Trend Alert: Mudcloth

So on Tuesday's blog, I listed my current favorite home décor and lifestyle items.  I left one off the list but felt it deserved its own post.

Mudcloth is making waves in homes across the world.  What is Mudcloth you may ask?  Mudcloth or Bogolan is a handmade fabric from the Malian culture.  It's made by stitching narrow pieces of handwoven cotton and then hand painted using a variety of dyes including aged river mud.

Saga Tours

   What's a trend to many, is a tradition for the people of Mali, that has carried on for hundreds of years.  Traditional Mudcloth is intricately made and the patterns displayed hold specific meaning such as wealth, war calls, family, and bravery.  Today, Mudcloth is taking over in home décor and fashion.  It's on pillows, throw blankets, vases, wall prints, and so much more.

TJMaxx/HomeGoods

Etsy

Amazon

Etsy

Mudcloth can be tied into boho or even farmhouse décor as well as many other styles.  On my recent trip to HomeGoods, I found many Mudcloth inspired items.

TJMaxx/HomeGoods

  There are so many beautiful patterns and I appreciate the craftmanship. Most of the Mudcloth prints we are seeing in stores is a replica.  This is a great way to make it accessible to people who may not have any other means to obtain it. But if you live in a town that has an African shop, consider paying a visit. Speak with the people and purchase a yard of authentic cloth.  I'm all about trends and love to see how they change each year, but I do make a conscious effort to not exploit a culture's identity for the sake of being "on trend".  Sometimes the best way to pay homage to something is to learn more about it so that if you do have it in your home, it's not just "for show" but something you can educate others about.

The African Fabric Shop

Check out a couple of African stores that sell authentic Mudcloth that I have linked below.

Tess World Designs
Afro Centric Network

These are a few of my favorite things: July Edition

Do you remember when Oprah used to have her "favorite things" episode on her talk show?    I'm sure some of us remember the infamous line "You get a car, you get a car, everybody gets a car!!!!"  Well, you're not getting a car from me but I am sharing my favorite home décor/lifestyle items for July.

So....

let's get into it..

1. Rattan

I am loving this Boho meets Golden Girls moment in home décor right now.  From side tables, bar carts, and room dividers, I love it all... maybe a little too much.
Side Table

2. Snake plants

These tough guys are one of the top air purifying plants.  They're also praised for being low maintenance as it only requires being watered about twice a month.  I personally steer away from real plants, which is why I have opted for fake ones in the past, but these plants are basically indestructible.  Visit your local nursery or home improvement store.  They're actually cheaper than the faux variety but I have linked a faux option below if that is more your thing :-)
Plant

3. Black

Black is my jam.  I love the moodiness of it and how it virtually goes with any color.  It's a neutral that adds depth, contrast and interest to any space.  I incorporate black through accent walls, accessories, hardware, and wall décor.
Tricorn Black

4. Cactus Blossom candle

This has got to be one of my favorite scents.  The  fragrance notes include cactus flower petal, sun kissed coconut, vanilla, and fresh sparkling lemon.  It's a great "in between season" candle to use before the Fall candles come into play.
Bath and Body Works

5. Briarsmoke Stain

This is my go to stain color for most of my wood projects.  It 's rich brown with slightly gray undertones.  This stain color can easily fit in with most décor.
Stain


6. Present Over Perfect

I have been reading this book lately.  It helps you to embrace the "now" vs the "later" and to live a more present and purpose driven life.  A great read!'
Book



7. Texture

Since I tend to lean towards more neutral décor,  I like to incorporate different textures to add dimension.  I have seen a lot of throw pillows and blankets with fringe and tassels but my absolute favorite is this rug.  I plan to purchase this rug for my living room.
Rug



I have one more favorite but will highlight it on Thursday's blog.  See you then!

Love builds a better home

What is home?  Home represents comfort, love and sustainability.  Although I love home décor, home décor doesn't define me. Squares, likes, or followers don't define me. Living in a way that exemplifies God's grace, power, and love THAT is what defines me.   Most of my time is spent working a full time job and taking care of my husband and three daughters.  Time is precious and I look forward to my daily talks with my mom about any and everything.  I'm also learning how to embrace change in my relationships with my siblings since we all have kids, spouses, and responsibilities.  No matter how many pretty pictures of my home I take or the countless DIY's and projects that I do, nothing amounts to my family.

My three daughters have taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. My heart has grown by three folds. I have found patience I didn't know I had.  I've learned grace through them because they aren't perfect, none of us are, but they seem to be more accepting of that, which is something I can learn from.  I love my husband.  He is my best friend and we have grown so much together.  Confession: I love my husband...but I don't always like my husband:-)  Marriage is not easy and you have to work to have a good relationship.  We are two individuals who came together to create a new life but again we are two different people with different personalities and mannerisms.  We're a constant work in progress but we get through it all with love, a lot of laughter, and prayer.

Home isn't about the size, the items we place here and there, or how we decorate it.  None of that matters at the end of the day if we aren't living to be better people and caring for those we love.  A lot of what you will see is my home and design inspirations because that is what I enjoy.  But I find I enjoy it so much because I see how my family loves it.

  When I see Charli grab a blanket out of a basket and cuddle up on the couch to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, that makes me feel good.  When I see Lennox play my assistant and walk around giving me home ideas, I smile.  When Jagger tosses all my throw pillows on the floor and runs back and forth across the sectional, I realize to not take life so seriously.



 I think about when my husband breathes heavily when I tell him about another project I want to do. I love him even more because even if he wants no parts, he always ends up helping me and being supportive.  In fact, I would've never even started this blog if it wasn't for his encouragement. This is my family and they are what matters.

In a world of constant access to information,  the unrealistic lives of others on social media, and the advertising that tells us we need to buy something, remember to be a good human and to build values in your home.  Remember to focus on what's really important by building love, because with love you always have everything you need.

DIY pillow from a clearance find

I live for a good DIY.  I have an artistic spirit and my mind thrives when I'm creative.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm in the process of a family room redo.  One way I plan on saving money is by making some of my throw pillows.  I know how to sew, so it only seems fitting to not let my skills go to waste.  This past weekend I was at HomeGoods when I stumbled across an accent throw rug.  It was a mixture between Tribal and Boho which is the vibe I am going for and to top it off it was on clearance for $11 !

The rug wasn't too heavy but the material was very durable, almost jute like.  At that moment I could hear the jeopardy song playing in my head and as it came to a close I had an idea... I decided to turn this accent rug into a pillow.

The rug measured a little larger than 2x3. Now I definitely could've made two smaller pillows but opted for one large bolster pillow.  The materials to make this rug are pretty simple.


Embroidery string/thread
Embroidery/tapestry needle (This is a must, a regular needle will break)  
Poly-fil
Scissors

First step is to lay your rug wrong side up.  Fold each side to the middle.

 You are then going to join the two sides that meet in the middle by hand sewing using a simple whipstitch. Once that is done, sew one end together leaving the remaining end open.




 Fill the pillow with Poly-fil or the fiber fill of your choice for a nice plush feel.  I ended up using three 16 ounce bags for my size.  Sew the open end closed and you're all done!

I'm so happy with the way it turned out.  The fabric is nice and durable and I know it can withstand my kids and husband. No one would even know it was a rug... well you of course.  Don't tell anybody :-)  In every room I like to add something that I made.  It's a nice memory and adds to our story.

Quick tip: Put something of you in every room.  Add a DIY project or a unique piece that represents who you are and what you stand for.