desert tribal

These days I want pattern. Heaps of pattern. But not dignified, perfect made-by-a-machine pattern. I want dots, but not perfectly formed round polka dots. Yesterdays geometry in a more organic format. Chevron re-thought.  I want mud cloth from Africa and rugs based on southwestern Native American designs. It's about to get tribal, lovelies.

I started a link folder a few months ago titled tribal, and when I opened it today it contained almost a hundred links :) So lets break this into a couple of posts, shall we?


on the menu for today: desert tribal

 

If I'm being honest, it's not just the pattern here that appeals to me - it's the handmade aspect, a merging of natural elements and aesthetics's, a respect for the materials involved, a sense of spirituality. Something more than just a pretty room.

 

I know. Almost too much to take in, isn't it? Are you feeling as connected to this as I am? On friday I will post the rest of it, pop by and share in the beauty. am x





(I know some of the patterns involved in these items are sacred to Native Americans, and I apologize if you are offended by their use here. Please know we are simply appreciating a small part of the beauty of your culture.)

feather arrowheads   room  Pastel Arrows  painted driftwood  Matthew Williamson Rug navajo rug fabric fabric 2 cavern wallpaper nook navajo dhurrie vintage textiles Marcia Smith art Anna Montiel art basket wall fringe pouch  window display freepeople outfit bag stamp set clutch lokahi print toms arrow pebbles arrows art print arrow fabric art flower fringe wall fringe banners

minty is open

The online Minty shop is open! You might want to head over there, they've got things like this....

I would like one of everything! You? Happy Shopping :)

am x

yay or nay: bedside desk

Between gigantic mattresses, a box spring and a bed frame, most of us are sleeping at a fair height these days.  Bedside tables, for some reason, have not increased in height. So it seems natural that everyone has begun using console tables and dressers as nightstands. But something I'm seeing more and more is a desk tucked in neatly beside the bed.

Do you like this look? Would this function well as an actual workspace in a small home?  Could you mix business and rest? I think I'd be staring at my files instead on sleeping! It would work nicely as a dressing table, though..... what do you think - yay or nay?




photo links: pink+green  lucite desk  yellow+ikea  white+oriental  white on white  white+blush  french +black  yellow + linen  neutral cottage  domino  black+antique  neutral+deco  blonde wood +blue  grey+white  elle decor yellow+black

walls of flowers

Couldn't stop thinking about these pretty flowers after I pinned them...

wishing some of those, or these, would magically bloom across a wall around here....

Want to make some? here's a fabric diy and a paper diy that look simple enough for a sunday afternoon...

Having some of the family up for Miss N's bday - that's as good an excuse as any to cover your walls in flowers, isn't it?!!  Have a great weekend!   x am





Photo links:  Satin Flowers polymer wall sculptures  grey orange peony pearl+paper flowers  saucer flowers white roses  

winner, winner, chicken dinner..

A good thursday morning to you :) Just wanted to post the winner of the Miss Fluff giveaway - there was list making involved because you were so sweet and followed her on twitter and Facebook, and the winner is....

congrats Jessica! Hope you'll post some pics of you wearing it on The Aestate! Off to do some shopping with a client in the big smoke - have great day all - x

a day in the life: thrifting, styling and photo editing

What you choose to do with your precious days off really reflect the person you are, don't they? Yesterday, I went out thrifting. There is nothing like poking around in a dusty shop full of vintage loveliness to make my heart sing! I haven't been out in ages, and I found a bunch of small things for the house as well as some pieces for a friend who is moving and needs a bit of staging done prior to listing her home.

Our bedroom is in flux mode right now - on the weekend we moved our bed frame to the guest room, because I am going to make a new upholstered version - pics will follow :) I'm planning a to incorperate "dressing cabinet", to store and display my favourite accessories, and so need a few bits for jewelry display. Enter this charming little tiered - tray brass and laquer number - perfect for the jewelry I'm wearing everyday. As you can see, it's already settled into it's new home...

I bought it, brought it home, and immediately cleaned it, styled up this little display and took photos!
Please tell me I'm not the only one :)  x am

kantha quilt madness

I'm all for items that are repurposed and the proceeds of which go to a good cause. I'm also a big fan of one-of-a-kind. This is one of the reasons I've been trying to convince the mister that a kantha quilt, although begin technically "used" could live at the end of our bed as a throw. Kantha quilts are made from several layers of sari's, usually as a cottage industry by women who are not allowed to work, and so providing means to an income. There's heaps of them on ebay....

They are usually under a hundred dollars on ebay, which I think is very reasonable for all the work involved. SO, what's the madness? Urban Outfitters has begun offering these on their site for $279.00 !!!

What is up with that? I know these guys have to cover retail costs, but still, seems bit excessive, no? I know where I'll be shopping... x am

(don't forget to enter the giveaway for the tribal cuff bracelet - it's only open til thursday - x )