Saturday 28 February 2015

Shop : The Silk Road

The Silk Road: Online Shop of World Treasures
Mirrored Cushion/pillow from the Desert Collection

Tharu Spike Necklace,  Yak Bells and Camel Tassles

The Silk Roads on-line store opening last month was eagerly anticipated by all their Instagram followers. The store owned by friends Lou and Rachel is full of beautiful, and very reasonably priced, bounty from their many travels abroad.

On my first visit to the Silk Road I bagged myself a pair of beautiful Om spoons that were handcrafted by metal work artisans of Patan, Nepal and a really stunning Tharu Spike collar (I had wanted one of these for ages) and I am already have my eye on some of the beautiful textiles, especially the Rann of Kutch Wall Hanging.... so hands off! :)

Rachel is currently wowing instagram followers of her travel in Iran with her daughter Luna and her beautiful pregnant bump........  and giving me major wanderlust!... and awe.... walking to the corner shop was a mission when I was pregnant!

 I cant wait to see what global treasures she comes home with.

I urge you to check out the Silk Road for yourselves here



Bohemian Children's textiles

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Bathroom: Blue, White and Green

Blue and white bathroom.  photography Studio Oink
Anne Potters bathroom via Design Sponge
Dark Blue walls and house plants
Isn't this combination of Blue, White and copious amounts of houseplants great? I would have thought that dark blue was a bit too.... dark... for a bathroom but it actually work really well doesn't it?

This would work perfectly in my little bathroom and would only cost the price of a pot of paint. I also  really like the copper and terracotta pots in the second picture, they works really well with the petrol blue.

If like me you would like a bathroom update, a can of paint can do wonders! Visit my Bathroom Guide here for more quickfix Bathroom update ideas.

Tuesday 24 February 2015

'My Nest' Amy Symonds


This fortnights 'My Nest' is the Home of Galaxy Mountain Mama Amy Symonds. This home is another I have been drooling over on Instagram (calamitypasstradingco)for some time and I was so pleased Amy agreed to take part..... SO here are her 10 questions


Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

We live in an isolated cabin in the Colorado Rocky Mountains within a few miles of the Wyoming/Colorado border.

I am a wife, a mother, an artist.  I am the owner of Calamity Pass Trading Company where I make, curate and sell a rugged collection of western jewelry, bags, painted animal skulls and vintage goods, mostly online.

What attracted you to your current home

Oh soooo many things!! 

I grew up at a remote abandoned rock mine only about two miles from this cabin.  So when we first looked at it, I immediately felt I had come somewhat full circle.  It had the exact same unbelievable mountainous view from the living room window as my childhood living room had, and it had the same smell of sagebrush mixed in the wind.  It gave me the same feeling of soul stirring happiness that I had as a kid watching the circling hawks above the aspen trees that fluttered against the blue sky.  

In essence, This property gives me the same sense of freedom I have always had throughout my life, to run wild, to live outside of society and live close to nature instead.

Beyond emotion though, we loved the fact that with just a few adjustments, the cabin could go completely off (or on) the grid. This was an important aspect for my crazy-ass prepper husband!

I loved the skylights, the lofts and the sunshine.

I have always loved living in the woods, in places that were alternative and special. Like a crazy little cabin with a bathtub in the kitchen- or an antique railroad caboose with a hand made oil-drum wood-stove and a crooked porch. Places that have history and character….aaaand usually involved freezing treks to an outhouse.   I love that this property has that same pioneer feeling, as it is an historical mountain logging camp from the 1800’s. There are two very old homestead cabins in great shape on the property that we have been fixing up to accommodate guests.  The cabins are awesome, rugged, preserved relics of the American Wild West and are probably my favorite aspect of the property.  Aaaand yes, there is an outhouse (with a badass view!).
We also really liked that it is 23 acres surrounded by national forest and the independent lifestyle that kind of location can accommodate. I want a greenhouse, some more dogs, a sauna -and we’ll see about chickens!

How long have you lived there/ will you live there?

We have only lived here for about three months!  I plan to live here forever….forever!!!
 

What is your favorite/ most treasured item?

My most treasured item is a collection of my sister’s paintings.  They capture everything pagan and renegade we felt as girls growing up in the wild, and also encompass everything we dream to be as powerful, magical, earthy women. They add such contrasting element to my home with their striking colors and masterful textures against the logs.  They are very far away from the predictable elk-herd-western-landscape artwork you would usually find showcased in this style of home.





Where do you buy most of your furnishings

I have been trying not to buy, but instead, purge!  I collected so much stuff over the years from the attics of old local barns, things dug from forgotten dumps on ranches. I scavenged from Wyoming thrift stores and roadside yard sales on forgotten highways. Such cool stuff but I am so ready to simplify!

 Its been really freeing to actually edit and I’ve found an appreciation for how an emptier space can accent what you love- more than just cramming in more of what you love!  What I really love is: things from nature and relics that tell of western history with a little gypsy mama mixed in….old tiny bottles, an interesting tree stump as a coffee table,  found hellish looking cow skulls, a good beat up leather chair with handmade tapestry or piece of fur tossed into it’s lap.  I love letting the simple, aged architecture and weathering of the cabins be the focus, along with the view and the rugged surroundings of where we are.
 I have shopped, though! Not gonna lie! For key pieces.  It’s important to realize the long term value in investing in these and try not to second-guess it.  I try to buy from my favorite artists and avoid the manufactured crap that doesn’t add any soul to any space.  I’ve actually found so many amazing artists on instagram…I love the connections with others made possible there and the one of a kind creations I have been able to bring into my new home.

How would you describe your style?

 Galaxy Mountain Mama meets Rustic Bonfire Tramp meets Rogue Gypsy Queen. Ha! I don’t even know! But I guess that’s what I hope it is.


What or who inspires your home style and decision making when buying a new piece? 

I do it sometimes, but buying an actual new piece is very hard for me…like a couch or bedding, or whatever.  I’m more inspired when I can design from what I already have or something I can re-purpose.  It’s like an innovative two part puzzle of collecting things and then figuring out how and where to use them.   If you gave me an empty room, a huge budget and sent me to Ikea, I would have a decision–making, over-analyzing melt down!!


What and Where would be your dream home?

This is definitely it. Except I would have preferred old square logs instead of round in our new (to us) home (finicky bitch)…and…. I  kinda really wish there was a natural hot springs on the mountainside. Not much to complain about though! I feel very blessed to be here.

What was the last item you brought?

  We just bought a huge buffalo (head) mount for our living room. (remember I was justifying…for myself…investing in key items) It was a big decision.  It was hand made by an artist I know.  The area we live in was nicknamed the “Bullpen” by the Ute Indians who used to summer here.  They would come each year to harvest from the abundant buffalo herd that ascended to this high mountain plateau every year.  So I thought it was an iconic, spiritual, beautiful piece to add to our home. 


Any wish list items?

Yes! That Hot Springs! And as soon as it warms up I will be working on campfire circles for each cabin.   I think this will be one of the most fun projects I have in mind.  I am also hoping I will find the perfect spot for our Tipi and…. that’s where you’ll find me this summer!
A massive Thank You to Amy for showing us her beautiful cabin and taking the time to answer the 10 questions. 

If you have or know of a beautiful home that you think Moon to Moon readers would love please
#mynestmoontomoon on instagram or email me at moontomoon@live.co.uk
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Sunday 22 February 2015

Healing Spaces....

South African retreat
Mark Borthwicks Brooklyn Pad

Eames House
Bohemian Bedroom
Jeffery Bale
Healing Tent

This weekend my mind has been completely consumed with my upcoming surgery .... tomorrow afternoon. Eeek!

I am not allowed to move for a whole 2 weeks..... sounds awful, but being a full time mum I am actually really looking forward to having time to read and relax (that is if I am not in too much pain....eeek!) whilst my partner takes time out of work to look after Alex.

I have of course been day dreaming of places I would love to spend those two weeks and any of the above, or a beech in India/Thailand/Hawaii would be ideal :)

If you were to have two weeks with limited mobility where would you like to spend it?

xx Gabi xx


Friday 20 February 2015

Nursery Style Guide...

Nursery



When I was pregnant I was so excited about creating a cool nursery that he would love. I was however more aware of what i didn't want than what i did. However it seems that If you arent a fan of sickly sweet baby blue or pink or Disney then you are a bit screwed when it comes to finding your baby furnishings..... especially if trying to stick to a budget! I also found out that as soon as a chest of drawers became a 'nursery chest of drawers' it became 2x the price of a regular one.....

Inspired by the images above I chose to create a unisex eclectic nursery. I decided to buy the crib, storage and furnishings second hand and found some amazing bargains on eBay including my crib. What I created was a really cool bright and cheery nursery....

For the 4th in my eBay guides I have written about how to create a bright nursery perfect for creative and imaginative play that wont blow your budget.... 

One of my favourite items is this great Toadstool lamp....

Hieco Toadstool lamp


Wednesday 18 February 2015

The home of.... Holly and Stephen



I love this London apartment tour from The Selby's archives. What I really love is that Marigold kitchen wall. I could do with a bit of sunshine yellow to counteract the overcast grey British sky!

Saturday 14 February 2015

Tranquility and Tilework....

Tranquil: Black and White tilework
Trapani Midnight Tile By Villa Lagoon Tile
Antique hand painted Tiles

I rarely get moments of stillness these days. Life with an 8 month old is pretty hectic, even when Alex is asleep I am always 'on duty', like a sleeping lion ready to pounce.

On Thursday I got my moment of calm reflection whilst sat in a coffee shop. It was a coffee shop I had been in a zillion times before with my sister, but this time it was empty and I was alone (with Alex asleep in his pushchair) . I had one of those really rare beautiful moments where the winter sun streams through the window, showing the little dust particles dancing and warming my face......... In an instant I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes, embracing the soothing orange light and felt so tranquil.

As I opened my eyes they were drawn to the floor. How had never noticed the beautiful terracotta tiles before?

I have taken it as a sign. I need to slow down and take time to sit and be still and cherish the smaller details.I don't need to be super mum, the best blogger, or have a perfectly tidy home. I just need to relax and enjoy these precious moments ....

The coffee shop tiles..... excuse the poor photo :)

Thursday 12 February 2015

Artisan: Facture Goods...

Facture Goods: Handcrafted Wooden Spoons
Walnut measuring Spoons
Cherry Bow Tie Chopping board

Artisan...... Until I began the series for eBay I had never really featured many 'products'... don't ask why... its not like i don't spend a lot of time looking at them!...... The eBay Guides are proving really popular and I have received some really positive feedback so I thought I would counteract working with 'the big boys', with some posts on Artisans and shops that sell only Handmade or on a smaller scale.

So in the first , of probably many, posts in this new series, I would like to introduce Facture Goods. I spotted Facture Goods on Instagram a little while ago and was really impressed by Aron's beautiful handcrafted pieces and the passion that goes into every piece. I for one am particularly in love with his Walnut Measuring Spoons!

To see more of Aron's beautiful work visit his online store here






Tuesday 10 February 2015

'My Nest' ... Andrea from Gypsy Yaya


cat

Our family "nest" that we set up for lounging and movie watching together.

For the Third part in The 'My Nest' series we are off to Houston, Texas to the home of Andrea from Gypsy Yaya blog. This beautiful home is full to the brim with beautiful textiles and great vintage finds, not to mention that beautiful red Sofa!!


1) Where do you live and what do you do for a living? 
I live in Houston, Texas in a 1970's era townhouse with my husband, our baby daughter, one sweet dog, two sassy cats and a parakeet. I spend most of my time being Mamma to a very busy 15 month old, blogging at GypsyYaya and hawking my vintage wares in my Etsy shop. My husband {who works from home} and I do a lot of DIY-ing and are striving to be as self sufficient as possible in our little urban homestead so that we are able to live comfortably on his full time income.
 
2) What attracted you to your current home?
Houston has a very limited selection of older/historical homes with character and soul. Especially when it comes to renting. We were just looking for anything at all that had some quirky or interesting design elements rather than the usual new beige box apartments. 
Our 70's pad has {painted} diagonal natural wood accent walls, wood floors, a very 70's floor plan, little built-in shelves, a private brick patio and a balcony off the master bedroom. All of which suits my design aesthetic perfectly and allows for a little green thumbing. It's about as groovy as it gets in Houston with our current budget. 
 
3) How long have you lived there/ will you live there?
Well, when we first moved here from New Orleans we only planned to live here for a year. Then along came baby. Now here we are into our third year. I have finally started to tackle projects that I previously ignored because I thought we weren't staying long. We ultimately would love to buy a house somewhere near Houston where we can get our garden on and I can have completely free reign with the interior. I'm sure that opportunity will present itself as soon as I "finish" this place. I bloom where I'm planted, then I uproot and bloom where I'm planted again. It's a vicious but very fun cycle. 
 
4) What is your favorite/ most treasured item?
It's hard to pick! I just love old things, they have so much soul to them. My red velvet vintage couch is probably at the top of my list, closely followed by my peacock chair that my Mom bought us as a wedding gift. I love anything vintage, artful or handmade! Oh and my plants. I love my plants. When my daughter first learned to wave, she waved at us, the animals and also the plants. 

5) Where do you buy most of your furnishings and accessories?
I am a thrift store addict through and through. Also garage sales, estate sales, flea markets...I love the hunt! I'm not above the occasional curbside/dumpster find either. Some of my coolest pieces have been found that way! Etsy and Ebay are old friends too.  

6) How would you describe your style?
It depends on the room! Bohemian always. Global & Vintage always. 
My main living areas are usually very hippy, 70's, modern/ surf shack/ jungle. My bedroom is Southwest meets Olde New Orleans Bordello with a touch of opium den. When my daughter has her own room I want it to be bright colored, vintage Scandinavian/whimsical wonderland. I'm all over the place haha!  

7) What/who inspires your home style / decision making when buying a new piece?
I like things that tell a story. Old pieces with age, that were made better than things are now. Things brought back from far flung corners of the globe. Items of quality that will last another 50 years or more. Things handmade with love always capture my heart as well. If an item has all of these qualities combined, well I'm smitten.

8) What/ where would be your dream home?
I have multiple dream home scenarios. A 200 year old grand and a bit decrepit home near the French Quarter in New Orleans. A tiny magic cottage in the forest. A vintage A-Frame near the beach. Traveling all over the Americas in a vintage air-stream with my little family. 
In real life it will probably be an older home in the Texas Hill Country in need of some restoration on a huge lot so I can garden into madness.

9) What was the last item you bought?
I just bought a darling vintage chair upholstered in an Indian print linen. It has bamboo styled wood legs and arms and it was $22. I adore it. Perks of having a Mother who also loves vintage and knows your style perfectly. She found it at a local thrift shop and alerted me immediately.  

10 ) Any wish list items?
 My current wish list is all things I hope to come across in a thrift store for next to nothing. Or free on the side of the road. A mid-century credenza for under my TV with space for all my husbands techie components inside. A vintage leather chair with nail head trim for his office. A vintage dining table and chairs {that don't have to match} And a giant kilim rug. Some large scale modern 70's art. A Hoya plant. And a gypsy caravan.