Description
This is not a common bag found in a store. Nonna has spent 40 years shaping leather into these forms. Every buckle strap is stitched by hand by Nonna using techniques she perfected over four decades.
Measures 13.7 by 9.8 by 5 inches
Double handles with 9 inch drop
Three internal compartments with metal zippers
Eight hand-set metal rivets per handle
Removable shoulder strap with steel hardware
Two open internal side pockets
The Rosa Behind Every Stitch: A Life of Leather and Legacy
She left Florence with nothing but her tools. Years later, an ocean away, she built something even her grandmother would have been proud of.
Rosa Rossi, in the workshop she built from nothing. Photographed last spring.
The story of Rosa, a woman who left everything she knew behind and stitched her way back to life, one bag at a time.
50,000+ handcrafted bags. Each one made with hands that remember Florence.
A Tuscan Girl with Quiet Hands
Rosa was born in a small Tuscan village where life moved slowly and nothing was ever wasted. Her family didn't have much, but they had the leather workshop in the back of her grandmother's house.
As a little girl, Rosa would sit for hours watching her grandmother, Nonna Lucia, work, cutting hides, shaping handles, stitching by hand.
One day, her grandmother handed her a needle and a thin strip of leather. Her first stitches were crooked, her fingers pricked and sore. But Nonna Lucia smiled. "Bene," she said. "You felt it."
Rosa's first attempts weren't perfect. But they were hers. And that was enough for Nonna Lucia.
The First Bag, The First Pride
When Rosa was about twelve, she made her first bag from leftover scraps her grandmother had saved. It was uneven, the stitches too wide, and the handles slightly crooked.
But to Rosa, it was more beautiful than anything in the shop windows of Florence.
That small bag made her realize she could create something useful and beautiful with her own two hands. It gave her purpose. It gave her pride. And it gave her, for the very first time, the quiet belief that her work mattered.
Stitch by Stitch, A Bottega Is Born
As the years passed, Rosa kept stitching.
She spent her free time making bags for neighbors, friends, and the girls at the market. Bit by bit, word traveled. Bit by bit, orders came.
In 1972, Rosa opened a tiny bottega in the Oltrarno district of Florence. She married Antonio that same year, stitching while raising her son Marco, enjoying the simple satisfaction of seeing her work cometo life.
It started as a bottega... and slowly, became the heart of a Florence street.
The Ocean That Changed Everything
Then came the phone call.
It was 1997. Marco, now grown, had moved to America years before. "Mama," he said, his voice trembling, "you're going to be a Nonna."
Florence, or her grandchild. The bottega, or the baby. There was no choice, really.
Within four months, Rosa had packed everything she owned into two suitcases. One held her clothes. The other held her grandmother's tools. She closed the bottega for the last time and boarded a plane to a country where she didn't speak the language, didn't know the streets, and didn't know a single soul beyond her son.
She left Florence with everything that mattered. And everything she didn't know she was about to lose.
A Restless Heart, A Gentle Push
America was harder than she ever imagined. Rosa arrived in a winter so cold it hurt her fingers. She couldn't understand the cashier. She couldn't read the signs. She barely left the house.
The leatherworking tools sat untouched in a closet for almost two years. She was afraid that if she opened the case, she'd remember too much of who she used to be.
Then one Sunday, Marco placed Nonna Lucia's old cutting knife on the kitchen table. "Mama. The baby needs a nonna who still knows who she is."
The very next morning, her neighbor Mrs. Callahan knocked on the door with a piece of leather. "I heard you used to make bags in Italy," she said gently. "Could you teach me?"
And just like that, Rosa picked up the needle once more.
With her son beside her and her granddaughter sleeping close by, Rosa found the courage to begin again.
Threads of Heritage and New Beginnings
The first bag Rosa made in America was for Mrs. Callahan. Her hands trembled. But when she finished, something quiet and proud lit inside her for the first time in years.
Mrs. Callahan showed the bag to her church group. They showed it to their daughters. Soon, women were knocking on Rosa's door, asking if she could make them something special too.
The community held her up when she couldn't hold herself up. Mrs. Callahan taught her English on Tuesday nights. The Italian deli gave her free espresso every morning. The neighborhood women became her first customers, and then her friends.
In 2003, she opened the first real Nonna's Boutique. Antonio flew in from Florence to hand-paint the sign above the door. It read, in quiet cursive: "Fatto con amore. Made with love."
Her hands shook, but her heart remembered the way.
The Lasting Stitch
Now, over twenty years have passed since Rosa crossed the ocean alone.
For a long time, she thought her passion for sewing had drowned alongside the tools, fabrics, and bags that the waters took away.
But through love, grief, and quiet determination, Rosa's hands have kept stitching. Each bag now carrying a piece of her story.
At 78, Rosa's hands have slowed, but her heart is still full. She continues to make handcrafted bags, each one carrying a piece of her life.
As she gently guides her granddaughter Giulia's small hands to sew a simple line, she smiles softly.
In these quiet moments, she knows that the love, care, and patience she still has will live on, one careful thread at a time.
She once learned from her grandmother. Now, her granddaughter learns from her.
Shipping policy
At Nonna’s Boutique US, we take pride in delivering handcrafted leather goods with care and attention to detail. Please review our shipping policy below for important information regarding order processing, delivery times, and shipping procedures.
We offer FREE shipping on every order across the U.S.
Each bag is carefully prepared and packaged with attention to detail before it makes its way to your doorstep.
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number by email so you can follow its journey every step of the way.
Order Processing
All orders are processed within 1–3 business days after payment confirmation.
During peak seasons, holidays, or promotional events, processing times may be slightly extended.
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information.
Shipping Times
Estimated delivery times:
- United States: 5–12 business days
- Canada: 7–15 business days
- United Kingdom: 5–10 business days
- Europe: 7–15 business days
- Australia & International: 10–20 business days
Please note that shipping times are estimates and may vary depending on customs clearance, local carriers, weather conditions, or other unforeseen delays.
Shipping Costs
Shipping fees are calculated at checkout based on your location and selected shipping method.
We may occasionally offer free shipping promotions on qualifying orders.
International Shipping
We proudly ship worldwide.
International customers are responsible for any applicable:
- customs duties
- import taxes
- VAT fees
- local handling charges
These charges are determined by your local customs authority and are not included in our product or shipping prices.
Tracking Information
Once your order ships, tracking details will be sent to your email address.
Please allow up to 48 hours for tracking updates to appear after shipment.
Incorrect Shipping Information
Customers are responsible for providing accurate shipping details.
Nonna’s Boutique US is not responsible for:
- lost packages caused by incorrect addresses
- delivery issues resulting from incomplete customer information
If you notice an error in your shipping address, please contact us immediately.
Lost or Delayed Packages
If your package is significantly delayed or appears lost in transit, please contact our support team. We will do our best to assist you in resolving the issue with the shipping carrier.
Damaged Packages
If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery and include:
- your order number
- photos of the damaged item
- photos of the packaging
Our team will review the issue and provide an appropriate solution.
Material & Care
Each piece is crafted from carefully selected materials, chosen for their quality, feel, and durability. Designed to be used and enjoyed over time, every bag retains its beauty with regular wear.
To keep it looking its best:
Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or moisture
Gently clean with a soft, dry cloth
Keep away from sharp surfaces to prevent scratches
With simple care, your bag will continue to look refined and remain a timeless part of your everyday life.
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Two Generations.One Beautiful Promise
In 1972, Rosa entered a Florence workshop guided by her grandmother's strict rule: never craft a bag you wouldn't proudly gift to a loved one. This honest belief shaped her entire life as she eventually brought her skills to America. Raised beside the cutting table, Giulia absorbed those exact same lessons. Today, the two women run the quiet workshop together, sewing beautiful, lasting bags for those who value true quality.
A Legacy Reborn in America.
In 1972, Rosa and Giulia opened a small leather workshop in the heart of Florence, crafting bags by hand with techniques passed down through generations.
Today, their legacy continues in the United States, where every piece honors the artistry and passion of Italian craftsmanship.
How your bag is made
Loved by 10,000+ customers
My daughter keeps trying to borrow it
I've been carrying handbags for over forty years. This is the one I reach for every single morning. The leather gets more beautiful every week.
trangers stop me to ask where I got it
I wore it to church on Sunday and three women asked where it came from. I told them Italy. That's all they needed to hear.
Worth every single penny
I hesitated because of the price, but now I understand. This isn't just a bag, it's an investment. The quality speaks for itself.
Elegant and timeless design
This bag goes with everything in my wardrobe. From casual lunches to formal dinners, it always looks perfect. True Italian craftsmanship.
Three generations. One heritage, carried forward.
Rosa Rossi
Florence, 1972. Rosa still inspects every hide by hand. Only full-grain Tuscan leather makes it into the atelier.
Marco Rossi
1996, Marco moved to the USA and started his family. That year, Giulia was born.
Example title
Rosa followed in 1997, opened Nonna's Boutique, and today Rosa and Giulia lead it together.
FAQs
I'm always happy to help. whether you have a question about a bag, your order, or the final collection,you can reach out anytime.
Available Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on Weekends and Public Holidays
I do my best to reply within 48 hours
I want you to feel happy with the bag you choose. If something is not quite right, you may return it within 14 days from the day you receive it.
Please send me an email first, and I will guide you through the next steps.
You can pay safely and easily. I accept Amex, Maestro, Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
Each bag is carefully made in my workshop with time, patience, and attention to detail. I choose the materials thoughtfully and check each piece before it is sent to you.
For classic leather, keep your bag away from too much water, heat, and direct sunlight. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth and use a leather conditioner from time to time to keep it looking beautiful.
For premium vegan leather, clean it with a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaners or too much heat. When you are not using it, store it in a cool, dry place so it keeps its shape and finish.
You can read the full care instructions in the Leather Care Guide and Vegan Leather Care Guide.