Pod Art

When it came time to unveil my latest endeavor on Debra’s lifestyle blog, she asked me to write a little something about it.  Where to begin?!

“Pod Art” is perhaps the newest expression of my love for plants.  Ever since I can remember, the happiest childhood memories revolved around them.  Whether playing with dolls on a bed of violets, watching my grandfather weave daisy crowns for me, or climbing trees to eat their fruit for what seemed like hours, these experiences forged a bond with Nature that continues to fulfill and inspire me.

Love of perennial gardening led me to create both live and dried floral arrangements for friends, boutiques, restaurants and the grandest of hotels.  Together with Debra we’ve designed, planted and sold [too many to count] original compositions for weddings, as bridal bouquets, terrariums, succulent planters, mini biospheres and even vertical gardens.

“Pod Art” evolved naturally from this.  It combines both the end AND the beginning of the growing cycles and it provides an interesting array of visual shapes and textures that allow me to wield a glue gun as a painter would his/her brush.  Foraged seeds and nuts, twigs and feathers, lichen and moss, beads and metal come painstakingly together to form unique and beautiful art.  I hope that some of you will agree with me on that...NS

It's always exciting for me to watch Natalia create art no matter what it may consist of.  I'm honored to feature her latest works, as well as reflections on her personal creative journey.

If you’re interested in buying or commissioning one of her original wall hangings, please email me at:  debra@cocoonhome.com for details.

Pod Art

I've been dying to show you what my mother-in-law has been up to in her studio as of late.  There have been a few sneak peeks both here and here, but now I can actually bring you the 'big reveal'.  Natalia's love of nature's bounty and passion for earthy adornments are artfully joined in one-of-a-kind wall hanging compositions. By combining seed pods, feathers, semi-precious stones and other natural foraged elements she creates unique representations of what she likes to call "Pod Art".  Take a look:

I love the way she mixes textures and colors and brings glamour to her pieces by using glass, semi-precious stones and metals. If you're interested in commissioning one of her original wall hangings, please email debra@cocoonhome.com for details.

Moving Mode: A Family Wall Before And After

Hanging our framed photograph collection of friends and family in the new house really made the space feel like home.  As I hung each photo, my emotions took over:  memories of family events, friends' weddings, younger days and people no longer with us.  Having a designated space for family pictures, i.e. either on a wall, resting on easels atop a console,  is a very nice way to take in memories at a glance.  I'm looking forward to adding more photos as we explore new places, meet new friends and host old ones already dear to us.  Below are some before and after shots of our new family wall and a sneak peek at the one we had in Cambridge.

Spin Art

One of my favorite activities for the kids at the preschool fair is spin art.  I'm always amazed on how beautiful it turns out.  With no two alike, these 5 x 5 mini works of art are truly an expression of each little artist. Last year, I framed three that Max, Ben and Zoe created.  They're hung above our kitchen counter and are admired each and every day.  Take a look at a few of this year's creations and the 'trio' that brightens our home.

Thanks Parents' Nursery School for another fun filled day!

Affordable and Interesting Art @ Crate & Barrel

While shopping for a client at Crate & Barrel recently,  I couldn't help but notice the store's art offerings this season.   With lots of interesting patterns, both bright and sedate colors  and a wide variety of textures and sizes, finding the right piece to decorate an empty wall becomes an easy task.    Above are just a few of my favorites but click here to see the rest of the collection.

In furnishing a home, adding art to its walls can be very satisfying if done right.  Remember, one can never go wrong investing in the art one loves.

1. reflection print 2. inner layers print 3. manifesto print 4. living water print