I recently took a guided tour of Sam & Alfreda Maloof's home and gardens in Alta Loma, California and was greatly inspired by their art and craft collection; everything from a 5.00 painting he had bought at a street show, ceramic bowls from all over (especially indigenous collections), a large doll collection, plenty of student artwork, a hand made canoe, actual carousel horses, brightly painted orange and pink walls (originally done in the 1950's) to large original paintings by well known artists - definitely worth a visit, if you're in the area!

Sam Maloof is acknowledged as one of the finest woodworkers of our time. As a leader of the California modern arts movement, he designed and produced furniture infused with profound artistic vision for more than half a century until his death in 2009.

Loads of art was sprinkled throughout the grounds.

He had carousel horses both inside and outside his home - so whimsical - I wonder if he carved these ones?

A persimmon tree bearing fall colours - I'd never seen one before!

I like how the plants were all labeled and there are plenty of garden events to participate in too.

At the end of the tour there is a chance to sit in one of Sam's chairs and yes, it does feel like a mother with her arms wrapped around you (we secretly took a photo of me in the chair - to be posted soon!)