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, 

DAT GRENGT AS GUDD FIR D’AEN! (Happy St. Patrick’s Day ..)

March 17 is the day of St. Patrick.

Originally a religious holiday for the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is nowadays associated with All Things Irish by many revelers around the world.

If you are in the US and you don’t wear green on St. Patty’s Day you might get pinched. Legend has it that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns. People started pinching those not wearing green to warn and remind them of these impish little elves and their wicked habits.

Have a Guinness and have fun!

1.   Chan Luu wrap bracelet; chanluu.com $240 (shipping to Europe available)

2.   Guerlain Vetiver Eau de Toilette; sephora.com $71 (available in the US and in Europe)

3.   Coach shamrock key holder; coach.com $38

4.   Black Fleece button down collar shirt; mr.porter.com $150/€135 (available in the US and in Europe)

5.   Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars for men and women; nordstrom.com; converse.com $36-$45 (Nordstrom ships to Europe)

6.   Lucien Pellat-Finet hemp watch; aloharag.com $955 (shipping to Europe available)

7.   Timeless Pieces wool/silk scarf; $199/€152 (FREE shipping to Luxembourg)

8.   Four leaf clover growing kit; lovestogarden.com $9

Click on the links for additional information. Problems finding an item in Luxembourg? Send us an email mail@timelesspieces.com