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.

Botanical Inspiration: Signs Of Autumn

Walking around the neighborhood this past weekend, I came across some turkey feathers (which I foraged, of course) and some Pyracantha shrubs (that I obviously 'pruned').  Once home, I placed them together in a vase with some late blooming roses.  The pale pink petals along with the rusty tones of the berries brought the new season indoors.  Take a look:

Are you noticing the signs of autumn where you live?

Botanical Inspiration: Concrete Planters**Reader Giveaway

This week's Botanical Inspiration/Reader Giveaway is brought to us by Krizia Flores of ConcreteGeometric.   When I first came across CG on Instragam, I was immediately intrigued by the images of Krizia's concrete planters.   Their geometric shapes are perfect for balancing out the organic forms of any plants be they succulents or tillandsias.   Krizia has been kind enough to offer one lucky Cocoon Home Blog reader a vessel.  Learn how to enter to win below:

Enter to win a planter by checking out  Concretegeometric here and here and by commenting below on how you would use it.

Krizia Flores is not only a sculptural artist she's also an amazing photographer.   See her photographs here.

Contest runs through the 18th of  this month.  Good luck!

Botanical Inspiration: The Planted Garden In Bloom

It's been a little over year since our move to California and for the first time we're enjoying our past season's gardening efforts.  Succulents and bromeliads planted months ago have matured and blossomed into an array of very interesting, delicate looking blooms.  Even our vertical garden is displaying itsy-bitsy blossom wonders.  Take a look:

Botanical Inspiration: A Maine Garden

Today's botanical inspiration comes from a dear friend's garden in Maine.  Nestled on the coast and engulfed in salty ocean air the garden is overflowing with lavender, spirea and various foliage plants and shrubs.  Before leaving I couldn't resist creating an arrangement for our hosts.  Take a look:

Thank you EVB and DVB for sharing your beautiful summer home and garden with us.