Mundane objects.....things of beauty

Today was an exercise in Wabi Sabi for me. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, read my old post here. But in short it is simply this - finding beauty in everyday objects! It is quiet, undeclared beauty that waits patiently to be discovered.

My exercise today was a slight deviation from this, but the basic premise was the same....what I did was to go around my house and photograph ordinary objects which, by the mere act of displaying with care, had turned  into things of beauty. Each one of us has some prized collection which we display with pride - artwork, dishes, little figurines, heirlooms, pottery and so on. Things that are MEANT to be shown off. But, hidden in drawers and stashed away in cupboards are things we feel are too boring and mundane to be considered display worthy. Useful, functional items that have no place in public, that are best kept in the dark.

So I am here to tell you, pull them out. Next time you're looking for some cool arty thing to place on that dresser, or fill a niche in your bedroom with, or to prettify your desk....just go scrounging in your closet or cupboard or drawer. And trust me, you'll find something. All sorts of cool collections lurking inside waiting to be discovered...Wabi Sabi!

Am I rambling or making any sense? Here...take a look at these....simple things that look good when clustered together and displayed artfully.

Spools of thread, in bottles....

Rolls of wrapping paper....just stick them all in a big mud pot...like a bouquet

 Bangles...oh, how I love these, not so much to wear, but more to look at....

 and more...

 Art and colored pencils...and no, you don't need a sugar mold like the one I have (which I won in a giveaway)...even old, chipped coffee mugs or glasses all lined up will look good

 Mortars and pestles....

 Cooking oils.......

 Old brass urns....which no one uses these days

 Spices

 Paint brushes

 Greenery on the windowsill

 Old black and white and sepia toned photographs.....chipped frames and all

 And no, I wouldn't bother changing the chipped frames and giving them new ones. I think its part of the charm....

So, here is what I say. Go around your house, try looking at things differently, see the simple beauty in everyday objects.....spice jars filled with delicious powders all lined up, vessels all gleaming and polished, bottles of oils, stacks of papers, CD's and DVD's arranged neatly, pots of flowers.....really anything at all!