Sharelee from  A Life More Fabulous  (escapade) writes, ” I’ve always been one to be perpetually caught up in ‘smelling the roses’ and inspired by beauty in all its forms. I grew up in Zimbabwe and have been lucky enough to have travelled in lived in many different places across the globe. This blog is dedicated to beautiful design in all its many forms and inspiring you with something fabulous to leave your day a little better…”

Sharelee’s ability to find beauty in everyday moments shines through in the content of her blog.  This is another one of the blogs I like to visit when I need to escape life (i.e. laundry, bills, dusting, killing toddler crickets {just threw that one in there to see if you’re still paying attention}).

Here are some of her more recent posts that I find unique and intriguing: Ostrich Feather Chandelier, Rock Cushions by Ronel Jordaan and Toffee + Cream

OSTRICH FEATHER CHANDELIER

I was recently reminded of this stunning ostrich feather chandelier by South African designer Haldane Martin while trying on boots at a favorite boutique. Inspired by the lightness of dandelions, Haldane created this pendant to be able to create an angelically from the energy saving CFL lamps. It has been named after Dalene Mathews book “Fiela se Kind“. This heart-warming South African story is set in Oudtshoorn, the same ostrich farming district where the feathers that form the diffuser, are sourced.

I love how the softness of the feathers contrasts with the rustic wood and very smooth lines of the dining set. I think it would be equally effective in a more traditional space with ornate moldings and classic architecture.

haldanemartin via A Life More Fabulous

haldanemartin via A Life More Fabulous

Rock Cushions By Ronel Jordaan  

{ MUST READ THIS STORY… Inspiring & Amazing. ~keighley}

I was recently reminded of these fantastic rock cushions made of felted wool, while reading this interview with Vicente Wolf, where he mentioned that his most recent purchase for his home was a set of ‘felt cushions that look like rocks’ . While I’m not sure of the source for his recent purchase, I’d venture a guess and say it might be some of these beauties by South African designer Ronel Jordaan. I’ve known of her work for quite some time, and have been lusting away after these beautiful and unusual cushions ever since. Wouldn’t they be just perfect in a casual seating area? {We have to agree! Also, wouldn’t they be a great conversation piece? }

Ronel in 2005 began to explore the concept of using felt as a creative medium. By patiently rubbing and coaxing threads of pure wool into shapes in nature that inspire her, she found her direction and started a small home industry; her most recognizable creations being her pebbles and rocks.

Soon outgrowing the limitations of a home business, Ronel expanded and trained a group of over 40 women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the art of felting.These women are now closely associated with all of her creations. While they produce items with Ronel, they have also begun to create their own designs with her help. Through this project, they are able to earn a decent income for themselves and their families, and are felters of international standing.

With a strong ethical conscience, these pieces are produced with ecologically friendly dyes and soaps. They have even developed organic food gardens at the plant using the waste water from production. The vegetables grown are for the women who work there to either take home or sell.

To learn more about Ronel and her beautiful creations, visit her site here.

All images from Ronel Jordaan

Toffee + Cream

The fresh snow against the last of the toffee colored fallen leaves is such a beautiful contrast – warm, rich cognac tones against a stark white. There’s something so appealing about this rich combination – perhaps because of the reminiscence of delicious toffees and caramels cream white whipped cream.

{No wonder I love this combination so much – exactly like little Javier’s coat.}

I had to highlight this post for Javier’s presence ALONE! Us Bella Girls melt at the sight of any dog. Side note: Camberley won one of Sharalee’s giveaways (photographyartstore.com) and was awarded an adorable picture of a Boston Terrier.  See contest, here.  See winning announcement, here.

Here’s The Deets:

www.alifemorefabulous.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/alifemorefab

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