As a child, I loved everything related to castles and fairy tales. The irresistible pull of the unseen world wormed its way into my psyche and never let go. The sense of wonder I felt when I imagined worlds full of magical folk like fairies, elves, gnomes, and talking animals was perhaps a way to escape a troubled childhood. But it was something more than that…something hard to describe. There is just something about the world of miniatures that has always held my imagination. What is more fascinating than doll houses with miniature versions of our world, with tiny bits of furniture and interior decor? Or how about model train landscaping with streets, buildings, and train tracks? These are entire worlds where “little people” go about their business, oblivious to us mere mortals staring down at them like giant Cheshire cats. Fairy gardens evoke the same sense of intrigue and fascination, and creating a fairy garden is the perfect invitation to allow your imagination to again enter the realm of magic. Creating a fairy garden is essentially an activity inspired by nature and all that exists in the natural world, with a touch of whimsy that gives us a space tp escape the “rational” world for just a bit. So, what makes a fairy garden? What types of things are “essential” to a fairy garden? Let’s take a moment or two to suspend belief and discuss the ten essential elements that I believe are necessary for a successful fairy garden! Fairy habitats When it comes to creating a fairy habitat, the sky is the limit! Fairies love a habitat that is attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies…but maybe your fairy has other ideas! At its core the fairy garden is a tiny haven full of miniature structures surrounded by all sorts of things that attract the typical garden wildlife. But—again—your fairy might cut against the grain and embrace their inner alien or beach bum! (I’ve seen both…it gets interesting!) In the interest of keeping things simple, though, we’ll just discuss the typical garden or woodland fairy habitat. Fairy gardens are typically part of a larger garden (although they don’t have to be), so think of this space as a garden within a garden…a special little patch of real estate set aside just for your magical fairy resident. And put some thought into it! Put yourself in your fairy’s shoes…Visualize yourself about 3 inches tall and look around. (Maybe put that camera phone down to ground level and take some photos, just to get a more realistic perspective.) Are there trees and tree stumps with hollows to live or hide in? Are there mushrooms for your fairy to sleep on or shelter under during a rainstorm? Is there a patch of flowers with vibrant colors and attractive fragrance that attracts birds and bees? Maybe there is even a hollow woodland log with clumps of ferns clinging to its reclining form on a forest floor. Whatever your choice of habitat, make it something fun, whimsical, and enchanted! Make it a place that will make your fairy feel welcome and want to stay. A comfy fairy home If your fairy does decide to stay in the habitat you’ve so carefully chosen, she’ll need a place to do all the “domestic” stuff, the stuff of daily living. So what type of home will your fairy want? When it comes to fairy homes, this will depend on your chosen habitat, and—of course—your fairy’s preferences! A fairy’s house could be provided by nature, taking the form of a tree hollow, toadstool, or miniature cave made of rocks. Or maybe she’s an environmentalist who embraces the idea of repurposing old pots, wheelbarrows, or planters. Or maybe you are one of those crafty fairy guardians who builds her a birdhouse or fairy house. Whatever type of home you and your fairy choose, it should be attractive and comfy and provide shelter from wicked weather. Shelter & hiding places for fairies Your fairy will not spend ALL day inside her home! She will be out and about, exploring her gardens and surrounding areas, looking for food, and visiting friends. And sometimes—while she is out having too much fun—she gets caught in a rainstorm! Remember those tree stumps, toadstools, and flowers I mentioned before? This is where they come in handy! It is essential to your fairy’s happiness to provide places of shelter, even if it’s a thick bush or large leafy flower under which your fairy can hide from unwanted visitors or shelter from that occasional summer rainstorm. Fairy friends & companions Speaking of friends…We all need friends, and your fairy is no different! The perfect habitat will naturally attract butterflies, frogs, hummingbirds, and ladybugs all of whom will be curious about your resident magical being and easily befriend her. Maybe the neighborhood squirrels and rabbits pop in for a quick visit while on the way to find their morning meal. You could even invite companions from the fairy world, like gnomes and elves. (Don’t worry that they are resin statues…they come alive when you are not looking anyway!) Maybe your cat or dog makes a daily trek outside to pay a visit. (Make sure they are friendly to your fairy, or you may incur her wrath!) And don’t forget that YOU are her friend as well! Visit her now and again to check up on her and catch up! Miniature garden areas for fairies Having a resident fairy comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is creating a beautiful garden in which your fairy can quietly meander on a cool misty dawn or entertain friends on a sunny summer afternoon. Nestling your fairy’s magical home into existing flower gardens is one of the easiest—and most natural—ways to surround your fairy with her very own garden patch. Or…maybe this is where you have fun doing miniature landscaping! Creating miniature gardens is an art form that goes back decades, but lately, the fairy garden has become all the rage! How can you resist creating all those miniature walkways, garden patios, and landscaping?! If you decide to go this route, you’ll need miniature plants--succulents, miniature roses, or any relatively small plant that won’t get out of control and become overgrown. Maybe some plants are in pots, and maybe some grow from the soil…Just think low maintenance. (That doesn’t mean NO maintenance! You’ll have to visit your fairy friend often to do upkeep.) Whatever you choose to do for your fairy, creating a magical homestead for your fairy will entice her to stay…And that means good luck for you! Flowers in the fairy garden While we’re on the subject of gardens and flowers, let’s talk a little about the type of flowers and plants that will have your fairy swooning… So what types of plants and flowers attract fairies? Fairies are known to have a fondness for aromatic herbs, like thyme and rosemary. Planting herbs in and around your fairy garden attracts bees and other insects which are beneficial to the health of your garden…and the happiness of your fairy. And did I forget to mention the amazing scent that fills the air?! Beautiful flowers—like petunias, tulips, foxglove, pansies, and even wildflowers—can also add to the symphony of fragrances in your fairy’s garden. Flowers that have large petals also provide much needed shade on a sunny day, or even attractive places to hide in or sleep. Fruit trees and bushes make a good food source for your fairy, and having them close to home means she won’t have to risk traveling too far away to find her morning breakfast. Shiny objects and fairies In case you didn’t already know, fairies like shiny things! It is said that fairies are attracted to glittering shiny items, like fairy lights and sparkly gems. They are attracted to the light like moths to a flame, so it is important to use this to your advantage as you try to lure a fairy into your garden and entice them to stay. As you create your fairy garden, think about incorporating things like crystals, gem stones, glass beads, sparkly flocked decor, fairy lights, and even water. Your fairy will be mesmerized! Water sources in the fairy garden Water is the source of all life…and fairies love it! The presence of water provides several benefits. Fairies like it for its shimmering properties, but they also bathe in pools of water and drink from nearby water sources. In ancient myths water had magical properties and represented a portal to another world. Remember, fairies are ethereal magical creatures that belong to another realm of reality, and the presence of water gives them easy access to that world. Ponds, streams, bird baths, or any pool of water—even miniature fountains—make excellent water sources for your fairy garden and any visitors that might arrive. What do you do if you can’t provide a source of actual water? Go “faux”! Even just the illusion of water is beneficial and will make your fairy happy. It can be as simple as blue stones arranged like a pond. Or you can get more decorative with decor filled with resin resembling a waterfall. It’s up to you! As long as the effort is there, your fairy will be grateful. Soothing sounds in the fairy garden We often forget about sound when we are creating gardens, but sound can have a powerful effect on us, for better or for worse. A pleasant sound—like the soft gurgling from a water feature—sets the tone for a calm quiet place to sit and meditate or daydream. All creatures—magical or otherwise—will benefit from such a place! The sound of wind chimes in the garden can also have a spellbinding effect on anyone who happens to be within earshot. The musical tones that keep time with the breeze take us to another level of sublime consciousness. The same sounds that are soothing to us are also loved by fairies, so this is a great opportunity to create relaxing tones that will make your fairy’s homestead more magical, but will also entice YOU to linger a few moments in your miniature garden and revel in your handiwork. Using your imagination And finally…The number one essential element for creating a fairy garden is your own imagination! Use your imagination to come up with a garden that has a story to tell. Create a theme that tells the story of your garden fairy. Don’t be afraid to tap into that inner child and dream! Sit a while and think about little worlds and all the magic folk. Experiment with different setups, plants, decor. There is no right or wrong way to do it…just as long as you do it! Creating a fairy garden is an opportunity to get your hands dirty and play with ideas for miniature landscaping. Even if you don’t believe in fairies, this is a way to be creative and expressive. The process of working in a garden is a fun way to relieve stress and escape—even if for just a few moments—from the craziness of our everyday lives. So go forth and dream…and create a whimsical magical world for your own resident fairy! So those were my top ten essential elements for creating a fairy garden. Now that you are inspired to go create your own magical fairy garden, what kind of garden do you think you will make? Or do you already have a resident fairy happily living in your garden? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Just an FYI…You can create beautiful decorative indoor fairy gardens as well. It is so much fun putting together indoor fairy gardens with faux florals and miniature decor! Decor can be easily changed out for the seasons or holidays to give you a fresh new vignette or tablescape whenever you like. If you have a moment, go check out my handcrafted fairy houses created specifically for indoor fairy gardens. Related blogs you may want to read: A brief history of the origins of fairy gardens My spring 2022 indoor fairy gardens Spring makeover for my indoor fairy gardens My outdoor fairy garden My fairy house project Sources: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/attracting-fairies-in-the-garden.htm https://theforestfairy.com/flowers-that-attract-and-welcome-the-fairies-into-your-garden/ https://obsessionwithbutterflies.com/2019/08/miniature-fairy-gardening/ https://fifthseasongardening.com/the-magical-world-of-fairy-gardens https://www.almanac.com/gardening-miniature http://www.buckscountrygardens.com/the-enchanted-garden-miniature-fairy-gardens/ https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2080 This article may contain a few items or commercial mentions, but I only used them for demonstration purposes only. I am not endorsing any particular product or receiving any monetary gain for this blog.
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This blog article has been a long time in the making. My whole business model is based on the notion of “nature-inspired”! But does having natural and organic elements in the home make a difference in how we feel? Does it improve our mood? And why do I have such a passion for creating nature-inspired home decor? I’m pondering this topic in a pragmatic rather than scientific sense. I’m a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression, and probably some form of PTSD born out of childhood trauma. I’ve tried medications, meditation, yoga, exercise, healthy eating, and positive affirmations, and they have each helped in their way but do not come close to how much better I feel when surrounded by trees. Unfortunately, I now live in a suburban hell, which is only slightly better than the urban hell of my youth...But I do live in this beautiful state of Pennsylvania—a state filled with natural beauty, trees, farms, mountains, and hiking trails. When we do finally decide to relocate, there are plenty of options! But, for now, I have to settle for making my home as comfortable and pleasant as possible using what I have. For many years, I have tried to keep small gardens, which keep me busy during the warmer months. Gardening gets me outside and out of my head and allows me to photograph beautiful things. Over the past couple of years, I started considering my indoor environment. Houseplants and indoor herbs have become a staple in my home, with varying degrees of survival. I don’t have the greenest thumb in the world, but I can grow a thing or two! In addition to live plants, my interiors are filled with faux florals and faux floral decor that I designed and created. Blending real and faux florals seems perfectly natural to me. But I often wonder—is there a difference between the real and the faux? Can nature-inspired decor have the same or similar effect as the real thing? And does having houseplants have the same positive effect as an outdoor garden? That question has intrigued me since starting this nature-inspired decor “experiment” several years ago. Our modern lives are toxic and artificial in almost every way, which has harmed our physical, mental, and spiritual health. I can personally vouch for that! That being said, the ability of humans to create our own built environment is fascinating to me. The crossroads between the natural world and the built environment is what holds the most interest to me. I love design. I love architecture, art, interior design, and decorating (I did go to school for interior design, after all!), all of which are artificial constructs. Creating nature-inspired home decor has been the ultimate exploration of how to bring balance to these two opposing worlds. What I know is this… I love observing the beautiful flowers, plants, and trees when sitting in my garden. I am fascinated by nature’s creative shapes, hues, texture, and scale. Mother Nature really IS the ultimate designer and artist! Mimicking nature’s skilled hand is quite challenging, but the effort has been the backbone of my handcrafted floral designs for seven years. It’s always a challenge to strike the right balance between man-made elements and the natural world! Admittedly, there isn’t the same depth of experience with faux florals as with real flowers in a garden. The comparison is equivalent to actually taking a hike through the woods versus sitting on your couch watching a YouTube video of someone walking through the woods. When you hike, more of your senses are triggered, making it a totally immersive experience. But sometimes the visual representation—if that’s all that’s available to you—is all the reminder you need that we are creatures of nature under the skin. But does having plants, flower arrangements, and faux florals in the home have the same benefits as being in nature? Does surrounding yourself with representations and small samples of the real thing do anything to make you feel better in your interior spaces? My answer--Both my houseplants and my faux floral creations make me smile. The moment spent checking on the growth of one of my latest plant babies can bring me as much joy as admiring the beauty of my floral decor. In the past, my home was not filled with anything resembling organic or natural elements, and I didn’t realize just how barren the space felt…until one day, I filled that space with plants and faux floral decor. All of a sudden, it was like somebody turned on the lights! The difference in the mood of the space was immediate. Suddenly—and dramatically—there was life where previously there was emptiness. And the live plants in my home allowed me to be a caregiver, and that’s more powerful than people realize. When you care for another being (in this case, my houseplants), the experience takes you out of your head for a while and forces you to focus on the moment, to be present. Being present and engaging in activities that promote mindfulness are ancient ways of coping with stress, depression, and anxiety. So, in answer to my question, yes…In my experience, bringing a bit of nature into the home—whether real or faux, or even a mixture of both—goes a long way to helping us feel more relaxed, calm, and even energized. My home felt like a dark hole until I gave it “light” with plants and flowers. I do feel better in my surroundings. My creativity has also greatly benefited from having an interior that makes me feel calm and relaxed. My home is where I both live AND work. I no longer feel suffocated, empty, or claustrophobic. It’s been a game-changer! I know this is not a scientifically backed answer (although I have read many articles on the subject), but it IS my own experience, and I believe what I see. All I can provide is my own experience, and it has been a positive one! And so I think I leave this mental meandering on that note and leave you with a quote from one of our country’s greatest naturalists, John Muir: “Everybody needs beauty...places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.” What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have your own experiences to share? Drop a line in the comments, and let’s start a conversation! Sources: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature https://selecthealth.org/blog/2019/07/10-reasons-why-being-in-nature-is-good-for-you https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature https://positivepsychology.com/positive-effects-of-nature/ Related blogs you may want to read:
Let’s talk about houseplants Biophilia in interior design How to repot a bonsai ficus How to repot a pothos plant How to propagate bromeliad pups Small houseplants that love bathroom humidity Eight health benefits of decorating with plants Eight tips for creating spring vignettes My Spring 2022 indoor fairy gardens Spring makeover for my indoor fairy gardens So, fairy gardens…Where did this charming gardening trend come from? I asked myself this very question as I worked on my annual spring gardening and faux floral projects. For the past few years, I’ve been experimenting with fairy houses and fairy gardens—both for indoor and outdoor use—but until now, it never occurred to me to consider the origins and the meaning behind the miniature garden trend. So I did a little digging (no pun intended), and here’s what I learned… Late 19th century garden trends The seeds for the fairy garden idea—at least here in the US—seem to have started sometime in the late 1800s as an offshoot of the Japanese garden tradition of bonsai and miniature trees. The Victorians were fascinated with Japanese art, gardens, and culture and began using Japanese-influenced miniature trees in their garden landscapes. These were not yet what we would consider fairy gardens, but the notion of plants in miniature seems to have fascinated people from that time forward. A new garden idea in the mid-20th century Fast forward to the mid-1900s, and a British nursery owner named Anne Ashberry and the fairy garden as we know it today start to take shape. Anne Ashberry’s idea was to create small gardens that could be easily looked after by people who lived in small spaces or by individuals with physical impairments. If you’ve never heard of Ms. Ashberry, read her inspirational story here. She became well known for her miniature gardens and window boxes with tiny landscaped worlds full of carefully researched flowers and soils. I don’t think they were considered fairy gardens just yet. These carefully manicured small-scale versions of our world—filled with miniature houses and formal gardens—were simply magical and sought after by the British royal family. Folkloric influences The current-day fairy theme has cultural ties to Germanic and Celtic (Irish) folklore. The underlying mythical belief is that fairies live in our gardens, and these fairies can either be mischievous or bring good luck, depending on how well they are respected and treated. According to popular belief, if you want to appeal to the fairies in your garden and get into their good graces, you must create an enticing world filled with flowers, comfortable places to live and shelter, and sparkly things. If you do this, fairies will move in, and your garden will thrive. There is also a tradition of placing fairy doors and tiny houses in the woods near trees. This attracts good fairies to the area and creates a sense of magic and wonders for the lucky person who happens to be passing by. Miniature vs fairy We should take a moment to understand the difference between “miniature” and “fairy” gardens. The terms “miniature garden” and “fairy garden” tend to be used interchangeably, and I guess there’s a logic to that, but I believe there is a distinct difference. Fairy gardens—to my way of thinking—are specifically about creating spaces for fairies and have their roots in folklore. Miniature gardens CAN be fairy gardens, but often they are just like model train landscaping—a mirror reflection of our world in miniature, which—in truth—can be just as enchanting! Fairy gardens today Today, miniature gardens (and fairy gardens) are often used to give children a place to stretch their imagination, but adults seem to be equally enthralled with them. (Take a look on Facebook if you don’t believe me!) It’s a fun hobby that some people take to incredible levels, creating miniature worlds full of minute details that capture your attention and make you smile. Creating an outdoor fairy garden is a fun way to “play” in the garden. It’s also a way to have a compact garden in small areas. (Remember Anne Ashberry?). You could even use faux plants for all-year use and less maintenance. I have been experimenting with indoor fairy gardens and faux florals to bring the outdoors inside. (I know...According to folklore, you are not supposed to invite fairies inside, but rules are meant to be broken, right?!) The most important thing when dealing with fairy gardens is creativity and imagination. Everything else is just confetti! I am developing some ideas for new handcrafted wooden fairy houses for indoor fairy gardens. For more on this exciting new project, check out my new page on Di’s Studio Design website… https://disstudiodesigns.com/fairy-houses.html Related blogs you may want to read: My spring 2022 indoor fairy gardens Spring makeover for my indoor fairy gardens My outdoor fairy garden My fairy house project This article may contain a few items or commercial mentions, but I only used them for demonstration purposes only. I am not endorsing any particular product or receiving any monetary gain for this blog. I’ve had an outdoor herb garden with mint, sage, and chives for several years. And boy, are they flourishing this year! Lavender and rosemary were also planted, but neither ever came up. Finding an empty spot in my garden, I decided to pop in some carrots. Time will tell whether they will grow! This year, I decided that I also wanted an indoor herb garden and more of a variety of herbs. The lockdown prevented me from getting all the seeds I wanted, but I did manage to purchase dill, chamomile, cilantro, parsley, and rosemary. The first four I planted in a long planter on my front windowsill, where they get tons of light. Part of my decision to have an indoor herb garden was influenced by the desire to have more indoor plants. I feel better when I am around plants! And I’m pushing myself to learn more about them so that I can better incorporate a variety of plants into my home. So this year, I will cultivate parsley, cilantro, chamomile, and dill indoors. My little plants are looking great so far, but my kitty seems to think the planter is a cat bed and is squishing my precious sprouts! But they seem to be taking the abuse well! The rosemary was planted in a large pot with more chamomile, but the first sprouts died. More were planted--and now some vicious critter keeps digging in my pot! I am just having no luck with rosemary! Maybe I’ll plant it in a pot that stays indoors. I love rosemary. I love cooking with it. I love the smell of it, but I can’t seem to grow it to save my life! Herbs are amazing--not only are they useful in cooking, but they are so fragrant and beautiful! Sage leaves are one of my favorite foliage for the aroma. And the delicate little flowers are beautiful when they are in full bloom! The one issue is that sage and mint take over a space. It looks beautiful, but my chives might get squeezed out! That would be a shame since I love fresh chives, and those purple flowers are simply gorgeous. At some point, I may try to grow some mint indoors, but I may try a different variety—one that is more minty. And I’m still trying to source some catnip seeds for my kitties! Speaking of kitties, a little bit of research turned up some interesting tidbits of information about cat-friendly herbs you can grow. I've also been investigating how to grow herbs indoors to get more tips about what to grow and how to use the herbs--other than for eye candy--so no doubt the number of plants will increase. Anyway, stay tuned for updates, as I will be tracking the growth and progress of my new herbs and taking plenty of photos with my DSLR camera (which I am having too much fun with, by the way).
Feel free to share your experiences with your herb gardens below, and have a great day! Related blog posts you may want to read: Six herbs I planted indoors Let's talk about houseplants Capturing the beautiful details in nature Last summer, my husband and I went to Longwood Gardens in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Honestly, I don’t know why we don’t go there more often, because it is less than an hour from where we live! Hmmm…I think I am just now hatching a plan to visit again this summer—provided this coronavirus doesn’t keep us away. Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked… We decided to go there on a gorgeous summer day in August to see all the colorful and exotic flowers, creatively sculpted formal gardens, and equally stunning water fountains. It had been YEARS since I had been there, so I had forgotten how beautiful this place is! And I took my Canon DSLR camera…Man, am I glad I took my camera! Can you say eye candy?! This place is a dream for me. I love nature and the healing effect it has on me. Maybe that’s why I started an art and design business that is “nature-inspired”… And I have a thing for photography as well. I’m still quite the amateur, but I’m getting better every day, motivated by the drive to capture the exquisite but often minuscule details in the flowers, trees, and plants around me. (If you haven’t seen my Instagram profile, you can find me at @disstudiodesigns.) I don’t know…something about the incredible variety of life and complexity of the details brings me alive. Hidden worlds are happening right under our noses and all around us. I say “hidden” because it’s only unseen. After all, we don’t take the time to see them. But they exist—and I’m trying to capture whatever I can with my handy dandy camera! Sometimes, that camera will be my iPhone, but whatever gets the job done, as they say. (And these iPhone cameras take AMAZING photos, by the way.) On this trip, I took my Canon DSLR and tried to take as many photos as possible of whatever beautiful gem called out to me. Vibrant colors, lush green plants, and dancing water were all around me, and I had to stop myself from spending hours in one spot. The day got hotter as the hours ticked by (this WAS August), but I had so much fun capturing the colors, patterns, and textures. Just look at the precious little tendrils in this plant below, curled inward like it’s hugging itself! I don’t even remember what type of plant this is, but I’m glad I found this tiny little plant nestled in the sea of green. (Update: I discovered that this exotic fern can be found in tropical places like Malaysia. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a decent website to share. I'll keep my eye open!) I had two regrets, though… The first one was that I didn’t have a tripod. I have notoriously shaky hands, so some shots were difficult for me. I powered through it and made do. On the next trip, I will need to pack my mini tripod. Many of the shots I struggled with were closer to the ground, and a mini tripod would have done wonders for my nerves! My second regret was not taking a longer lens. There was a point where we were watching the fountain displays from quite a distance back, and I tried to zoom in as much as possible with my standard lens, but I was so disappointed with the lack of sharpness in my shots, and I couldn’t zoom in enough to get something creative. So next time I need to take more kit...and choose a day with cooler weather! But it was a relaxing yet invigorating day, and I enjoyed it immensely. Spending time in nature is healing and therapeutic, as is the sight and sound of water. I watched the shimmering water bounce and bubble and was instantly in my happy place! So, for one glorious day and afternoon, I was in heaven! I need to find that sense of peace again…I need to immerse myself in nature and focus on something positive and something bigger than myself. I need to find those “hidden” worlds again and explore the tiny details that make up the natural world around us. I need to plan another trip…And—of course—I will take my camera along to capture as much as possible!
Related blog posts you may want to read: Biophilia in Interior Design Nature and well-being Inspiration I was exposed to the works of many designers and architects while in college for interior design, and one of them was the great 20th-century architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. I encountered his name and images of his buildings from time to time in my studies and was intrigued. One day, I came across a picture of this home called Fallingwater—which just happened to be located in my home state of Pennsylvania. It was love at first site! Right then and there, I put this trip on my bucket list. Someday, somehow, I would get there to see it in person. And about seven years ago, I did. For our 15th wedding anniversary, my husband and I planned a trip out to western Pennsylvania to see Fallingwater and another of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations, Kentuck Knob (more about that in a future post). So if you don’t know what Fallingwater is, it is a residential home built for Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann in 1936-1937 in rural western Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh. The building was designed to “float” over an existing waterfall, nestled into and protruding from a rock as if part of the landscape itself. It was raining the day I visited Fallingwater—not pouring down rain, but just a steady, rhythmic rain with big, sloppy raindrops. You might be tempted to think my trip was ruined, but the rain only enhanced the experience! Frank Lloyd Wright designed his buildings with nature and the surrounding landscape in mind, always trying to create an organic experience in which the occupant can be exposed to nature. The building becomes a harmonious “growth” in the landscape. And that was certainly the case with Fallingwater. This incredibly sculptural—yet geometric—building was just nestled in the trees, and at times, it was hard to tell where the landscape ended and the home began. The warm weather (this was in May) and steady rain meant that the building was visually wrapped in a verdant blanket of trees and bushes. On the day of our visit, we drove through some small rural country roads to get to the visitor’s center parking lot. Once we parked, we found the path with well-manicured grounds on either side that led up to the visitor’s center, gift shop, and this gorgeous gazebo. We waited in the gazebo for our group number (the house tours are limited to a certain number of people at a time), and while waiting, we enjoyed a 360-degree view of the luscious green foliage and watched the rain drip from the eaves. The trek to the actual house involves a “forced” meander down a very long (but very walkable) pathway, the sound of the waterfalls becoming gradually louder until you turn a corner and see the building…but only just a bit through the trees. The walk seemed like it took forever, and you don’t get a good view until you are right on top of the structure, but once at the destination, it’s like a release, and the view opens up to you! It’s a similar experience to the type of reaction FLW wanted people to have inside his buildings. So, I stood on this bridge, not knowing whether this was the front or side of the home—a little trick FLW loved to play with his architecture. But I didn’t care—I was just in awe of the vision before me. Before this trip, I knew about the linear geometric design of this building. But, I was not prepared for the emotional experience of seeing this creative bit of architecture springing organically out of the side of the landscape. As I stood there looking at the steps that led down to the water’s edge, I found myself overwhelmed not only by the fact that I was standing there looking at this magnificent structure in person but the way it interacted with its surroundings. My senses were inundated with the smell of the rain, the sight of water dripping all around, the vibrant greenery around us, and the sound of the waterfall roaring alongside and just under a cantilever portion of the home. Parts of the house float above the waterfall, reaching out towards the forest and the trees, while other parts seem to be embedded into the rock. Although I loved modern design and nature long before I discovered Frank Lloyd Wright, he has been one of the biggest—if not THE biggest—influences on my design sense. I also feel a close emotional connection with his use of Japanese design about light, space, line and form, and natural materials. The essence of nature fused with human creativity excites me and influences my designs and artwork. This trip to Fallingwater opened my eyes to what can be achieved when working with both elements. I’ve already decided to return someday—maybe next time at a different time of year to see the building reacting to the natural world during another season!
I have always been deeply affected by nature—trees, flowers, plants, animals, water, soil, and stone. It’s not just about hugging trees. (In fact, leave those trees alone! They don’t deserve the indignity!) This is a beautiful and sacred rock that we live on and on this rock spring forth all of the life-sustaining elements that we need as organic beings. The natural world provides the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. This is not optional—we NEED these things, so they need to be respected and preserved. Hide in your concrete jungle all you want, but you can’t survive without the natural world. Not even in the worst-case scenario post-apocalyptic vision of the future. (Does Wall-E ring a bell?) But it’s not even just our physical needs that benefit from exposure to natural elements. Our SOULS need to see and experience the creations of whatever divine beings you may worship or whatever wonder you may experience as you ponder the existence of the universe. We do not live in a bubble. We live in a complicated, multifaceted, connected universe on an equally complicated, multifaceted rock that acts as an incubator that keeps us all alive—without exception! Which brings me to why I do what I do…I create things that mimic those things that I hold most dear. It’s that simple. I get nothing but joy out of a finished piece—even after all the frustration, mistakes, bleeding, cursing, and things being thrown. It’s all worth it in the end. Just seeing something that mimics the natural world makes me feel more peaceful and whole, and I feel like this is something that I have to share. I have to share it because it means something to me. My background in interior design may seem counter-intuitive--much of what designers create is non-organic. But the real magic comes from combining man-made materials and organic elements. My pieces bring a sense of nature into the home—a place often void of anything organic. For example, many people don’t put plants in their homes…And I get it. I suffer from the “black thumb” syndrome myself! In my household, some plants make it…and some plants don’t! I make a point of apologizing to all new plants the first day they enter my house. I know as sure as I am sitting here that a certain percentage will fall victim either to well-intentioned over-watering or under-watering due to my short-term memory loss. If a month has passed and they are still alive, they’ve won the lottery of life. (BTW—don’t ever give me an orchid. I’ve killed two out of two…so far.) Poor thing! I love making candle and home decor pieces incorporating nature into the theme. It stays alive forever and brings endless beauty into a space. My vision is to create a world where it is no longer necessary to create awkward moments with the trees in the backyard. In my vision, the outdoors finds a way into the interior through nature-inspired decor that will put a smile on the face and create a more harmonious interior space. Put one of these beauties on your table…The trees will thank you! Shop for handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders and faux floral centerpieces by Di's Studio Designs here!
Related blog posts you may want to read: Capturing the beautiful details in nature Creation of a centerpiece Art imitates nature Inspiration Do you ever stop to think about what inspires you? What hits the most sensitive nerve and resonates in a way that is too deep for words? You don’t have to be an artist to be inspired, though artists are more inclined to listen, and create an interpretation. Inspiration is the spark that happens during that moment of private meditation. It’s that moment when the universe opens the door just a crack—just enough to get a peak at something bigger than yourself. We recognize the things we love and admire, but inspiration is something more mysterious. Inspiration is the moment we look at one thing but see something else. We dream, and then we try to create. Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as “a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation”. I have realized that inspiration doesn’t happen in any one way. The process can be dreamy yet semi-predictable. There may be times when you think about what you love and incorporate them into a specific project. And sometimes, a revelation takes place when some unexpected idea emerges from some seemingly mundane experience. I love nature, so it’s no surprise that I would be inspired to create things that mimic the natural and organic elements that mean so much to me. My Forest and Waterfall (seen below) designs come from that respect and wonder of the natural world. Last week, I briefly mentioned my admiration for the works of architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. His style incorporates natural elements such as stone and wood, light and sometimes water, openness, and seclusion. FLW embraces aspects of natural landscapes and traditional Japanese design. I have developed a respect for the simplicity and versatility of Japanese design. The point is, that I am consciously aware of the influence of each of these elements so that part of the creative process is not all that mysterious to me. But then there’s the Bird Bath project, inspired by a trip into Center City, Philadelphia (of all places). On a balmy sunny summer afternoon, I sat on a bench in Logan Square, waiting for my son to finish his volunteers while absentmindedly watching the fountain. I found myself particularly fascinated by the water jets and the sound of the splashing water and reveled in the delicate spray that the light breeze carried my way. Sitting in this idyllic setting, I decided to pull out my sketchbook to scratch out a few thumbnails for future ideas based on water. This one moment—this one mundane activity born out of boredom—didn’t just inspire one idea but spawned a whole host of ideas that I have filed away in the mind of “Di” to be dusted off later when some of my current projects are finished. Some final thoughts on Inspiration… Inspiration is not limited to only one concept but can be exponential in its capacity to change first our psychological and then—by extension—our physical world. The universe is our muse and shows us—if we are willing to stop and observe—that our potential for creating positive things (and thus creating positive energy) is as limitless as it is ethereal. Shop handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders and faux floral centerpieces by Di's Studio Designs here!
Related blog posts you may want to read: Creation of a centerpiece Finding creative inspiration from nothing Nature and well being Art imitates nature |
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