HandMadePrettyStyle – Curated by Katherine Leonardi
Step into a shop shaped by a childhood surrounded by creativity, imagination, and the art of storytelling on film—an experience that inspired my lifelong love of beauty and the art of collecting and design.
Growing up in a family of artists, designers, and visionaries, I was surrounded by creativity from an early age. Much of my childhood was spent around the old MGM studios in Culver City, where I often visited my father during his work as foreman of the studio’s paint and art departments. I grew up moving through those back lots and film locations across the country, spending time around the costume and makeup departments, where an early appreciation for textiles, materials, and detail quietly took shape. It was there that I observed how entire environments—and the smallest finishing touches—were imagined and brought to life.
That early exposure shaped not only my aesthetic, but also my deep love of collecting—finding beauty in objects that carry a sense of history, story, and soul.
What stayed with me was never the idea of glamour, but a deep respect for the work behind it—the craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and the care that went into creating something meaningful. That perspective continues to shape how I see, design, and select each piece in my shop today.
Over the years, that foundation grew into a passion for creating original designs across home, office, and special events—from intimate gatherings to weddings and seasonal décor. My work has always been rooted in the same principles I learned early on—attention to detail, thoughtful composition, and an understanding of how individual elements come together to create something memorable.
I’ve always been drawn to materials that carry meaning, texture, and a sense of story—elements that feel both timeless and personal.
The pieces in my shop reflect designs created over time, incorporating natural, antique, and vintage elements gathered over my lifetime and that of my family—materials chosen for their beauty, history, and potential to become something new.
My love of history was shaped early on, watching how authentic details were preserved and recreated for film—from the careful reproduction of Civil War buttons to the painstaking process of recreating antique wallpapers from original fragments. Those experiences continue to influence how I design and create each piece, with a deep respect for craftsmanship and detail.
The pieces in my shop are original designs, created using natural, antique, and vintage elements—each one thoughtfully composed for its beauty, texture, and ability to bring something meaningful to your home, events, or creative work.
You’ll find a thoughtfully created collection of original designs, incorporating natural, antique, and vintage elements—from pressed leaves and botanicals to millinery, textiles, and decorative details—each piece carefully composed to bring beauty, texture, and a sense of story to both everyday spaces and special occasions.
Many of these designs draw inspiration from materials with a long history in film, theater, and the decorative arts—adding another layer of meaning to each piece.
Designed and created under my maiden name, Katherine Leonardi—a name I have used throughout my life in my creative work.
I also operate Etsy Shop Katherinesatelier be sure to check it out!
