Yours To Win

With the holiday season in full swing, it is imperative to remember the following:  ”it’s not WHAT you give that’s important, but WHY you give it.”  This is the self-proclaimed philosophy of Marcopoloni, and it really strikes a chord for me.  With this in mind, what kind of meaning does a department store, mass-produced gift really carry with it?  My inclination has always been towards hand made goods – to me, they seem to have a story behind them that begs contemplation.  When time, passion, and pride are poured into a handmade item, it imparts an undeniable special quality into it.  For this reason, unique hand made items say “I love you” in a way that no other material items can.

If you have an appreciation for hand-made items, you must check out Marcopoloni.  This 3 person business–see their great bios here–is worth your attention.  The quality of their items and the introductions to the artisans behind them is spectacular.  Compliments of Marcopoloni, I was able to review the Rosa Key Chain.  The item far surpassed my expectations – I was beyond impressed when this key chain, overflowing with character and beauty, arrived at my doorstep.

Gianni uses a special leather-molding technique to shape each rose petal, one by one. This self-invented method was inspired by the Venetian Carnivale mask-molding technique, which dates back to the 17th century. The result is a beautiful rose blossom as unique as you, as no two are exactly alike.

To be entirely honest, I am not the biggest fan of flower items, but this item has earned its exception.  It is exquisite – the color is rich and the leather is so carefully crafted, making it an item that I will cherish for years to come.  While key chains might not seem like the most obvious gift choice at first, I think that they are an incredibly thoughtful gift, especially for someone that seems to have everything they need.  I learned this when my dad made me a key chain in college.  I was prone to losing my keys, and my dad took a small stick from my back yard and fastened it to a key ring.  Each time I used my keys I thought of him and of home.  I still use that key chain and the effect hasn’t faded after all of those years.  Want someone to know that you care about them?  A key chain may be the perfect choice.

The stories that I have read of the artist, Gianni, cannot go unshared.  He has been described as “an all-around fantastic person,” “selfless, determined, and genuine,” and there is a story posted online that supports those statements.  As an artist, Gianni seeks out traditional crafting and finishing methods and he is said to have rediscovered ancient hand-sewn stitches and other techniques that were on the verge of extinction.  He also utilizes the traditional Italian method of leather tanning.  Since 1981 Gianni has reclaimed methods of the past and paired them with his innovative designs of today.

Though Gianni is Marcopoloni’s oldest supplier, he certainly isn’t the only one.  Imagine all of the passion that others have expended to make the other products possible.  In addition to the key chains featured above, Marcopoloni offers other accessories (such as wallets, coin purses, passport cases, cosmetic bags), jewelry (such as hair accessories, earrings, necklaces, and cuff links), and home and office items (such as tabletop accents, Japanese tapestries and curtains, cd cases, journals, decorative vases and bowls, cups, pottery, etc.)  Looking for a discount?  Marcopoloni also offers a scratch-and-dent selection that comes with a full money-back guarantee.

YOURS to WIN… The Rosa Key Chain, in your choice of color! (subject to availability)

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