Beautiful Shelves....

Via Montmatre

Collectors shelving

Indian Shelf, from eBay (sadly sold!)

A collaboration: Mother Mountain Herbals and The Radder

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I was so excited when I saw a little sneak peak of Stina from Mother Mountain Herbals and Sherise  from The Radder were joining forces to create limited edition set. I have been a big fan of both ladies and their work for a while so a collaboration is very exciting!!! I was even more excited when Stina and Sherise agreed for Moon to Moon to get the exclusive sneak peak coverage to share with you guys before they go on sale tonight , in time for the Harvest Full Moon.....

So I asked Stina to tell Moon to Moon a little bit more about the collaboration and their inspiration.....

"Like a lot of women I know, Sherise and I met on Instagram. It's been a great platform for making friends near and far. Initially we really connected with each other's aesthetic, but then became email buddies. She was posting some of her ceramics under the hashtag #softsunsets and I fell in love with her work. I asked if she wanted to do a collaboration with me for some new products I'm launching, so she created the little mask mixing dishes. We haven't discussed making more sets yet, but that could definitely be a possibility! I think it would be fun to do something seasonally."

So, what does the set include ?...

A collaborative skin care set to delight the senses. Includes Lavender Milk Mask, Beltane Facial Nectar, and 1 gorgeous handmade ceramic dish by Sherise Lee of The Radder.

LAVENDER MILK MASK
A brand spanking new MMH product! Skin softening coconut milk comes together with soothing lavender flower powder for an exquisitely rich and moisturizing botanical face mask. A touch of hand foraged violet leaf and USA made bentonite clay make this a wonderfully gentle tonic for skin that needs a bit of TLC. This is a hydrating mask that is suitable for all skin types. Essential Oil Free. 2oz glass jar. 

Ingredients: Coconut Milk Powder, Organic Lavender Flower Powder, Hand-foraged Violet Leaf Powder, Florida homegrown Butterfly Flower Powder, USA made bentonite clay. 

BELTANE FACIAL NECTAR
An energetic and skin softening toning mist inspired by the celebration of love, abundance, and the flowering of life. Homegrown hibiscus, marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, and artisan distilled rose hydrosol swirl together in a joyful expression of renewed life. Featuring One Willow Apothecaries' Daffodil Flower essence to help banish dark thoughts, balance the emotions, and to invite the sweet weightlessness of joyful living. Mist your face after cleansing or anytime you need skin and energetic refreshment. Essential Oil free. 2 oz glass atomizer bottle. 

THE RADDER MASK MIXING DISH
A gorgeous hand forged ceramic dish crafted by Sherise Lee of The Radder. Glazed with beautiful soft pink, blue-violet, and milky washes of white. Perfect for mixing masks or displaying tiny trinkets and jewelry.

These stunning kits are going live this evening but are super limited to 4 so be quick !!!! 

Lucy Mitchel : Peace Piece

Peace Piece by Lucy Mitchel

How cool are these 'Peace Piece's' from Los Angeles based artist and Jewellery maker Lucy Mitchel?

They are the perfect vase, awesome with or without flowers in....

For more of Lucy's work check out her online shop or Instagram

Current Obsession: Haptic Lab's Constellation Quilt

I really, really love this Constellation Quilt from Haptic lab that I found over at Sparton Shop. It would be awesome as a quilt on the bed or as a wall hanging.

The 100% cotton 60" quilt features embroidered gold stars in the October night sky at around the 40th parallel in the Northern Hemisphere, Tiny French knots are used to render the Milky Way as a tactile field that crosses the quilt design in a sweeping diagonal. 

The quilt is handmade in Brooklyn. 

Current Obsession: Wallpaper from Renn Designs

Big Cat Wallpaper from Renn Designs

Last week I discovered Chantal Renn from Renn Designs and her quite frankly magical children's wallpaper designed to 'inspire young minds' . The above wallpaper is called 'Big cats' and although I agree it is perfect for a child's room, I can also see this in an 'adult room'... I would love this in my bathroom!!!

With more wallpapers on the way, Chantal is certainly one to look out for...

Renn Designs: Northern Lights Wallpaper

Current Obsession :Heidi Anderson's Ceramic Totems

Heidi Anderson's Ceramic Totems

I came across these little Totem guys and gals by ceramic artist Heidi Anderson on The Radder's Instagram feed and just had to share. I particularly (and predicatbly) love the totems with the Moon above their heads....and they sit firmly at the top of my wish list...

" I make ceramic agateware pottery vases, planters, and sculptures that are inspired by the pottery and art of the southwest, as well as folk art of different cultures around the world. My approach is informed by my back ground in painting in the way I create designs with a method called agateware, in which different clays are combined and shaped into patterns and designs that are inlayed into the clay.
My art is informed by my appreciation of forms found in nature, geometric shapes, and the hand hewn in methods of craft. I am inspired by the many possibilities that working with clay offers and the endless ways it guides my imagination."


Heidi's Totems are available  online via The Radder.and yes, they ship Internationally, I have already checked :)

Organic Raw Chocolate from Launette....

Through blogging I have 'met' some truly awesome and inspiring people, and I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support I have received from people I have never met..

... one of these lovely people is Launette, full time mum to 6 month old twin boys, part time DJ, and raw Choclatier.. phew....what a woman!!!

I have been feeling a little run down over the last few months and recognizing a fellow mum in need launette sent me some of her yummy Organic Raw chocolate...

"Hand crafted organic raw chocolate.... made with Ecuadorian beans, Stone ground for 2 days, Sweetened with Mesquite, a Peruvian pod - naturally low GI and Mineral rich.... "

.... is it good? ... Well it didn't last a minute after this photo was taken... so yes, absolutely!!!

If you are needing a gift for a loved one or a little pick me up for yourself I totally recommend

Launette is on Instagram here

You can also check out her 2012 home tour on Moon to Moon here

Interview with Stina from Mother Mountain Herbals......

Mother Mountain Herbals: Psychic Eye Herbal tea

Today on Moon to Moon I am super proud to be chatting with Stina from Mother Mountain Herbals, an Independant Herbal tea and beauty product maker from North Carolina.  The combination of extremely covetable packaging and seriously fabulous teas has seen Mother Mountain Herbals shooting to success all in Stina's first year of business!!

So lets find out more.....

       Hi Stina, can you tell Moon to Moon a little about you and what you do?

Hi I'm Stina, the creator and owner of Mother Mountain Herbals. I live in the mountain countryside of Asheville, North Carolina.

        How did you start getting into Herbalism?

Years ago I was living in Los Angeles, suffering from depression, on a career path that was no longer serving me, and longing for a more simple and natural way of living. Any day off I had I would go hiking in the hills and canyons surrounding the sprawling cityscape. I was enamoured with all the magnificent plants that I came across and wondered what uses they had. I started carrying field guides and read Susun Weed's "Healing Wise". It was pretty much a done deal after that. I knew my path was aligning with herbalism.

When did you decide to launch your own range?

After moving to Asheville, I was hired at a coffee shop/bar downtown to create teas and herbal elixirs. I was getting a lot of great feedback from customers and my boss actually encouraged me to make my own business out of it. I finally felt like I had enough self confidence do it- so I worked on my branding for about 8 months and then launched MMH in May of 2015.

Mother Mountain Herbals: Psychic Eye

What inspired you to start mother Mountain herbs and what is the inspiration behind the name?

I obtained a wealth of emotional, spiritual, and physical healing on my path with herbs. One of my goals with MMH is to assist others with the same healing by making it easy and fun to integrate plants into everyday life.

The name Mother Mountain Herbals is inspired by the Townes Van Zandt album "Our Mother the Mountain". I loved the meaning behind the title because I live in the mountains and it is the land here that nurtures me. 

Do you have any herbs that you use on a daily basis?

I really try to stay on top of stinging nettle and oatstraw infusions daily. Drinking them is like taking a multivitamin, but better. Our body assimilates their minerals like food, so we get a lot more nutrition out of them rather than taking a pill. Plus I believe the energies of the plants have benefits as well- opposed to a synthetic, laboratory made vitamin. I also use various mushroom extracts in my daily smoothies and always keep a bottle of skullcap tincture in my purse. 

Do you have a favourite of your products?

That's hard to say! I drink tea and use my beauty products everyday. But I think my favourites are somewhat interchangeable. There's one product that I make and really love that doesn't get as much attention as the others- I'm not sure why! I couldn't live without it. It's the Masa + Honey Face Polish. I'm an exfoliation advocate and that particular scrub is so gentle yet really effective. And it doesn't leave my skin dry. I would buy it even if I didn't make it. 

Here in the UK the weather is cold and there is little sunshine, do you have any recommendations for blends?

When I think of dark days and cold weather, I want to really nourish myself and keep my immune system strong. I would probably be drinking lots of Wild + Weedy Tea and ElderMother Tea. Wild + Weedy contains lots of herbs to strengthen and fortify all systems of the body. I might even make an infusion out of it. ElderMother contains herbs that ward off acute viral illnesses like colds and flus.  I would also be dosing up on good quality cod liver oil. It's one of the best ways to keep optimal vitamin D levels in the winter time. It's the sunshine vitamin! 

Mother Mountain Herbals: Maiden Grey tea

I am a big fan of Earl Grey tea and your Maiden Grey tea is absolutely divine, what was the inspiration behind this blend?

When I first created the teas they were for the coffee shop and I thought we needed some more blends that would appeal to people who might not be into tisanes. I love Earl Grey too- but wanted to create something more feminine, like a flower potion. I think rose, lavender, and jasmine are really dreamy paired with the bergamot in Earl Grey. 

The illustrations and packaging are absolutely wonderful , did you study art or design?

No, I never went to college! But I developed a love for drawing at a very young age. I think I have an old photo of toddler Stina scribbling faces and dogs in a notebook. I've been doodling and painting my whole life, basically. 

What next for Mother Mountain herbals?

Well, I just became a vendor for Urban Outfitters and completed my first order from them. I felt like that was a pretty huge accomplishment in my first year of business.  My partner and I are in the process of purchasing a house with land- which means I can have a new home studio + space to grow herbs for MMH. As soon as I have more room to breath, I can expand my product line. Also- my goal this year is to start writing/illustrating a book about herbs!

For those readers who are interested in learning more about herbalism what would you say would be the best place to start?

The best starting place for me was Susun Weed's book "Healing Wise". It covers some great basics and dives into developing relationships with the plants you're using. Also attending any workshops in your area is fun to too! 

Mother Mountain Herbals: Maiden Grey, Psychic Eye and Mellow Belly

Stina was kind enough to send me some teas to sample and I thoroughly recommend you give them a try. They were so pretty I felt a bit naughty opening them, but I am so glad I did they were all beautifully fragrant and each tasted divine!!

First I tried the Psychic Eye Tea, this is a beautiful blend of refreshing Gotu Kola and Holy Basil mixed with magical mugwort and striking blue cornflower. Stina says 

"This tea assists with receiving information from the spirit realms and facilitates focus and attention outside of time. Enjoy prior to meditation, tarot readings, ritual work, or just before bed to promote vivid dreaming."

 I drank this one when my 19 month old finally settled for his nap to help me relax after the mayhem of my morning, it was beautiful and certainly did the job.

 Next on my list was Maiden Grey. As a long time Earl Grey fan I was really excited to be trying the Maiden Gray tea, I didn't realise my trusty favourite could get any better. 

"A floral and feminine version of the traditional old Earl. This dreamy elixir combines whole jasmine buds, pink rose petals, and aromatic lavender to transform your tea time into something truly flower powerful. Excellent with cream and local honey. Mildly caffeinated with organic black tea"

This tea is so so pretty, and is honestly my new favourite. I discovered Rose tea in China a few years ago and have been an avid fan since, who would have thought the flavors would merge so well with my trusty Earl Grey?.... perfect with a little Honey and almond milk!!

Stina also sent me some Mellow Belly Tea. This remains unopened, not because I am not tempted to rip it open, but because I suffer each month from Stomach troubles so am saving it for then.... I will let you know how i get on....

So will I be buying these teas again? Absolutely......, next time i will be adding some Masa and Honey Face Polish , some Sweet Orange and Patchouli dry shampoo and one of Stinas Hot Cloth cleansing kits to my order (currently sold out)...

So ....

A massive thank you to Stina for taking time out of preparing orders for Urban Outfitters and her store and house hunting to talk to Moon to Moon. I cant wait to see what 2016 brings xxx

I hope you all enjoyed the interview, I am planning many more on Moon to Moon this year

xx

Ceramic Insence holders from IvyIvyIvy

Open palm incense holders from Brooklyn based Ceramic Artist Ivy

How unbelievably cool are these little hands from Ceramic artist IvyIvyIvy?

 An open right hand has around the world been a symbol of protection and for many a symbol of friendship and peace. These beautiful hands come in either a little bowl form  or incense holder. The bowls (below) are perfect for palo santo incense and sage holders, or for your special jewelry. They would also look great grouped together on a wall. The incense holders are a slightly larger version as they have room for the falling incense.

I have one of the beautiful incense holders on delivery and cant wait to use it in my daily incense ritual. I have been looking for a special holder for ages!

Ivy also makes a range of other ceramic pieces, textiles and is a stylist. To view more from Ivy visit her webpage here

Mad Mugs and Vessles from Ivy Ivy Ivy

Etsy Focus: Linen Bedding...

Linen Bedding on Etsy :Linen Tales In Bed

Softened Linen Pillow case : House of Balthic Linen Etsy

I don't know where my obsession with Linen sheets has come from but aren't they just divine? Linen is the perfect material for bedding, it is soft, quick to dry (an essential in the winter for those of us without tumble dryers) and there is no point Ironing it..... it will always be nice and creased :)

The three companies that I am most impressed with on Etsy are : Moo Shop, House of Baltic Linen and Linen Tales in Bed. All three companies are small in size, offering handmade quality items, at prices that match or cheaper than the high street mass produced versions

Linen Duvet cover and Sham set Moo Shop on Etsy

Hats on the Wall.....

Hats on the wall in the the Home of Leah Hoffman

Hat wall in the home of Vanessa of HoneyWood vintage

Hats on the wall: Erin Wasson's Bohemian Venoce Beech home

Hats on the Wall: Free people

Hats on the wall at the fabulous HoneyWood Vintage

It was the bottom image of those beautiful handmade hats at HoneyWood vintage that inspired this post. I have been collecting 'Hats on the wall' images for a while and finally had enough to share. Sadly I am not a hat person, its not that i don't like them I just cant pull one off, however for a non-hat wearer i do have a great collection of Stetsons, floppy 60's hats etc... I also now have a place for my feathered beauties....

Current Obsession: Banners from Secret Holiday Co

You may recognize the 'Be Kind' banner from Sundays House Tour of Rebecca Williams' bohemian  abode.... There was plenty to love about the tour and these banners really caught my eye. I would love one for Alex's room!

These vintage style affirmation banners are hand made by Ashley Brown Durand of Secret Holiday Co. About her work Ashley Says

"I have a soft spot for all things old and historic, especially when it comes to textiles and the handcrafts of women from the late 1800's and early 1900's. When I'm not creating something new, I'm probably rummaging through thrift shops, antique stores, and flea markets, and pouring over books about historic quilts or the Woman's Suffrage Movement. Though I love nature and being outside, I would much prefer to visit a history museum than go for a hike.  

I learned to quilt at a young age, a labor of love that has been passed down by the women in my family for generations. I believe each piece I create is an extension of the first quilt my mother taught me to stitch, and the first that my mother's mother taught her to stitch and so on."

 

South Indian Cow Heads

Sacred Bull of Shiva (Nandi)

My love for these South Indian Bull Heads started some years back when Graham and Green brought out their cow head (bottom image). At the time I was a poor student nurse and could not afford one, now they are sadly discontinued.

I have never really been a big fan of all the real carved cow skulls out there, for me having a real head on the wall is a little morbid, although i can totally appreciate the craftmanship involved. But, these wooden carved Nandi (Sacred Bull of Shiva) heads, painted with their big soulful eyes and big pink noses and ears are really light hearted and fun.... beautiful holy cows!

Current Obsession: Penguin Classics......

Collection: Penguin Classics: Beautiful Vintage Books

I love books organised by colour. I am dyslexic and trying to figure out where a book comes alphabetically is embarrassingly hard work.... i never forget the colour of the jacket!!

Penguin classics did it first.....

Penguin revolutionized the printing press in the 1930's by cheaply producing books by only using a simple three band design. Each of the separate colour covers represents a different genre...

Kaleidoscope Quilt from Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Kaleidoscope Quilt in the Winnebago of Liz Morrow

Urban Outfitters Kaleidoscope Quilt

Kaleidoscope Quilt Urban Outfitters

Have you ever wanted something but not brought it and then really kicked yourself when it went out of the stores? That is exactly what I have done with the Kaleidoscope Quilt from Urban Outfitters. This beauty has been in stores for years and now I have finally decided to buy one they are no longer on sale here in the UK :-(

it really is so gorgeous isn't it?

Kaleidoscope quilt

These babies are still availale in the States here