If we had our wish, our pets would live forever. Thanks to scientific advances, maybe someday soon, we’ll greatly extend their lifespans to 30+ years. But for our beloved pets who cross the rainbow bridge, we will still carry them eternally 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 from a pet’s photo.
Embroidered Brooches with Your Pet’s Likeness
A designer from St. Petersburg, Russia, Olga, 29, has been creating animal-themed wearable art since she was a child. She has 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 it for a long time – as a child, I was weaving simple bracelets, chokers, and all kinds of life things like bees and mice. This craft gives me tremendous pleasure! All those glittering rhinestones, little multicolored beads, beads of all shades of the rainbow 😍. In a word – love!” she wrote.
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.
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 it emphasizes her eyes 😍,” Olga shared.
Images and media via Instagram/v.olga_arts
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!
For the nose of each kitty, she makes a special bead herself from polymer clay. 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 Sphynx cat brooch that surely delighted the cat’s 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 creating 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 try it, it would be quite a challenge to achieve a result like hers. 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.
