InsideMyNest

The inspiration behind our designs draws from the classical traditions of the medieval Islamic Golden Age—spanning roughly between the 8th and the 14th century, this was a period of remarkable intellectual, cultural, and scientific flourishing in the Islamic world. It saw the rise of major advancements in fields such as mathematics, natural science, philosophy, art and literature—leaving a lasting legacy that shaped both the Islamic world and the broader global intellectual landscape.

Islamic philosophy, maths, natural sciences and art were profoundly interconnected, both reflecting a deep pursuit of divine understanding and harmony—with their ultimate focus on the nature of the universe, purpose, existence, ethics, and the relationship between reason and faith—often drew upon the concept of divine unity (Tawhid), where everything in the universe reflected the singularity and perfection of God. This collective intellectual view translated into Islamic art. Since creating images was prohibited by Prophet Muhammad at a time of much idolatry, and perhaps due to these highly admired pieces of art being considered a ‘distraction’ from reflecting upon ‘real nature’—geometric, arabesque and calligraphy art emerged in later centuries and became a symbolic language to represent the infinite nature of the divine.

The precision and repetition in Islamic geometric art was to evoke a sense of unity and harmony, reinforcing the spiritual quest for understanding the divine through the marriage of intellectual pursuit, spiritual depth, and artistic expression. Islamic patterns, characterised by intricate tessellations and symmetry are not mere decorative forms, but seen as reflections of the cosmic order and spiritual truths. These patterns, often found today in architecture, textiles, and manuscripts, were designed and intended to inspire contemplation of the infinite and transcend the material world, aligning with the ultimate spiritual goal of connecting with God.

We humans are an intrinsic part of nature, not separate or above it. Our bodies, minds, and lives are deeply rooted in natural processes—our breath relies on trees, our food comes from soil and water, and our health is shaped by ecosystems. Just like birds build nests and rivers carve valleys, we too shape and are shaped by our environment. Although modern life often gives the illusion of separation—through concrete cities, technology, and controlled environments—we are still deeply tied to the rhythms and cycles of the planet. Understanding that we belong to nature, rather than stand apart from it, is essential for living in balance with the world around us.

Just as birds instinctively weave together materials to form their nests, we look to nature’s delicate balance of form and function, combining beauty with purpose. The world that we live in, with its ever-changing colours and textures, sparks a sense of renewal and harmony, reminding us of the simple yet profound connections that exist between all things.

This inspiration fuels our desire to create with intention, embracing the fluidity, warmth, and growth that life embodies. By embracing nature’s effortless elegance, we aim to observe, document and create, where both beauty and contemplation coexist. Whether it’s a close-up study of a small botanical wonder or contemplating the grand mysteries of existence, we dive deep into these moments of quiet wonder and believe that both the little and big things we often overlook hold the biggest untold stories.

These expressions will bring us one step closer to understanding the bigger picture, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle gradually falling into place, revealing the profound unity and interdependence of all things that bind it all together.

Find free tutorials and inspiration on Nature Journalling.

Botanical Study

At the heart of our work lies a deep reverence for the beauty, complexity, and quiet poetry of the plant world.

Through careful botanical study and illustration, we explore the fine details of leaves, petals, stems, and textures—each piece a moment of still observation, transformed into lasting art.

Each illustration begins not with a brush or stylus, but with careful looking: the curve of a stem, the structure of a leaf, the gradation of pigment in a petal. These details are not just decorative—they are essential to understanding and conveying the life of a plant.

There is a quiet power in stillness—a grounding force that slows the rush of modern life and reconnects us with the earth beneath our feet. Our handmade ceramics are born from this place of calm, shaped by hands that honour the natural rhythms of clay, fire, and time.

Inspired by the rugged beauty of raw earth and the gentle pulse of nature’s seasons, each piece is an honest expression of weathered, tactile surfaces and sunbaked, earth tones.. The subtle imperfections, mossy textures, and unrefined forms speak to lives lived in quiet spaces—where sunlight filters softly through ancient trees, and morning mist rolls over wild meadows. They hold the essence of earth cracked gently by the summer sun, the scent of damp soil after rain, and the soothing rhythm of a mountain stream smoothing rough pebbles.

Our process is slow and mindful. No two pieces are alike, for just as no two moments of stillness are the same, every creation carries its own unique story. We hope our ceramics offer more than function—they offer a connection to the earth, a touch of nature’s quiet beauty, and a gentle reminder to slow down and be present.

These rustic, handmade pieces are all about stillness, grounding us in the richness of the natural world and the humble art of making by hand.

Browse our Handmade Pottery Store on Etsy or Holly&Co.