This post is about a few of the inspiring, creative people I've met through blogging...
I first discovered Kymberley Fraser of Three Fine Grains through our mutual friend, Gina Milne of Willow Decor. Gina and I share a love for antique textiles and one of my favorite Willow Decor posts was about Kymberley's gorgeous antique textile pillows and furniture.
image by Lu Tapp Photography
I became an instant fan, even before I found out that Kymberley also has a passion for antique vellum books...
Then last year Kymberley opened A Beautiful Mess, a wonderful antique boutique in Agoura Hills, Ca. Since my first visit, where I found my "chicken cabinet", A Beautiful Mess has become one of my favorite resources.
Over the past year, Kymberley and I have become friends, sharing our design, shop keeping and parenting experiences (aka juggling) with each other.
Me and Kymberley at Remnants of the Past
During a recent conversation, Kymberley told me that she and the other A Beautiful Mess vendors are celebrating their one year anniversary. In honor of this milestone, they want to thank their customers by having a 6 week giveaway, featuring a different vendor each week!
This week's giveaway is unbelievable: a pair of 3 Fine Grains pillows created from authentic German grainsacks.
This first giveaway ends this Sunday. Please visit the "A Beautiful Mess Blog" for details.
Congratulations to all of the talented artists at A Beautiful Mess. I have no doubt that you will have continued success in year 2!
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A couple of weeks ago, Maxine Kaye sent me an email introducing me to the non-profit organization that she recently launched. The Bootstrap Project gives artisans around the world an opportunity to promote and retain centuries-old crasfts and customs and support themselves by selling their products.
Here are some of my favorite products and a little information about the artisans who create them...
Raphael Nyange lives in Luangwa, a fishing village in Zambia.
Raphael hopes to sell his baskets to raise enough money to build a home with a permanent roof for his family to keep them warm and dry during the rainy season.
Robiya Qayumova from Kanibadam, Tajikistan and her daughters make the gorgeous ikat pillows on the couch in the last image.
Rose Phiri is a crochet artist from Lusaka, Zambia.
Rose creates these beautiful one of a kind table cloths.
To see more one of a kind products created by the Bootstrap artists please visit The Bootstrap Project website.
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Finally, during my visit to Monika's Splendid Willow I fell inlove with the Jarbo line of clothing that she recently added in her shop, Splendid Willow Avenue.
If you are like me, always looking for casual yet elegant pieces, I think you'll love Jarbo too!
Congratulation Mon, on the expansion of your shop, Splendid Willow Avenue!
I hope you are as inspired by these creative, positive people as I am.
Have a wonderful weekend.
xo
Brooke
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