***
Ikat fabrics are woven by hand and are very precious and unique. They typically have a graphic pattern and mostly attract by their powerful colors. In this shop I have seen beautiful silk and cotton ikat fabrics, which can be used to accessorize with or to decorate one´s home. Ikat is becoming more and more popular these days, because they are both ancient and modern. Feel free to let a breeze of history into your home...
I should say "Welcome to the world of pillows", because those ones look extremely inviting, don´t they? This shop was one of my highlights, just look at those patterns, colors and the variety. It´s hard to make a choice. In this shop I have seen so many suzanis, I can´t even tell and they sell even beautiful vintage caftans.
If you love suzanis, you can imagine that the pillows are unique (mostly made of vintage suzanis) and their colors are really powerful. Wouldn´t it be great to add some rustic touch to your home by decorating with one or more of those wonderful suzani pillows?
Here we have an elegant necklace, that I made using Austrian crystals, freshwater pearls and a vintage silver tassel. The shades of the beads and crystals are in perfect harmony and even matches a bridal gown.
I love using different materials and combine them to something unique and special. Sultan´s Charming Cream is a piece of jewellery, that one can use for many years...
***
***
If you love the combination of modern and history you truly will love those suzani pillows. Mostly made of old suzanis, the pillows are real eye-candies. Look how the strong colors seem to tell stories. Imagine placing them onto your couch to accessorize and how you will love to be surrounded by them...In my opinion these suzani pillows are rustic but elegant and will certainly be an attraction in every home.
As it´s Sunday, it is time to relax and calm down, especially if you had a long and hard week of work. I enjoy taking a little timeout and sipping my steaming hot Turkish coffee. Wishing all of you a wonderful day with the ones you love !!!
***
***
I wanted to share these wonderful bowls with you. When I was looking for some new ceramic bowls for my friend, I saw these ones and had to buy them. Somehow they caught my eye and I liked them the second I discovered them (hidden between dozens of other ones and each one wrapped in newspaper!)...Did you notice the lovely tulips in the middle? I love to see them in different varieties, but always matching each other. So you can easily buy 5 different bowls, that will be in perfect harmony. The earrings you can see are ones I made using Austrian crystals and copper. They capture the light and have the same shade of red as the bowls.
If you like ceramics you have to go and see the ones in Istanbul!! Whatever you are looking for, may it be a bowl, a plate or a vase, there is such a variety of colors. The trend color for this season is turquoise as you can see on the picture. And those are even more beautiful than on this picture. Every item has its own pattern and is unique, because they are all handmade.
Merhaba and good morning from Istanbul!!! As you can see, I had a delicious breakfast and a fantastic view over the sea. Can you hear the seagulls scream? They fly around and are everywhere and they love to get some fresh bread, but they don´t have a chance he he he...
***
***
Here are some impressions from Istanbul. I discovered stunning shops with amazing fabrics, rugs, ceramics and antiques. There is more to come, so if you like ikat or suzanis you will be smitten...
I´ll be leaving soon for Istanbul and will be back soon with new inspirations... What will I find? Where will I go? I will let you know in a few days ;)
***
***
***
***
***
Welcome to a pink world! The latest Byzance issue captures me with its dreamy pink cover and the beautiful pictures inside. This pink theme is very fresh and inspiring, although it has that certain romantic touch. Just take your time and enjoy those lovely pictures. There is nothing more to say, just dream...
"Less is more" would be a perfect slogan for this packaging. Yes, we love things that are glitzy, sparkly and shiny, but look how simple and pure those goodies are packaged. A simple thyme soap and a body lotion get a modern and inviting look by using natural elements. This is very popular in Turkey. I hope you like it, too.
Sultan´s Frosted Violet is a necklace that consists of handmade Czech glass beads and Austrian crystals. It reminded me of sorbet, because the glass beads have a special coating like frosting. In my opinion this necklace has a dreamy and romantic attitude. I didn´t want to use a silver tassel as I do usually, because the glass beads are quite massive and the tassel would have been too much. I can imagine wearing this necklace with any basic shirt or blouse. Due to its color it will certainly freshen up your look.
Imagine entering a silent place where you can forget the time and just focus on the "now"...
The Binbirdirek (means 1001 columns in Turkish) Cistern in Istanbul is one of those places. It might not be as well known as the Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern or Basilica Cistern), but this one is magic in my eyes. It is the perfect place to go when the temperatures rise up to real heat, because it´s very cool inside. Just look at the stylish bar, where you can get anything to drink and relax. I love those cool greenish and blue shades. Even here you can see a mixture of history and modern.
The Binbirdirek Cistern is also a perfect place for exhibitions, concerts and special organizations like weddings. Actually it hosts the Istanbul Photo Contest and in one part of the cistern you can find a gallery and the winner photo.
If you ever wanted to know, how it feels to walk on the ground of a cistern, I can highly recommend you to visit this gorgeous one. By the way, it is the second largest of the covered Byzantine cisterns in Istanbul. And the tea is extremely delicious ;)
