If we had our wish, our pets would live furever. Thanks to scientific advances maybe someday soon, we’ll greatly extend their lifespans to 30+. But for our furbabies who cross the rainbow bridge, we will still eternally carry them with us in our hearts. One thing that helps is having a unique tribute to their memory to always have with you. In this case, we’re looking at gorgeous one-of-a-kind hand-embroidered brooches made after a pet’s photo.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
Embroidered Brooches with Your Pet’s Likeness
A designer from St. Petersburg, Russia, Olga, 29, has been making animal-themed wearable art since she was a child. Since then, she’s always loved making things that sparkle.
“I am fascinated by the glitter of crystals and beads 🤤,” Olga said.
Over the pandemic, she started a page sharing her bejeweled brooches, which she custom-creates for people all over the world.
“Professionally I started making bead jewelry quite recently, but I’ve known him for a long time – as a child I was weaving simple bracelets, chokers and all kinds of life things like bees and mice) This class gives me tremendous pleasure! All those glittering rhinestones, little multicolored beads, beads of all shades of the rainbow😍. In a word – love!” she wrote.
The designer wearing her brooches. Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
How She Started Designing Cat and Dog Brooches
The designer’s first Etsy sale was a glittering pug dog that went to Arkansas.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
Later, she made glittering embroidered collars for a beautiful blue-eyed cat, Ornell.
“BLUE EYED MIRACLE 💙. That’s exactly what I want to call this adorable baby, Ornell! Finally, she got her fancy collar) look how he emphasizes her eyes 😍,” Olga shared.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
The brooches are made from all kinds of high-quality materials such as:
-
Japanese and Czech beads
-
Semi-precious gemstones
-
Various glass beads
-
Swarovski beads
-
Premium crystals
-
Natural river pearls
-
Eco-leather
-
Premium rhinestones
-
A little magic!
On the back, she places a brooch clip or can make keychains, hair clips, and other custom designs.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
Sailor Moon and Cosmic Cats
After making cosmic “Space Cats” and Artemis and Luna, the cats from Sailor Moon, she started doing more custom pet brooches.
Sailor Moon cat brooches, Luna and Artemis. Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
Meow-sterpiece Brooches
First, she prints the pet’s likeness onto thermal transfer paper. Then, she transfers the image with an iron to felt. Once that’s complete, she uses an intricate hand-embroidered mosaic bead technique to create one-of-a-kind meow-sterpieces!
Video via Intagram/v.olga_arts
For the nose of each kitty, she makes a special bead herself from polymer clay. And she designs each cat’s eyes to bring out its unique colors and appearance.
And here’s the result after the brooch is finished!
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
As soon as people saw the cat brooches, they fell in love. Before long, she had embroidered all kinds of cats: tabbies, calicos, Siamese, and even a Sphynx cat!
And, here’s the finished Sphyx cat brooch that surely delighted the cats’ human.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
One of the stunning cats she worked on reminded her of her own kitty, Pusha, who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge.
“This gray-white cat with blue eyes reminded me of my cat Pusha, who left me a few years ago ❤️🩹🩵,” Olga shared.
Going back to her earlier work, she has continued doing the cutest dog designs too!
“Handsome bulldog embroidered in the original color and in a fancy pink shade with gold accents🩶🩷,” she shared.
Bulldog brooches by V. Olga Arts
Online, the designer is so generous with people who want to know how she does it. But, if you should try it, it would be quite a challenge to get a result like this. It might be a “Nailed it!” moment, but hey, it’s worth a try!
“I recommend buying high-quality materials and not giving up if it didn’t work out the first time.😉🤍” she said.
Otherwise, you can learn more about her custom designs on Instagram and Facebook.
Note: Cole and Marmalade are not affiliated with the designer but we knew our followers would adore these beautiful works of cat art!
