Rust and Roses

A curation of captivating, unexpected art – rust and roses on the iron shoe. Iron horseshoes! Growing up around the ranch, I heard the cowboys refer to horseshoes as “tacking iron on my horse.” Iron isn’t just an important mineral for our health, but it is important for most living creatures and is important for the horse more ways than one.

An Unexpected Dough Bowl Filler

Nourishing the Soul

While exploring my style and connecting with my creativity I came across a couple of barrels of horseshoes. I live by the belief that creativity nourishes the soul. While looking at those forgotten barrels or collection of horseshoes and see a patina that I just couldn’t ignore. I gathered a few for the best patina and interest – nails, shape, and rust – a weathered patina. This became my unexpected dough bowl filler. Some probably don’t see rusty horseshoes as beautiful or a rusting patina as beautiful. While I see the oranges and browns as charming and think, rust maybe a must!

Embolden Artistic Curiosity and Foster an Experimental Spirit

Your personal style is in the details, the final touches of the home. I often find myself mixing and matching styles, to reimagine me, to tinker, and to play. To take creative risks and challenge conventional boundaries around what art and home decor “should” look like. All that I gathered landed in a reproduction dough bowl as a form of curated art.

We see our homes as a sanctuary that celebrates our individuality and cultivates a sense of authenticity. We often design our homes intentionally and discover objects that delight and trigger a deep emotional response as well as celebrate our history, family and lend towards comfort. Often our collections help us create a stylish home that reflects the extraordinary people we are or maybe it is just for total comfort.

A Little Horseshoe History

“The horseshoe was first introduced many thousand years ago, possibly originating as early as 400 BCE. Romans called them “Hipposandals”, and they were used to protect the feet of horses against rough terrain or extended travel.”  Horseshoes are still in function and a necessity today.

These shoes date to a post-medieval iron horseshoe dating from the 16th to 18th century. They are housed in the Museum of London. Photo credit to the Museum of London.

I am completely fascinated by the fact that they are still around. Horseshoes of history can be quite sought after and collected.

A Collection of the Modern Horseshoe

The pile of horseshoes has steadily grown over the years, accumulating from many horses. Although we no longer have as many horses, the pile now grows much more slowly.

Rust and Roses Home Decor

Horseshoes have been fashioned into rustic metal art inside and out for sculptures, figurines and wall art. Here is my rustic metal art. Wall decor.

Some might want to remove this time warranted tarnish of rust, but I just want to preserve it.

Happy Derby Day! A run for the roses.