GUDDE MOIEN

AUS ITALIEN! (From Italy with love)

On a recent trip to Tuscany and Umbria (Italy) (more on this later), I came across these adorable key-holders in assorted shapes and styles, made of Tuscan leather by Italian craftsmen.   What makes them special is that they are entirely handmade using vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather and featuring ancient stitching techniques (typical of this region).

These whimsical and unique key-ring ornaments make perfect host/hostess gifts and at this price (€8-10  - $13-$15/piece) are an affordable indulgence. 
Rather than using them for keys, I prefer hanging the charms on my bags as decoration (a popular custom in Japan and Italy).

I purchased the Coccinella (Lovebug) and the Corno Portafortuna (Italian red horn) for Good Luck, the Gallo Nero for a friend who is a wine aficionado (the black rooster is the symbol of Chianti Classico) and the Pinocchio for my little niece.

In case a trip to Siena or Florence is not in your cards anytime soon (although I highly recommend it) you can purchase the key-rings online at these stores:

http://bit.ly/ORx3Px

or here

http://bit.ly/TgnUTH

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page August 8, 2012)

Until next time,