Eco-Style Life Beau Monde: Favorite Quote Friday

I was inspired to think deeply by my friend Stephanie Gale in her recent blog Eco-Style Life Beau Monde: Lifestyle William Morris On Practical Beauty.

What do you think about this quote?

 "Have nothing in your house

that you do not know to be useful,

or believe to be beautiful."

~William Morris  

From Wikipedia:

William Morris (24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896) was an English textile designer,poet, novelist, translator, and socialist activist. Associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement, he was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production.

His quote makes me reconsider whether or not I will buy or keep certain items or let them go. Especially in my wardrobe. Living with beauty is a concept that guides me in my life. What guides you in yours?

I became even more thoughtful when I read her newsletter with nuggets of wisdom from many venerable authors and experts. Especially thought provoking is how author and teacher Leah Jade talks about the roots of a home and balance.

What are your thoughts on the William Morris quote above? 

Seaside Collection Sample Sale by Joy Silk

I dreamed up the Seaside Collection while visiting my sister in Southern California at Christmastime last year and inspired by Facets of Avalon's "To be beside the Sea". I've always loved to walk on the beach and look for shells and pretty rocks. Each silk painting is unique and features various seashells and coral of the fantasy variety. 

In Del Mar with my sister and her boys. 

 Limited edition is on sale now and available while supplies last. 

Seaside Collection - art to wear hand painted silk

Sunset in Encinitas

Sunset is inspiring - I love to watch the sun drop into the sea 

La Jolla Shores

A day hike at La Jolla Shores, off-shore breezes and perfect little waves. 

Another glorious day in Paradise

This small and unique collection is the sample set from my new Seaside Collection, launched in February 2014.

Charmeuse poncho, turquoise and seashells

Silk has a luxurious translucence that perfectly radiates the rich saturated colors I enjoy working with.

Crepe de chine ruana, fantasy seashells

Every item is made to order, hand painted and signed as an original work of art.

Crepe de chine poncho, very wearable

Luxurious charmeuse poncho

Detail : scallop shells on charmeuse silk 

Detail : poncho styled as a scarf

May this painted light be an inspiration to you.

Joy Light, artist and designer

Spring Cleaning Feng Shui Style

9 Simple Feng Shui Spring Cleaning Tips

1. The Attitude is Gratitude. Be grateful. Gratitude is the best and fastest way to achieve your goals. It’s important to note the good in any situation. Observing a grateful outlook helps you move forward towards dreams and goals.   

2. Adopt an open door policy. Keep the “ming tang” clear of belongings and leave a generous (6’) clearance on both the outside and the inside to ensure that the energy can flow freely to benefit all of the occupants. 

3. Improve the chi/energy of your home with regular thorough cleaning. It helps to raise the vibration, allowing you to more easily achieve your goals.  

4. Give it away. Donate unused items to the charity of your choice. Your home should reflect who you are and what you want. By clearing unused clutter you will be improving the energy in your home, plus you’ll be donating to a good cause. 

5.  Let the sunshine in. Make sure your home is bright, airy, and well ventilated. Open windows and let natural light in to raise the energy level throughout your home.

French doors wide open Earth Day 2012

6. If you’re stuck, feeling cluttered, and don’t know where to begin, start by emptying just one drawer. It only takes one step forward to fuel the energy and give you momentum to continue streamlining your home of excess items.

7. Go with the flow. A well placed and clean water feature such as a fountain, pool, pond, etc. can give positive effect for money, relationships and health. Add or upgrade a water feature in your home, a Feng Shui expert can be of assistance to make sure it is well placed for most benefit. 

8. Go Green. A thoughtfully landscaped home ensures that your home is being supported from the outside, make sure you have thick landscaping, retaining wall or wood fencing all the way around your property. This will ensure that the energy stays on your property and will help you achieve your goals with money, relationships and health.

Lush summer landscape on Planet Joy 

9.  Keep family pictures out of the bedroom to add spice to your love life! The bedroom should be your respite from the work-a-day world, used only for rest and intimacy put the non-essentials and photos in the family room.

Share your tips, tricks and the results from your spring cleaning in the comment below or join the conversation on Facebook. 

Joy Hand Painted Silk Seaside Collection

Introducing a new limited edition of hand painted silks by Joy Light.
The Seaside Collection is inspired by the beach, collecting shells has been a lifelong reverie. Beginning at a young age on the shore in New Jersey. We would go searching for shells and Cape May Diamonds.

Sunset Beach, NJ

Cape May Diamonds are not diamonds at all, but pieces of quartz crystal are broken off from veins and pockets by the swift running waters of mountain streams in the upper reaches of the Delaware river. We prized finding them as kids.

Charmeuse poncho styled as a scarf

The collection is designed to bring you a touch of serenity from a memory of the sea. Find the Seaside Collection online via Etsy. Or contact me to create a custom scarf or wrap just for you, in your colors!

Detail of scallop shell & starfish

As a young adult I beach-combed in Southern California where storms at sea would occasionally wash up treasures from the deep.

Charmeuse Hand Painted Poncho

 Tropical vacations to Hawaii and the Yucatan Peninsula introduced me to other varieties of seashells over the years.

Work in progress - Seaside Collection

The Seaside Collection is whimsical, combining stylized scallop and nautilus shells, representing the tranquility that comes from beach walks and contemplating the waves rolling into the shore.

Seaside Collection : Crepe de chine poncho

Crepe de chine poncho styled as a scarf

You can wear the Seaside collection year round to remind you to embrace the optimistic outlook that comes from time spent watching a sunset in warm weather climate.

Detail scallop shells

Sungold crepe sarong

I'd love to hear from you what your favorite shell beaches are, please share in the comment section or let's chat about it on Facebook!