Featured in Boston Globe Sidekick

Sidekick

8/20/07

Shopping Tip of the Day

Creating a Masterpurse

Thanks to Joann Pittelli, owning a Raphael, Degas, or Van Gogh is in the bag. The Wayland graphic designer’s black satin Masterpurses each feature a framed image of a famous painting; the image is printed on fine art paper, embellished with paint, beads, crystals, fabrics, and feathers, and sealed with resin. Like the master painters, Pittelli – who attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and was an art director for Liz Claiborne, Revlon, and L’Oreal – signs each of her limited-edition bags. Custom orders are available, so don’t be shy about asking for your favorite masterpiece. Purses are also for sale every Sunday at the South End Open Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 28 (540 Harrison Ave.). Price: $149. 781-258-0044. masterpurses.com [J.W.]

(By June Wulff/Globe staff)