Living Art

I have become obsessed with mini succulent gardens over the past year. To me they look other worldly and I love watching them change and take on a life of their own. They are also very easy to care for, requiring little watering and maintenance. Annie Mueller of A New Leaf Studio, located downtown on Spring Street, makes beautiful planters for terraces or yards (she also makes beautiful floral arrangements of you ever need them). This is one of her planters shown. I was completely amazed by her installation at the Charleston Garden Festival (in which she also used succulents). Check out her entire process and finished product here.

Magic Carpet Deux

This vintage Beni Mguild carpet is another style of moroccan carpet ~ woven in hand spun sheeps wool.

Magic Carpet

These Beni Ouarain are extremely authentic Moroccan rugs made by Berber tribes called Beni Ouarain in the center of Morocco. The Beni Ouarain tribe are famous for their cream and brown rugs. They are made with 100% beautifully soft and supple wool. The highest quality being supple enough to wrap round you. If you pay close attention, you will likely notice them in most decorating magazines. they are so paifully beautiful. A tip I stole from another Beni Ouarain carpet lover is to turn them over int he summer for a more crisp look. They range in age, but these are from around 1940.

Christmas Tree Bottoms

This "fallen feathers tree skirt" , available through Anthropologie ($168) is tres bohemian and has beautiful colors. Who would have thought to use teal, lime green, cream, and gold for a Christmas decoration. It's genius! I tell ya...those Anthropologie designers. And as they subtly point out in their text, the color combination is the perfect solution for hiding the oodles of fallen needles.

Tickle Your Fancy

This hand crafted collection by Schumacher is made with all natural feathers....yes, feathers....for your wall....it's amazing and I love it.

The collection: Nest The top photo: Clearwater The Bottom: Cascadia

Ooh la Lady

Rachel Jode makes these beautiful wallpapers. The designs are subtly constructed completely of pictures of women. Sounds a bit crazy but the results are beautiful.

Wall Candy

Oh fashion...why do you tempt us so. With things in, then out, then in again. It is pure consumerism but I am completely jumping on the band wagon. Who can blame me with these retro-meets-bohemian vintage inspired wallpapers. They are to die for and I could list dozens here, but there is not enough room and these two stood out the most. First~ Peonie shown through Walnut Wallpaper. And second but not least~ Kaleido by Jocelyn Warner . She also creates lamp shades that duplicate her wallpapers. I am sure you will love perusing these sites!

Just Breathe

Antiques of the Indies, previously on Wentworth and King, just opened a consolidated larger store in the ultra fabulous space that was previously Metropolitan Deluxe. I couldn't help but pop in as I glanced it walking by, and had a great conversation with one of the owners, Ann Sillman who hand picks the pieces from all of the best places; India, Africa, the Caribbean Islands, "and beyond". Not only was she wonderful, but while visiting I spotted this meditation chair that is bound to change one's outlook on life. Also a fabulous stop for unique African inspired jewelry at great prices.

The Ultimate Umbrella

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is this three tiered white umbrella with gold accents from World Market ($78). I really promise to try to be good next year. Oh...and a red wagon.

Love,

Anna

Another Something Gold

The blog should maybe be titled GOLD instead of Musings. Most of the things I seem to feature have at least gold accents. Isn't this gorgeous though? It is described as the "purposely off center" brass vase and is available through Vivre (which...is website you just have to checkout...everything on it is drool worthy but some is very expensive). This vase is a tad pricey at $175, but, I like it so here it is.

Bohemian Pillow Zest

These pillows by Koko are just a few amongst a whole website of items that are a bohemian girl's dream. Tres chic rice and bazaar inspired pillows, bedding, indoor/outdoor rugs, and adorable kids toys adorn the whole site. Pillows range from $40 up (the $40 white cotton, tie enclosure sham is also beautiful). It is always best to add the most color with the smallest things and the site explodes with color the moment you visit it.

Gasp! Soukotyssu Light

Oh my. I just love this light. Providing a huge punch in a dainty package, it would be impossible not to have the perfect spot for this Turkish Lamp. It is hand made and cast points of light in it's surrounding space. For something so unique, it is reasonable priced at $115 and is easy to find online....just google Soukotyssu.

My Fave Tiles

These lovely, hand made Aguayo tiles are made in the Dominican Republic and follow the techniques originally introduced by the Arabs throughout the Iberian Peninsula during the eighteenth century. I think they are completely delicious and would love to put them anywhere in my house. The technique they use is so authentic, the tiles have been used in the restoration of many historical sites in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Colonial City, and the Dominican Republic! They are made of cement, sand, powdered marble, and mineral pigments and are often laid as a mosaic to create full beautiful patterns. They seem to be having issues with their website, but they are available locally through Complements Tile and Ceramics in Mt Pleasant.

Papaya! and artist Anahata Katkin

I am obsessed with this artist, Anahata Katkin, who creates dreamlike paintings, collages, art journals (basically collages), and digital prints, but tragically does not sell any of her original work (weep). Luckily for all of us, she has a line called Papaya! which is a collection of absolutely stunning stationary, magnets, journals, cards, posters, small canvas giclee's, office supplies, and other paper goodies, that display her digital work and that you can purchase for amazingly reasonable prices through Papaya! or locally at Celedon. It is definitely better to view these in person- the colors and glitter (yes, glitter) do not show as well online. Oh, also, she has really great holiday cards that I highly recommend and will definitely be sending out myself this year.