Monday 22 February 2016

A little bit of Wales in my home

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll have seen that we've just had another idyllic week in Southern Snowdonia.  I think my heart truly belongs there.

As soon as we pass the sign to show we've crossed the border and the street signs become bi-lingual I feel my shoulders relax and my breath deepen. There's something so comforting about the imposing mountains - their permanence, their sheer magnitude - that just calms and comforts me.  We try to visit 3 or 4 times a year if we can, and I seem to need it to rebalance and reconnect.

Maybe it's because I live in one of the flattest counties in England, but I miss the mountains, the spectacular scenery, the stunning sunsets and the miles of rolling hills.

I don't go in for tacky souvenirs, but I do like to bring something home that will remind me daily of our trips and keep me going until the next one.

On a day trip to Llangollen I popped into a riverside shop selling local crafts.  These rugs caught my eye, and I became slightly obsessed with them, instantly regretting my decision not to buy one.  We made a detour on the way home just so I could get one!


To be honest, I wanted to buy them all with their different palettes of colours but the voice of doom reason said I couldn't, because where would I put them? Besides, I knew my puppy would have a field day scratting and digging at these and pulling them to pieces.  So I plumped for just one, for our bathroom which is a puppy-free zone.




The rugs are handmade with pure, local Welsh wool by Helen Jones who makes them on a peg loom using 40 strands at a time.  It's really weighty and feels luxurious underfoot so it's perfect for the bathroom.

The colours reminded me of the bright greens of the moss and lichen that abounds in the area.  There are miles and miles of stone walls covered inches thick in moss.  Something about this relationship pleases me - the million year old natural stone, manhandled and manipulated into purposeful boundaries and sheep pens, ultimately reclaimed.  No matter what, nature will always prevail.




The yellow strands interwoven are reminiscent of the daffodils, the Welsh emblem of course, and they were abundant during our February visit because of the mild weather.  The shades of grey remind me of the centuries old stone workers cottages, the flecks of blown hint at the rich coppery beech leaves besides the streams, and the darker hues of green, the evergreen pines that flourish in the Coed Y Brenin forest where we stay.

The jars in the picture are another souvenir from Wales.  These were liberated from an old mountainside cave we explored.  I can only assume that the couple of old stone cottages used to use this as a dumping ground as it's full of vintage bottles and glass jars.  Muddy and full of stale water, we took our treasure home and cleaned and scrubbed them up.  They are perfect for displaying springtime blooms.

I'm delighted with my new rug and against the slate tiles in the bathroom, will be a constant reminder of happy times in Wales.

Linking up with Happy and Home.


39 comments:

  1. You and I are kindred spirits this week - my driftwood creations fulfilled exactly that need to bring something meaningful back you describe. I absolutely love this rug and your gorgeous photos, loved seeing your pics while you were away too. We spent all last night looking at Welsh places on Rightmove. I am struggling back in suburbia! May the holiday sickness be soothed by memories of happy times in Wales in our homes! Thanks for joining #HappyandHome Liz.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved experiencing Wales with you virtually Penny!

      I also spent several hours on Rightmove last night. *May* have bookmarked quite a few! Fancy going halves?!

      Delete
  2. A cosy thick rug underfoot in the bathroom is indeed a luxury! Your rug is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nadine, it's a treat to get out of the shower now!

      Delete
  3. Beautiful colours and I know exactly what you mean about crossing the border, I feel the same way every time I go to Cornwall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh yes, Cornwall is so beautiful too. There's something about the Celtic parts I think.

      Delete
    2. oh yes there is, its the wildy bits!

      Delete
  4. I love the colours and can I just say I need a rug like that in my life!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful rug, Inam sure it looks great in your home.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You capture the beauty and magic of Wales perfectly. That rug looks gorgeous, the colours are just, perfect.
    Sounds like a most wonderful break, thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such beautiful colours, such a beautiful post and photos, exuding calm and such a love for nature! Hope you get your wish someday, to live closer that that wonderful scenery!xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Wales! You just reminded me I need to go back. And those rugs are gorgeous. x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Snowdonia - it is such a beautiful area. Lovely photos x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your rug is a lovely momento of your fabulous trip to Snowdonia. I hope it continues to remind you of your trip to Wales x

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've never been to Wales, it's definitely on my list of places to visit in the UK - your photographs are so beautiful, and I can see why you wanted ALL the rugs! x

    ReplyDelete
  12. I adore the colour mat you chose. It goes really well on your slate floor. I adore Wales, it has a special place in my heart as we had our honeymoon there

    ReplyDelete
  13. North Wales really is otherworldly. I grew up in the south, and have only ventured up a couple of times (and that was only as far up as Dolgellau). I was so impressed by the scenery though. I'm not surprised you try to go there as often as possible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We often stay near Dolgellau and were e there this time, such a lovely little town with the best coffee shop!

      Delete
  14. I do love Wales and understand your sentiments in bringing something home. I love your photos and your rug is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The rug looks beautiful and I can see why it reminds you of home. Wales is next on my wishlist to visit - such a stunning country

    ReplyDelete
  16. Pretty, pretty rug, would you consider a permanent move to Wales? Mich x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not until Ruby's much older I don't think. She'd have to learn Welsh at school, plus where I'd want to be is so remote the schools are miles away :(

      Delete
  17. Your photos are lovely and I've been enjoying seeing them pop up in my feed while you've been away!

    That rug is gorgeous and well worth the detour to go back and get one x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thanks Cass, I hope I've not been boring everyone!

      Delete
  18. Oh Liz this post has made me go all dreamy! I've not been to Snowdonia before I don't think but I spent many summers in Pembrokeshire as a child. Sounds like you had the best time away and it must have been wonderful after being so poorly. Gorgeous photos and I love your rug :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. "I love your rug" good grief, THE rug I mean! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! I have been doing a little titter to myself every time someone says that!

      Delete
  20. The colours in your rug are gorgeous, and yes, loved the look of your week away, it looked truly beautiful!

    ReplyDelete