisti.it/

Sinister Noise

Music Venue and Bar (Rock, Punk, Noise and Alternative Music)

Via dei Magazzini Generali, 4 in Testaccio

www.sinisternoise.com/

There is a great sandwhich shop around the corner and there is a great bar across the street with fresh cornetti

Dal Verme

Music Venue and Bar (Noise and Ambience and Alternative Music)

Via Luchino Dal Verme, 60 in Pignetto

Sites:

Largo Argentina Temples and Cat Sanctuary (Near the Pantheon)

Baths of Caracalla

Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52 near circus maximus which is also really cool

The Moses with Horns by Michaelangelo in Saint Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli)

Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli

Saint Teresa in Ecstacy in Santa Maria della Vittoria

Via 20 Settembre, 17

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecstasy_of_Saint_Teresa

Carravaggio Paintings

Santa Maria di Popolo in Piazza del Popolo

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere

Piramide

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_Cestius

Gianicolo Hill (Beautiful View)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janiculum

The “Bone Church” Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_della_Concezione_dei_Cappuccini

Musei Capitolini

Via dei Baullari, 1

http://en.museicapitolini.org/

San Giovanni in Laterno

Every church you see

Museums and Culural Centers:

Galleria Borghese in Villa Borghese

Casa de Cinema in Villa Borghese

www.casadelcinema.it/

Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1

Lots of free movies and events

Scuderie del Quirinale

next to Piazza Quirinale where they do military drills

National Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna)

Viale delle Belle Arti 131

Complesso del Vittoriano

Via Di San Pietro In Carcere

Il Palazzo dei Espozini

Via Nazionale, 194

english.palazzoesposizioni.it

Villa Medici

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Medici

Day Trips:

Tivoli

Hadrian’s Villa

Santa Marinella

Beach

Frascati

One of the cities in the Roman Castles accessable by train. The Roman Castles are famous for their wine and porchetta. The mascot of Frascati is a woman with 3 breasts (the middle breast is for wine).

Shopping:

Porta Portese

Stretch across Trastevere

Huge outdoor market every Sunday

Every Saturday there’s a huge market with just cloths, not as good at San Giovanni in Laterno

Mas

Piazza Vittorio

Via Del Corso

More Stuff for the Fair

2011-12-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Branches to hang ornaments and jewelry from.

All the crates and frames and stuff all ready for the fair.

Caccia Alle Streghe (Witch Hunt) book to sit under one of the plywood neck forms that I made to display necklaces.

Nine cat toys made of leather tassels and feathers and wooden dowels.

Getting Ready (For Christmas and for the Craft Fair)

2011-12-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've been very busy getting ready for the craft fair that I'm doing on Sunday. Here's what I've been making...

I made a sign for the show.

I collected branches for my display. I have them stored with the wooden crates and a box of envelopes that I ordered. My cat, Ranita thought it would be a great idea to hide out in this mess.

My other cat, Irma, also liked the branches but since that spot was taken she found a comfy spot on top of the couch.

Here are some leather and fabric pouches that I made for the show.

Meanwhile getting ready for the show, I'm also completing Christmas orders and doing some gift wrapping.

Italia

Philly

And I managed to find time to decorate the tree and take family photos for the Xmas card with my new camera.

Craft Fair

2011-12-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in this craft fair! Stop by and say hello if you are in the area! http://www.richmondhandmadeholiday.com/

Black Friday

2011-11-23T06:41:00.001-08:00

I will be having a Black Friday 25% off Sale. Enter the code BLACKFRIDAY. Go to http://etsy.me/hV0ZDm for me details.

Grandmothers

2011-11-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

All 3 of the Grandmother Embroider Art Series are finished. These are all portraits of my grandmothers. I may make more (because I have 2 more grandmothers). They are available for purchase in my etsy shop. Or you commission me to make custom made portraits of your own grandmothers or other people and animals of importance.

Mary Kay [thread, fabric, wood and metal. 7" 2011]

Paternal grandmother, also called Gramma Grimes.

Mary [thread, fabric, wood and metal. 5" 2011]

Maternal grandmother, also called Grammary.

Clara [thread, fabric, wood and metal. 5" 2011]

Grandmother-in-law, also called Nonna.

Knoxville, TN Wholesale Order

2011-11-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Does it ever happen to you that everything gets finished all at once? It's a really good feeling but then that means you have to go what now? Well I finally finished the wholesale order of 12 Knoxville, TN embroidered necklaces that I was making for Rococo Gallery in Knoxville today, and I finished the last drawing in a series of 5 Greek Goddess drawings on Thursday, and I finished the last of the 3 (for now) grandmother embroidered wall hangings on Friday! Phew!! Hooray!!

Athena

2011-11-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Athena (2011) Mixed media, watercolor and graphite on paper, 150cm x 124cm.
She is the 5th goddess in my Greek Goddess Series. I'm going to get some professional photos of them all and re post them (also because I made some changes to some of them).

Africa

2011-10-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

South Africa Brooch.

Kenya Necklace.
These are in my shop now.

Circle Square Cube Pyramid Cylinder Oval

2011-10-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Necklaces of Brass and Geometry, some of which are in my shop and others that will be there soon!

This is the Medusa Necklace named after the Italian word for Jelly fish because it looks like a metallic geometric Jellyfish, maybe a robotic one. It's in my shop now.

This is the Solid Brass Cube Necklace which is currently in my shop.

These three necklaces will be coming to my shop soon. I need names for them, especially for the second one, I haven't even got any ideas for that. Do you all?

Belts and Bracelets

2011-10-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well there's only one bracelet but I have plans to make lots more using the snaps that I have used on this one and leather and some kind of embroidery or yarn.

1. Old belt that I found but that had no buckle so I attached some snaps to it so I could change the buckle. The buckle here is a vintage racoon buckle that I got in a trade with Emma Beans and More.
2. I made this belt to use up some conchos I had left over from some jewelry. It's also made of deer skin and of a silver plated buckle.
3. I made this belt to go with this dress and another black and white dress I have. I used what looks like a mother of pearl buckle that I found in my stash of stuff from my Great Aunt Mildred. I used the same deer skin as I use for the belt above.
4. Once again I needed a super cool belt for this dress so I took a piece of ribbon from my Great Aunt Mildred and bought the leather buckle and glued it to the ribbon (yes the fabric glue was the best thing).
5. This bracelet is made with the same deer skin as I used to make the belts plus some nail heads that I had left over from a previous project (shoe decoration) and snaps from my mom.

Good Things Come in Threes

2011-10-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Three is a very powerful and spiritual number and here are some new necklaces featuring "Three" > the 1st is Trinity Necklace -Three Brass Cubes and the 2nd is Honey Comb Necklace -Three Brass Octagons.

This Coral Bullet and Blue Stone Necklace is very special because of the properties of coral-one of which is to reduce debt!

This is the Embroidered Map of USA Wall Hanging I love the colors and the way it turned out!
All of these treasures can be found in my Etsy shop.

Vintage Suitcase Cat Bed

2011-10-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

As my husband said, "it's fitting for a traveling cat to sleep in a suitcase" when we first brought the vintage suitcase home from the thrift store and Ranita, our cat, immediately started sleeping in it (even before it was finished. Our cat certainly is a traveling cat, the poor thing has been dragged from Rome to Philly to New York to Richmond in just this past year, and all last year, in New York, she was sleeping on top of one of our suitcases.
I first saw this vintage suitcase turned animal bed on Etsy and then again on Pinterest and then decided as soon as I could find an affordable suitcase I would make one for Ranita. How I did it-first I cut the fabric inside that covered the hinges then I took off the hinges, using a power drill and a flat head screw driver. I drilled a hole from the inside where the pins were and then I pried them off with the screw driver. After that I folded the fabric over and glued it in place. Then I made the pillow, I measured the inside of the suitcase and then cut and sewed some old fabric together, there are two different sides (which you can see above), then stuffed it with shredded foam. I left the side pouches in, and they make a great place to store toys (see above). The whole thing cost about 7.50 but would cost more if I had bought fabric for it and could end up costing more if I add wooden feet to it which I'm thinking of doing.

Spiral Hoop Earrings

2011-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

These are my newest creation. Spiral Earrings in Pumpkin and Lime. They are made of yarn which is knotted around metal hoop earrings using the forward knot which is the knot used in many "friendship bracelets." You can find them in my shop.

New Beginnings

2011-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I've recently moved from New York to Richmond. Here are some photos of my new place, work space, walls and the stuff that I finally had time to finish...

These jewels and accessories are in my shop now.

Salt and pepper shakers bought from Books, Bikes and Beyond Thrift Shop on Saturday.

My work space.

A detail of the pictures above my workspace--my collection of vintage postcards of mountains.

A sitting area with vintage photographs, among them, my husbands great grandfather.

New Embroidered Neckaces

2011-07-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Australia and San Francisco can be seen and bought at my etsy shop (IL GATTO SELVATICO).

Christmas in July Sale

2011-07-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

IL GATTO SELVATICO is having a Xmas in July Sale from now until July 29. Receive Free Shipping by entering the code XMASINJULY at checkout. I hope you all have some winter's fun on a summer's day.

Happy 4th of July 50% OFF Sale

2011-07-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

I hope that you are all enjoying your long Forth of July weekends and having many bar-b-ques and lots of fun. Tomorrow, before going to your Independence Day party, getting drunk and watching the fireworks...Buy an embroidered America necklace, patch or wall hanging for 1/2 price. Or maybe you will want to order a custom city or state necklace, patch or wall hanging (that's 50% off too). From midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow all American Maps are 1/2 price. So pass by my shop tomorrow IL GATTO SELVATICO.

New Chevron Neckaces and NYC Trains

2011-06-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

This black chevron necklace and these other two chevron necklaces have been inspired by the gate of the New York subway trains that is placed at the front and back of each train in front of the the doors (see the photo above of the 7 train) and in between the cars. Next time you are in New York take a look and see if you see it.

As you can see, the black chevron necklace looks most similar to the train gate and the other two are more loosely inspired by it.

I need a name for these two chevron necklaces, any ideas? I will be adding them to the il gatto selvatico etsy shop this week.

Google Image Search

2011-06-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

I was doing an image search of il gatto selvatico and I found all kinds of interesting things. For those of you who don't know, il gatto selvatico means the wild cat in Italian but it also refers specifically to a breed of small (but larger than the domestic cats) striped wild cats with bushy tails called Felis Silvestris Silvestris, they live in parts of Europe. Here is a map of their domain.

This is what the cat looks like.

I also found an Italian magazine (no longer in print) published by ENI, an Italian gas company, that has the name "Il Gatto Selvatico."

And I found some blog entries about my jewelry that I feel I should talk about here.

Proud to be An American featuring my America necklace as well as other cool crafty America themed stuff on Cracker Jack Scraps and Wild Cat featuring my America and British Isles necklaces and talking about me and my name on Love Independent.

Red Houndstooth Gig Bag

2011-06-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

I recently made a gig bag for my husbands baritone ukelele for his birthday. It has a red leather handle with velcro and two straps in the back so that it can be worn on the back like a back pack. It is lined with quilting batting and another layer of the houndstooth to give it some extra padding. It has a zipper on the side and a pocket the closes with velcro on the front.

MIlwaukee, WI

2011-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin necklace made for a friend of a friend. She picked a beautiful color combination, subtle yet bold.

Here are some vintage postcards of Milwaukee. (I've never been to Milwaukee or Wisconsin).

New and Old Worlds or Maps

2011-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

The British Isles

Murfreesboro, TN: A new version of Tennessee with a blue palette instead of a yellow one and a heart over Murfreesboro rather than Knoxville.

United States
Go check these embroidery necklaces and more out and don't forget that there is a 20% off Gemini sale happening.

The Piano Book Locket

2011-05-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I saw The Piano for the first time and was inspired by it in many ways. I saw the possibility for future art and jewelry projects which I talk more about in this post. Now I've finally made one of those jewelry ideas. I made a Book Locket which was inspired by the necklace that Holly Hunter's character, Ada McGrath wore. She was mute and had a gold necklace which contained papers that she would use to communicate with when her daughter who translated for her was not around.

Detroit Michigan

2011-05-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Detroit Michigan necklace

While I was making this necklace which was a custom made necklace, I was thinking a lot about this beautiful Red House Painters song, Michigan.

Augustin Lesage

2011-05-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Composition symbolique, oil and graphite on canvas, 1928

Composition symbolique, oil on canvas

oil on canvas (date and title unknown)

(date and title unknown)

Diligently working in his studio (date unknown)

I just found out about this French outsider artist, Augustin Lesage (Saint-Pierre-Lez-Auche, 1876 - Burbure, 1954) and I'm wondering why I didn't already know his name. He was a coal miner who believed that spirits were guiding his hand and would come home from the mines every evening to work on his paintings. I think these works are amazing because he was way ahead of his time. Google him, his paintings are amazing and he was a really fascinating guy too.

Gemini Sale

2011-05-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

In honor of the zodiac symbol Gemini which is quickly waxing upon us. I will be holding a 20% off Gemini Sale in my shop ∆IL GATTO SELVATICO∆ that will last for the entire Gemini Month (May 21 to June 21). Just enter the code GEMINI at check out to receive 20% off your entire order.
A side note: This is my favorite period of the year, maybe because I'm a Gemini and so is my husband or maybe because I love the weather at this time of year. The trees are finally fully in bloom and everything is green and pulsing with life. It's such a magical time.

Rene Magritte

2011-05-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

La Cascade, 1961

The Blank Check, 1965

Castle in the Pyrenees, 1959

Song of Love, 1964

Clear Ideas, 1955

Rikka Sormunen

2011-05-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Cruel Summer

Dark Waters

Nest

I love these compositions that are packed with patterns and textures by Rikka Sormunen.

Newest Brass Jewels

2011-05-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Octagon Ring and the Gemini Necklace you can find them in the IL GATTO SELVATICO shop.

Japan, Taiwan and the United States of America (CA, NY, PA)

2011-05-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is a necklace that I made special for a dear friend of mine. She has roots in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Philly, Tokyo and Taiwan. Where are your roots? Get a custom made necklace of yours.

DIY Making Alterations-Turning a Dress Into a Cropped Top

2011-05-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

This was a ridiculously unflattering shapeless dress but I loved the ikat pattern and cowl neck so I cut that part out and turned it into a top. The ikat bit was just in the front of the dress so the first thing I did was cut that part in half and put the bottom half on the back. Then I took some natural colored cotton muslin and cut two long strips of it to add to the sides and two rectangles of it to add to the sides under the arms. In the photo above I have not yet attached the part to go under the arms.

Finished product!

Kadinsky

2011-05-10T08:38:00.001-07:00

Several Circles, 1926

Blue Mountain 1908-09

Composition 8, 1923

Decisive Rose, 1932

Composition 2, 1909-10

Some of my favorite paintinsg by Kadinsky at the Guggenheim Museum. Some of them are in the special exhibition Kadinsky at the Bahaus. Definitely worth a look. I was very inspired by these and others to make some similar designs into dresses and scarfs.

DIY Making Alterations-Revamping Old Vintage Dresses

2011-05-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Jewelry by IL GATTO SELVATICO:: left hand photo: Trapeze Necklace right hand photo: Rhombohedron Earrings

The dress on the left had sleeves and a 70's style collar that I did not find flattering so I took them off. I made the dress sleeveless with a boat neck collar instead. The dress on the right had a collar with neck ties. I removed the ties and put them at the waist of the dress to cinch the waist. I turned the collar into a scoop neck collar instead (now it's sexier).

500 Hearts and Mother's Day Giveaway

2011-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day. IL GATTO SELVATICO has 500 shop hearts on Etsy and to celebrate I'm having a giveaway. To receive this lovely necklace you must follow these steps.
1. If you aren't already, follow this blog or follow me on facebook, tumblr, or twitter.
2. Visit the IL GATTO SELVATICO shop and
3. Leave a comment below with your email address (so I can contact you if you win) and your favorite IL GATTO SELVATICO item.
A winner will be selected 1 week from today, Sunday May 15.

Some Greenery

2011-05-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Now that it's May, one of my favorite months of all, we can finally see all the green leaves budding off of the trees and the green plants coming out of the ground. My Etsy finds are all about green plants and trees.

1. In the Trees by Roadside 2. Green Grass Bookends by pillowhappy 3. A Collection of 36 Succulents by SucculentsGalore 4. Wearable Planter No. 3, Translucent by colleenjordan

∆∆∆∆

2011-05-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since anything has gone on my blog so here are two new unrelated to each other necklaces. Oh and in the past week or so I learned how to make triangles with the keyboard.

DIY Project: Homemade Backpack

2011-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

I had this African print that I bought in South Africa 10 years ago, I needed a backpack but didn't want a regular canvas one, so I put the two things together--fabric+need=backpack. I also had some leather to make the straps and buckles and bottom of the the bag.
I went about the task of designing my backpack. I wanted it to be a "bucket bag" backpack with a draw string rather then a zipper and this would be a great way to utilize the eyelets I bought accidentally. I wanted the black leather to be the bottom of the bag. I wanted to have no extra pockets, a top flap and 3 buckles; one to close the top flap and 2 to adjust the length of the straps.

I laid out all my fabric and started to cut out the pieces. I first cut a circle for the bottom as large as I wanted, then 2 strips of leather and 2 African print pieces for the sides. I measured these pieces against the fabric for the lining (a cotton muslin) and cut out these as well. I sewed these all together to make the "bucket" part; starting from bottom up, sewing the lining separately, then sewing the lining to the outside part at the top. I then cut holes along the top for the eyelets and inserted the eyelets with a hammer.

With this done, I cut and pinned the remaining pieces; the straps, the buckles, the handle, the flap. I hammered and cut holes into the pieces for the buckles (you can also use an awl if you have it). After I sewed the handle and straps, I turned them right-side out and sewed along the edges. I also sewed along the edges of all pieces of leather to give it extra support. I sewed a leather trim around the flap and then I sewed the flap, handle and straps to the top of the back, hiding the frayed edges by sewing pieces of leather on top. I attached the adjustable buckle of the strap to the base of the bag and I sewed the buckles that close the flap to the front of the bag and flap. And ta-da! The finished product.

Studded Madness Weekend DIY Project

2011-04-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is how I spent my Sunday, watching The Borgias and attaching these "nail heads" to a simple red sweatshirt and a pair blaring white keds. They are super easy to attach, they have 4-5 sharp points which you push through your fabric then, using a thimble, you push the sharp parts down and into the middle. It was a little hard to do this on the shoes because they were leather and to thick for this so I pushed them in and attached with fabric glue.

New Map Jewelry

2011-04-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

This bright and stunning India necklace and this cute Philly, PA necklace were recently custom made. I'm now adding them to the shop, to check them out or to order your own custom made maps go to the IL GATTO SELVATICO shop.

Some New Stuff

2011-04-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile. Life has been crazy!! These will be coming to the IL GATTO SELVATICO etsy shop in a matter of minutes days and weeks so keep an eye out for them.

10% Discount

2011-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Get a 10% Discount at IL GATTO SELVATICO on your entire purchase (off jewelry and embroidered wall hangings) and all your future purchases by using the code SCLNTWRK10 at checkout.

Snowy Early Spring

2011-04-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

These are my new etsy favorites. They aren't very spring appropriate but it was supposed to snow today, right? I love to knit and I love Scandinavian fair isle knit patterns and textured cables and these amazing pieces of art have to do with that!! The two deer trophies on the left side are both by an artist named Rachel Denny and the Christmas Lynx on the right is by a London artist named Sandra Dieckmann. I hope you will enjoy my finds! Happy April Fools Day.

A basket (house), wind chimes, a monolith and a chain ladder

2011-03-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

You are probably wondering what all these images have to do with each other. The answer is they are the inspiration of my newest jewelry which you can see below...wind chimes necklace, basket bib, chain ladder, ball locket and monolith necklace.

Hair Glasses Beard

2011-03-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to make a pattern, Last year for our anniversary I gave my husband an embroidered portrait of us this year I made my husband this (embroidered portrait of us). I wonder what (embroidered portrait) I will make him next year.
You can order your own hair portrait in my etsy shop.

new favorites

2011-03-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Fur Necklace by bydessaivre
Folk Art Owl Doll by cartbeforethehorse
Fringed Leather Bag by elehandmade
Delilah All in One Dress by heroinelabel

Winter Tams

2011-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

I lost my favorite beret on the day before thanksgiving so I decided to make a new favorite. I spent my winter making them, I made three in total. Above are the last two I made, the first isn't here because I didn't like the way it turned out so I unraveled it. Here they are, right before Spring. The first one is a Dandelion Yellow Bobble Tam and looks like it was made to match that sweater (but it was just a coincidence). The second is a Papaya and Pumpkin Cable Tam, made out of the same home spun yarn as the Papaya Shrug I'm wearing. Also in that photo, I'm wearing the Brass Jungle Gym Locket.

The IL GATTO SELVATICO Key Chain

2011-03-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

This was my weekend/day off project, making all of these. I will be giving them away as gifts for people who spend $75 or more. Want it? Start shopping? Just kidding, you can also buy them for $12.

A Wall Hanging Has Finally Been Made

2011-03-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to make wall hanging versions of my map necklaces for a while now. I thought they would be good for men and people who don't like loud jewelry.

I have finally made the first one. It is a map of Switzerland. I have made it as a gift for my grandmother and also as part of the "who do you think you are" challenge of the Indie Free Spirits Team.

New Jewelry

2011-03-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

This is some of the new jewelry in my shop or coming soon. Feathers and arrows and one more map necklace.

El Anatsui

2011-02-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

I found the work of El Anatsui in the Met in the African art section and in the contemporary American art wing. I was captivated by it both times. The use of hard, unconventional materials to make woven like tapestries really intrigued me. El Anatsui is a Ghanaian artist who has worked mostly in Nigeria.

Feline Cutaneous Asthenia

2011-02-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

This amazing embroidered wall hanging is by Jaclyn Rose of holidaytart. She free handed this on the sewing machine, amazing! This piece is called Feline Cutaneous Asthenia which means winged cat, it's a real thing. Here are some photos of cats with wings.

I put two flying cats in one of my paintings before I knew it was possible for cats to have wings.

My Work Space

2011-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my desk where I keep all my tools and materials for jewelry and clothing and accessory making. I work here, but also I do a fair amount of work on my bed or couch too. I guess I'm just a couch potato.

Recent Favorites

2011-02-23T05:20:00.000-08:00

Twin Hand Movement by Lower Dens was the last really good album I listened to. It's Jana Hunters new project and it is really good, just like her other stuff! Here is one of the songs from the album, Rosie, preformed live.

Short Cuts by Raymond Carver was the last really good book I read. Robert Altman also made it into a film in 1993, also called Short Cuts, I can't wait to see it (it's in my Netflix Queue). There's an amazing cast including Tom Waits, Julianne Moore, Robert Downey Jr. and more.

Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi was the last really good film I saw. It's like a happy Isreali vision of Good Will Hunting, it's about a math wiz Isreali high school kid (Shlomi) who everyone (including his family) thinks is dumb until his teacher and principal discover him. Watch the trailer

Tell me what your recent favorites are, this way we can share suggestions!

Etsy Update: New Jewels

2011-02-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

Custom made necklaces and more brass jewelry!

Map Mountains

2011-02-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

You know me! I love me some good map art! These are Map Mountains by Louis Reith. Found at Miss Moss.

Unconventional Jewelry

2011-02-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

All of these colorful geometric necklaces are made of unconventional i.e. non metal jewelry materials. The are made of paper, wood, polymer clay and fabric. From top left going around clockwise: 1. Stack of Cubes by spinthread (embroidered with embroidery floss and backed with lace) 2. Play Ground Twist by riasioux (made of polymer clay), 3. Geometric Triangle Necklace Bluegreen by spoonfulofmint (made of hand painted wood), 4. Color Coding Necklace by jewiseha (made of folded paper).

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:40:00.001-08:00

I made this for my husband. It's quirky, I know. I used passport photos of us that we had to take over and over again last year to go through the green card process for him. (My husband is Italian and we currently live in America).

Etsy Preview/ Update: Circles, Squares, Feathers and Frames

2011-02-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Some of this jewelry is already in the IL GATTO SELVATICO etsy shop others are on there way so stay tuned in.

I need 36 hours in each day!

2011-02-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

I've put this scarf by Franki Morello here to me is a reminder that I want to make cabled and fair isle knitted, woven looking black and white and colorful infinity scarfs for next winter. I have too many arts and crafts project ideas and not enough time to execute them. Sound familiar?

Lt Camus

2011-02-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

I love this soviet army inspired jewelry from the Marquis and Camus Collection, this particular line is called Lt. Camus. It's very Doctor Zhivago. This first necklace is truly amazing, it's huge! It comes across the bust and sits on the hips like a Miss America pageant sash! It even has a monocle attached to it! via accessories

Free Shipping Thank you Coupon

2011-02-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

I'm offering FREE SHIPPING to all you blog readers and followers as a way to say thank you! Use this code at checkout SCLNTWRKFREESHIPPING. You can you this for ANY item in my shop and it is good for the entire purchase. You may use this coupon as many times as you like.
offer will expire on March 9.

I need a new backpack

2011-02-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Korean Bag by Hang Loose

I found this backpack from hang loose
today on a blog called accessories (all about accessories obviously). This company is from Korea and the website is in Korean and has a picture of Bob Dylan in the top right corner of the banner.
They also have some amazing woven scarfs.

pendleton for nike

Pendleton has also made woven nike sneakers which look pretty cool but unfortunately I don't support nike.
via accessories.

Miharayasuhiro FW11 Knit bag

I love this! It inspires me to knit one too! via accessories.

Give Away

2011-02-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Il Gatto Selvatico's 1 year anniversary which is coming up on February 9 I'm hosting a giveaway.
I'm giving away this lovely pair of leather earrings in tan and black deer skin leather.
To qualify follow this blog or follow me on twitter or become a fan on facebook, spread the word about this give away and leave a comment below stating where you are following me.
Giveaway will end February 15th at 12pm.
Good luck!

New Jewelry

2011-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the new embroidered necklace I was working on and I felt inspired to create loads of new stuff after a couple of field trips to metalliferous were I found tons of cool brass findings. I also finally made use of some old supplies as well as making some more leather jewelry. Here are a few of the things I made. This is only a very small handful of the stuff I made, I have much more that I didn't get a chance to photograph and more ideas in my head to execute. Take a look at the jewelry that I've got so far.

As a side note, I've finally started the 5th (and final) Greek Goddess painting, Athena. She's hanging on the wall in the first stages of completion (basic outline).

Goddesses

2011-01-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

A Show at Central Cafe': The Greek Goddesses
108 Central Ave.
December 16, 2010 to January 14, 2011
Closing Reception: Thursday January 13 from 5pm to 7pm
The Goddesses of Greek Mythology have been revised and exhibited at Central Cafe' in Brooklyn, a new cafe near the Morgan stop off the L in Bushwick. Here is a peak of the show.

Lenni Lenape Language

2010-12-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would be blogging more now that I'm settled in, and I know I said that I would take pictures at the craft fair and post them, but...The pictures turned out crappy cause my camera sucks (I need a new one) and life in New York turned out to be a lot busier than in Rome. Surprised? I have two exciting upcoming events that I will be blogging about...one this Saturday (a craft fair at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn) and a show at Central Cafe in Brooklyn in 2 weeks. So I've been busy preparing for these among trying to find a stable part time job. I will be posting about the upcoming events...

These two women were speakers of the Lenape Language, Lucy Parks Blalock and Nora Thompson Dean the were photographed here at a Stomp Dance. I found their picture as I was translating certain words into Lenape to use them as the title for some of my jewelry designs. The website that I used and that was very helpful to me was the Lenape Talking Dictionary. You can see the designs that were named after Lenape words at this post or on etsy.

More Than a Month of Too Much To Do and No Time For Blogging

2010-11-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

a mobile photo of a someone's window in Williamsburg.

Hi. I'm feeling bad that I haven't posted anything in over a month. I had plans to. I had plans to make Halloween costumes and post pictures of them. I had plans to celebrate Halloween even! But it's funny how things often don't go as we plan them. I was really excited about having my first Halloween in the States in 3 years, but unfortunately I moved into my new and 1st apartment in New York on Halloween. So this past month and more has been completely crazy. My husband and I moved from Rome to New York so we have been getting all our documents in order so we could leave Italy, packing up my life of 3 years and my husbands life of 29 years into 4 suitcases weighing 23 kilos each. Then in New York, finding an apartment and jobs and then trying to find other, better jobs and then moving into our new apartment and cleaning our apartment and our stuff (which got infested with moths while sitting untouched for 3 years at my mom's house). We still have so much more to do but for now at least I'm a little more unpacked and my esty shop is open again. Soon I will start making new stuff and exploring New York and you will see photos from that.

Hera

2010-09-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

This is the fourth drawing in my Greek Goddess inspired series of (5) drawings. You can see the other two in this post. I just have one left now and that's Athena.

Hera. Mixed media, watercolor and graphite on paper, 150 cm x 124 cm.

Fair Isle Knitting

2010-09-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

These are some knit items that I made and designed years ago, either as Christmas presents or for myself. They are knit using the fair isle technique, which is a method of knitting using where stitches are knit alternately in various colors, with the unused colours stranded across the back of the work.

This is two colored fair isle knitting (usually fair isle knitting refers to multiple colors). I modified a Norwegian star pattern to make these matching hat and mittens.

I completely made these up as I went along following another sock pattern to make the heel and toe. I made 2 other pairs of fair isle socks in different colors and with different patterns, once again made up as I went along.

This sweater is not completely fair isle. The part that is fair isle is the row of purple sailboats at the top.

Etsy Preview: I Heart Tassels

2010-09-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

These tassel and leather feather heart necklaces will be added to the shop in the next weeks and the tassel earrings as well.

I'm thinking that I'll make a bunch of these key chains as promos for a future craft fair. Print my logo and website on the feather and I'm good to go. What do you think, is it a good idea?

Etsy Update: Trapazoids and Triangles (and USA)

2010-09-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished products of the shapes in the hoop in the post from yesterday. They will be added to the shop today and in the next few days.

Il Gatto Selvatico Mascot II

2010-09-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished embroidering these three necklaces and I'm so excited to show them off and give you a little sneak peak of what's to come.

Etsy Spolight: Double Parlour

2010-09-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ahh, what can I say about these? I think it's pretty much self explanatory (they are awesome). These sculptures are made by Double Parlour, but they are not the only thing that they have to offer in there etsy shop. They have beautiful drawings of cabins and animal people and more sculptures that are similar but different. Check it out for yourselves here.

Etsy Update: the Cat's in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon

2010-09-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

...Little boy blue and the man on the moon.

This necklace is inspired by the famous nursery rhyme, Hey Diddle Diddle. In an illustration by Randolph Caldecott the dish, spoon and other kitchen things are anthropomorphized and the spoon is a woman wearing a dress with a large bow. The bow is a way to make the spoon look classy and human.

These necklaces and earrings either have been added to the shop or will be added in the next few days.

Etsy Spotlight: Fantastical Ceramic Creatures

2010-09-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

These beautiful folk art influenced ceramic sculptures are by Jenny Mendes, an American artist with a unique style, you can see (and buy) more of her works here. She also makes paintings and dishes. The pieces above are called Persephone and Green Horse.

Elya Yalonetski is a European sculptor, from Berlin, who creates magical pieces. These mystical ceramic creatures look like they flew straight out of Mesopotamian Mythology, and they practically did...The sculpture above is called Lammasu; old Assirian guardian of holy things, he is a free interpretation of a Mesopotamian cherub who guards holy things. The sculpture below that is called Lion with a little angelbird.
Her other sculptures and bell dolls look like vivacious characters in an old-fashioned french puppet show that you might see along the streets of a busy market place. See for yourself at her shop.

Etsy Spotlight: Emily Balivet

2010-09-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Emily Balivet makes beautiful paintings of powerful women; Goddesses, witches, and nobel women. Her style is a beautiful contemporary mix of Art Noveau and Renaissance and is clearly influenced by the myths of ancient Greece and the legends of medieval England.

Her love of myths from different epic traditions takes her to include characters like the Lady of the Lake who presented King Arthur with Excalibur and the witch Circe who seduced Odysseus into staying with her for 5 years.

She also paints her own stories using made-up characters, which are so convincing that we almost think they are. Like Autumn Riders and Twelve Women with Birds which looks like the illustration of the lesser know Grimm Brothers fairy tale, the Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Her use of vivid colors and patterns bring the painting to life, but upon a closer look you see that the trees, grass and pattern on the dresses make the paintings look like stain glass windows. They are flat repeated patterns of spirals or intricate art noveau-esque branches. You can find Emily Balivet here.

Etsy Update: Moving Sale

2010-09-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

As some of you may already know, I'm packing up shop and house and moving to New York. I'm moving in just a little more than 2 weeks. After living in Italy for 3 years, I have accumulated so much stuff I feel like a hermit crab and that I have to pack up everything and carry it on my back. So I have to lighten my load a bit and to help with this I'm having a 30% off Moving Sale at my shop from now until I leave, September 27. All ready to ship items will be 30% off. Check it out now, It's probably the most generous sale I'll have in a while.
Why I'm I leaving such a beautiful country like Italy? My husband has almost finished his degree, so we have decided that as artists and musicians, Italy has nothing more to offer us.

Etsy Preview: Tooth and Lady

2010-09-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

While dusting I found some more stuff in Pandora's box, A molar tooth from the tooth fairy and the profile of a distinguished lady. I will be adding these two necklaces to the shop this week along with the other stuff from Pandora's box. And I will be having a 30% off moving sale starting tomorrow and ending September 27 so stay tuned in. I'm packing up and moving to New York.

Etsy Spotlight: Animal People

2010-09-06T05:54:00.001-07:00

Are you an animal person? I am, I love animals, especially cats. I'm a cat person. What kind of person are you? I love art of personified animals, animals wearing people clothes or acting like people.

The images above, in the order they appear, are by MarmeeCraft, JuliaPott and BerkleyIllustration.

Etsy Spotlight Gemelli Twins Gemini

2010-09-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

I love twin art (maybe because I'm a Gemini) I also love symetrical, decorative and ornate work, like the painting shown above by SwanBonesTheater, because it reminds me of folk arts and crafts. On top of all of this I love love art of personified animals, because of the story book, fable quality. The collage of the bears is by SarahOgren and the collage of the rabbit girls is by Zeng.

Etsy Preview: Pandora's Box of Rings and Things

2010-09-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

I found a bunch of these mini spoons and this mini pair of scissors at a little Chinese jewelry shop at Vittorio Emanuele (Rome). And of course I found the baby Jesuses at a souvenir shop along the Vatican Wall. There are two kinds, glow in the dark and pink or flesh colored. I will be adding these to the shop in the next few days. I found the ring from a Chinese jewelry stand at Porta Portese (huge flea market in Rome) and then I made a silhouette of a woman out of paper and glued it into the frame making it into a cameo ring.The rings are made from my Great Aunt Mildred's old (like herself, she's 102) button collection. (I'm not sure if I'm going to add the rings to the shop or just keep them for myself and give them away as gifts, any thoughts?)

Etsy Update: Knit and Pearl, Silver and Gold

2010-09-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

Originally I designed this shoulder shrug for myself to hide my tattoo when I was tour guiding at the Vatican, but I made it too small so I started over and made a bigger one. When I finished I realized I had enough yarn left over to finish the small one that I had started so here it is and it'll be in the shop tomorrow. It has a leaf lace pattern and I nosegay pattern which is formed by making cables and bobbles.

These are chain scarf/necklaces. The double as both! As you can see there is a silver a gold and a green one of all different lengths and sizes. The silver and gold ones are in the shop and the green one will be there the day after tomorrow.
The silver and gold brings a childhood memory to mind...the singing and talking snowman in Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer.

The Piano

2010-09-02T14:50:00.001-07:00

I saw the piano for the first time last week, while I was watching I thought of a 3 ideas from scenes and objects in the movie. Do you remember the necklace that Holly Hunter's character was always wearing? It was a gold box with a tablet of paper in it for her to communicate (since she was mute). I think it'd be interesting to make a gold tablet necklace for notes, I just need a jewelry studio. I also thought that the prosthetic finger would make a cool but creepy ring or necklace or something, although it doesn't really have to do with my aesthetic. The third thing that I found inspiring was the last scene where Holly Hunter was floating in the bottom of the ocean hovering above her piano with her skirt billowing out around her like hot air balloon, I think it would make a really beautiful illustration.

Il Gatto Selvatico Mascot

2010-09-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

I drew the designs for some new necklaces on muslin all ready for embroidering and I thought that it looked really beautiful like this so I thought I'd share it with you all. Oh, and my cat Ranita was there.

Drawing and Painting on T-Shirts

2010-08-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

Drawing on t-Shirts was a favorite past time of mine as a child, I have fond memories of going to the craft store with my mom and picking out some colorful fabric paints, puffy paints, t-shirts, and maybe fabric glue and fake jewels. Then years later in art school, myself and friends of mine decided to buy some iron on kitten transfers, t-shirts and puffy pants (as a joke), it was a great time! And again a few years after that I came back to painting drawing on shirts, first I made gifts for a friend of mine (a t-shirt with peace sign made out of red hearts, which she loved, and a blue dream catcher shirt) and then one for my self. I wanted a wolf shirt but couldn't find it so I made it myself. My friends liked my shirt and asked me to make shirts for them, one wanted a shirt of Kendall Hart from AMC (All my Children) another wanted a shirt of Diana Ross. Below are some of these shirts, above is a vest that I'm working on, I drew a geometric design with Sharpie markers and now I'm embroidering some of the shapes with colorful threads.

I've made two installations of Victorian style miniature houses out of paper and a number of illustrations of them so, feeling like it was "my thing," I made a t-shirt based off of one of the
illustrations. Plus I was in a show at a boutique and the shop owners made purses out of one of the works by each the artists who participated. They made a bag out of one of my house illustrations since I was exhibiting my house installations. You can see these art works here.

I also did a t-shirt making swap with a friend of mine. She made me a beautiful t-shirt with 3 yellow bunnies on it and I made her this.

Altered "Pillow Case" Dress

2010-08-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

I bought this dress from Mas (a cheap department store in Italy) for 1 euro, but It was practically a pillow case, completely straight no shape at all. So I sewed it in at the sides a little and I added darts and a belt and this is what it turned out like.

Post Star Pets and Luxurious Dog Houses

2010-08-28T07:48:00.001-07:00

Via La Repubblica.

These dog houses look more like prize winning dollhouses. Via My Luxury.

High waisted Sailor Skirt/Jumper with Kangaroo Pocket

2010-08-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Phew...that's a mouth full. I've had this seer sucker fabric for a year now I finally made something out of it last week. I originally bought this fabric to make a skirt with one row of buttons up the middle. I changed my idea a little bit and made it more sailor influenced skirt and I added detachable suspenders to make it into a jumper and a kangaroo pocket because I love pockets, they are very useful.

Above I'm wearing a vintage silk blouse from Sears Roebuck that was missing 2 of its 4 buttons so I removed the two buttons and turned them into stud earrings (which I'm wearing) and I replaced them with 4 new plastic pink/orange/yellow buttons.

Opened and exposing the kangaroo pocket.

Showing removable suspenders.

At the Beach in the Skirt I Just Made

2010-08-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the beach climbing on the rocks and I went wearing the gathered skirt that I made a week or so ago.

2 Day Gathered Skirt (with pockets)

2010-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

This was my 2 day sewing project (today and yesterday). I love making and designing my own cloths because I can make them exactly the way I want with the perfect fabric.

When I saw this super cool fabric I knew I had to make a skirt with it, and there are left over scraps to make jewelry pouches with! Take a close look at this fabric, there are unicorns and dinosaurs as well as zebras and dragons and lions.

This is a view of the pocket, but you can't see it because it's perfectly camouflaged.

The back, there is an elastic waistband, but still I needed some extra width.

Wizard of Oz Pouches

2010-08-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today I made 10 handmade fabric pouches for Il Gatto Selvatico goodies out of an upcycled sheet with sleepy Wizard of Oz characters on it. I made them in all different sizes. Then a put some red lace ribbon to tie them shut.