Beautiful runner in client's home...great decorating!

Just received this photo in an email and the lovely runner I sold is smiling happily in it's new home.

The clients came with measurements and a concept and we looked at many runners and they finally settled on this piece. Was so pleased to get the photo as their home is very well done!

The darling "husband" called me today and said, "We don't like the runner!", "We Love it!"

Perfect!
My shop is in Sonoma County and these were local people. I'm always pleased when I have the right rug for the needs and wants of my potential clients.

If You're Interested in Gabbehs...just did a rewrite on my article, " What is a Gabbeh?"

When I started in this business there was an embargo on Persian rugs and what was available to sell as a merchant, was much more limited than what is now available. The wonderful, colorful Gabbehs are just one of the numerous rug types that were no where to be found here in the US a decade ago.

With the renaissance in the use of vegetable dyes and the resurgence of creativity in designs such as antique and modern, I personally think that the choices available to anyone seeking a rug to own are better than they have ever been.

There are Persian Gabbehs, Indo-Gabbeh and tufted Gabbehs (which are not Gabbehs at all!) Tufted rugs are not hand woven, if there is any question about that but actually held together with glue. A different animal for sure and never to be put in the same category as a hand knotted or handmade Oriental rug.

If you're interested in Gabbeh rugs, you might want to take a peek at, "What is a Gabbeh?"

New Rugs in today and more on the way!

These rugs arrived yesterday! Not sure which one is more beautiful. The first rug is a finely woven piece from Yayla. Size is 4'10" x 6'7. Design is Sultanabad. The blue-green in this rug, really adds a special depth. The colors in the tulip border are deeply saturated. There is an unusual burgundy accent color, throughout rug that works surprisingly well! I found it hard to stop looking at this one which is always a good sign.

The large navy Herez, above, looks even more beautiful in person.

This last one is very interesting as it was woven in Afghanistan but really has some of the qualities that until now, I have only seen in the best Persian Gabbehs! It is tightly woven, has a heavy body, the colors are perfectly chosen and the rug sparkles! The name of this is Aryana Shaal. It measures 6'4" x 6'6". The wool on this rug is of excellent quality and spun by hand.

More rugs coming in today...so keep your eyes on my site!

A Princess in Paradise!

Had a gal in my shop on the weekend and her daughter was dressed in holiday cheer.
She snuggled up and created a little play house with a few small rugs and I just had to capture it with my camera.
Aptly named, "Princess in Paradise".

Beautiful 10 x 14 Light Green Oriental Rug

This beautiful piece just came in.
This is a 10 x 14 rug from Afghanistan. The design is Turkish, taken from an old Ushak. Colors are a bit lighter in person. Rug is in gallery one, on my site. Gorgeous rug!

Many new rugs in this week!

Hard to leave the store but I did it and have returned with many new and interesting hand woven pieces.
Of potential interest to the tribal rug guys...Quchan Kilims, mostly mid 20th Century, each of which I found unique and beautiful. Quchan, is in NE Iran, close to Turkmenistan and the these kilims are woven by Kurdish weavers. They are colorful and each piece is a bit different. Quite durable also. The work and artistry in these flatweaves comes out loud and clear with up to three different weaving techniques employed in each piece! Sizes are very tribal; 5 x 10, 6 x 11, but for those that love flatweaves and kilims, worth taking a look at. Mixed into all the galleries.

Also in recently are some very fine quality (tightly woven) antique design rugs from Ariana Rugs, Inc. in unusual European and old Agra (India) designs. These are high end pieces and truly look like antique rugs!

Additionally, many new runners, up to 15 feet with varied looks and styles.
Many smaller rugs in also, some of which will be quite affordable but too many to photo and get up on the site in one day. I will be adding these to my site as quickly as I can. As I add rugs to each gallery, the new rugs, will always be at the bottom of the gallery.
Just the way the gallery program works.

If any questions, I am always available. Contact info in on my site, including my direct line.
Hope you enjoy, a few of my new pieces are featured above!

New rug that is pretty amazing....

This rug has now found a home!

Just thought I would give this piece a little attention. Arrived two days ago and the more I look at it, the more I see. This is a Persian Luri recently woven in Southern Iran. The wool on this rug feels like silk and of course, 100% vegetable dyes. Have a look!

My new favorite rug! World class Persian Bijar!

Have a look at this beauty. This is a 6 x 8.3 Persian Bijar. Woven in Iran by Kurdish weavers with excellent wool dyed and vegetable (plant based) dyes.

It just came in yesterday and when I opened it, I was truly mesmerized. It's obvious that I'm in love with the rugs I sell but this Bijar has the true magic. The colors are so harmonious and the weaving so impeccable that I would say with confidence that this is one of the best rugs I have ever seen.

The drawing (this is the design outline) is calming yet interesting and although
the basic layout is a geometric rendition of the pendant medallion design, little flowers are subtly worked into the background and secretly appear as you continue to study the piece. The yellow at the edge of the field (area inside the border) is just amazing. Not too bright, not too muddy, not too soft...just exactly right. In the detailed border design, the light blue accents give just the right touch of a sparkle. And then there is the deep green in tiny increments throughout the piece.
I believe this rug is spectacular. Look it over carefully and each time, you will notice something else, you missed at first glance. A perfect rug continues to fascinate, endlessly.
www.paradiseorientalrugs.com/

Sunday morning Farmers Market in Sebastopol. Belly Dancers and More!

The dancers were back and this time, I had my camera! Above are a few photos of the belly dancers at the Sunday morning Farmers' Market, in Sebastopol, California, taken June 28,2009. The wonderful dancers are the Raks Rosa Dance Company. The director is Elana Quihuis. For those of you interested, their web site is http://www.raksrosa.com/.

The weather was HOT but there was ample shade and the mood was relaxed and friendly. Many vendors with fresh, organic produce and an assortment of exquisite hand-crafted items and delectable food. The entertainment was great. This market runs all summer so come and check it out on any Sunday morning. The market is held right in the center of downtown Sebastopol in the park and runs from 9:00 AM to 2 or 3PM.

My Favorite Rugs! Paradise Oriental Rugs

Anyone care to see my current favorite rugs? They are right above...just love these. I believe the Khamsehbaf and Qashqai rugs that I am in the fortunate position to have at my gallery will be the antiques of the future. They are woven with great care, excellent wool, the best dyes and are incredibly hearty. A number of the designs, such as the above pieces are gorgeous. If you haven't seen any of these, take a look. I feel these are my best rugs and over the long term, will be good investments.