Mare Viva, a handmade bottle bag, is a product associated with the vitality of a marine environment. It symbolises the beauty of the natural features of the island of Lošinj and promotes care for the environment, while also providing a practical solution for carrying water during long walks across the island. The bag is made using macramé, and it is decorated with a Josephine knot, which is very similar to the sailing knots that can be seen on the Lošinj lugger called Nerezinac.
The name Mare Viva is a combination of two words, i.e., mare, the Italian word for ‘the sea’, which symbolises the walkways along the sea, and viva, which highlights the sense of vitality and drinking water as a source of life, making a reference to the drinking water from the Vransko Lake, a water source supplying the islands of Cres and Lošinj.
Mare Viva bottle bags are made from 100% recycled cotton rope, and they are designed in such a way that any bottle (up to 750 ml) can fit perfectly in the bag.
After retiring, Vesna, a salesperson by occupation, finally found more time for handicraft, and very soon discovered that it has a truly relaxing and calming effect on her. As is the case with most other small producers, she made the first objects for herself, her family members and friends. It was not long after that the first orders started arriving as well, so she opened a household-based handicraft business in 2022. Together with Lara, her daughter-in-law, Vesna makes crochet and macramé bags, baskets, jewellery, and other decorative items. On social networks, they are a well-known duo that goes by the name of Špaga & Petlja.
Macramé is the art of tying knots dating back to ancient times when it was used for various purposes. Macramé can be used to make various decorative as well as useful objects. The technique is performed only by hand (i.e., there are no machines for macramé production), which renders each piece wholly unique. Macramé primarily consists of knotting, knitting and weaving threads in order to form different patterns and textures, which enables the creation of a strong yet flexible structure that supports the bottle as well as ensures a safe and comfortable transport while being carried. The bag comes in various colours with an adjustable strap.
