Little Black Book---Online---L'Aviva Home

I should probably start by thanking all my friends and coworkers for introducing me to all sorts of interesting online stores and website.  My latest recommendation is for Laura Aviva's site for "L'Aviva Home" and I can't stop looking at it.  The owner refers to it as an online trunk show and her philosophy is that the objects we surround ourselves with in our home should "possess a soul, a history and a purpose, beyond mere decoration and that they should help us connect with the world".  I have previously mentioned that I believe that the items we decorate our homes with are more personal and interesting when they are souvenirs, gifts and great finds from our travels.  They mean a lot more to us in that way and we feel good whenever we look at them because they remind us of wonderful adventures and vacations.  As plane tickets and time spent abroad is getting more out of reach for the average person, visits to exotic places far, far away become more of a once in a life time opportunity and less of a yearly vacation away from home.  All the more reason to enjoy the beauty of the foreign nestled in the comfort of our house...

 Moroccan Wedding Blankets

The tradition of these blankets lies in the belief that it protects the newlyweds from evil. Made from sheep wool and cotton by the bride-to-be and her family and these skills are passed on from generation to generation. 

Turkish Hammam Towels

Hand made towels originally used for Turkish baths.  I certainly wouldn't be drying my hair with these and would rather find a spot for it on my couch or over a chair so that I could admire it on a daily basis.

Shyrdak

The nomadic people of the remote area of the Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan tell their stories in the wool felt rugs.  Part mosaic, part quilt, they are designed to have spiritual significance as well as being a symbol of the family's prosperity.  The patterns represent symbols and myths " with colours reflecting the balance in nature, and in the cyclical rhythm of the nomad's worlds".  The popularity of the shyrdak is growing in Europe but has yet to reach North America.  

Mexican Coverlets, Tenangos

In the Mexican state of Hidalgo, The Otomi initially made the Tenangos as part of a traditional costume worn by women.  The floral and animal patterns embroided onto the bedspread reflect the lives of the artisans who make them.   

 Ikat Pilows

This method of weaving is now commonly made and appreciated worldwide and has recently gained popularity as a North American trend.  The artisans in the valleys of Uzbekistan still use traditional, 37 step technique to hand-dye their patterns on pure silk.

Tellkari Lamp

These Turkish lamps, also called filigree lamps, have a lace-like pattern and the technique to create them is centuries old.

Tealights

Made from water buffalo horns. 

Kuba Cloth 

 

Made by the Kuba people of the Republic of Congo out of "vintage fabric woven from raffla-palm leaf fibers".  

Michoacan Platters

This photo doesn't do these platters justice.  They are so beautiful.  Some are made in bright colours like the sky-blue (cornflower blue) one that I have my eye on.  It is out of stock but I am patient and determined.  Patterns are traditional floral from Michoacan, Mexico.