Botanical Inspiration: A Garden Teepee

 While pruning the invasive ivy and the unruly privet in our yard, I was suddenly inspired to build a teepee with the abundant cuttings.  I spent a good 2 hours [not entirely with our kids' help] building one.  Once it was finished, they certainly didn't hesitate to make it their own.  Take a look:

At some point the foliage will dry and fall to the ground, but I'm hoping that the supporting branches stay intact so that my children can enjoy this garden teepee for a bit longer.

Don't forget to enter to win a serving tray and coordinating paper plate set from Madhouse here!

Sunday Supper With Michael Aram Designs And A Reader Giveaway!

This weekend, Alex and I hosted a Sunday supper for a few friends.  While he did most of the cooking, I set a seasonal table with Michael Aram's fine paperware, melamine dishes and serving pieces.   The leaf patterns and woodgrain textures of the Fig Leaf Collection provided the perfect setting for a late afternoon autumn dinner.  Take a look at our gathering and find out below how you can win your very own Michael Aram Madhouse collection for your next dinner party.

Enter to win a Michael Arams Fig Leaf serving tray and coordinating paper dishes by doing 3 simple things:

1.  Visit the Madhouse site here and check out his amazing collection.

2.  Comment below on how you would use it should you be the winnner.

3.  Lastly, visit Madhouse’s Facebook page and give it a like.  If you haven’t already liked Cocoon’s FB page do so here.

Contest ends Friday November 15th!

And The Winner Of Jjandge's Hand Woven Basket Is:

Congratulations, Allida Joyce!  You are the winner of Jjangde's hand woven basket.  Please email your postal address to debra@cocoonhome.com and it will be shipped to you.

Many thanks to all who entered and took time to learn about Jjangde's mission.  If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you can do so here and here.

The Way We Work: Holly Bender Interiors

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Holly Bender of Holly Bender Interiors here in Lafayette, CA.  During my visit we talked about design while I shopped her collection of art and vintage finds.  I found a perfect piece for my office AND I got to photograph her home office as well.  By combining lucite, mixed metals and patterns, pops of color and vintage [one of kind] pieces Holly created a work space that is sophisticated,  glamourous and functional.  Take a look:

To see more of her work click here.

Thank you, Holly, for sharing your inviting work space with Cocoon Home Blog readers.

Employ, Educate And Empower With Jjangde's Hand Woven Home Goods And Reader Giveaway!

 It's with great pride that I share with you Jjangde, a company that is dedicated to strengthening West African communities by employing women, educating children and empowering rural villagers.  When I was first contacted by the company's co-founder, I was struck by the beauty of the hand woven home goods Jjandge offers but it was their mission statement that REALLY got me.  Today Jjangde launches its new website which explains the history of the company, introduces its artisans and showcases the one-of-a-kind baskets that create opportunity and hope for many in need.

In gratitude for taking the time to learn about the company and its mission,  Jjangde is offering a lovely basket as a gift to one lucky Cocoon Home blog reader.

You can Enter to win by doing 3 simple things:

1.  Check out Jjandge's campaign here.

2. View Jjangde's entire collection of hand woven home goods here.

3. Lastly, comment below on your favorite item(s).

Last entry day is Thursday November 7th.  Good luck!!