Wild Colours; A Natural Dye Retreat

F R I D A Y S r e l a x • r e c h a r g e • • c i n c i n ! • Mr Neil Bass @_tattoofx showing us how to do Fridays in style ... and an unconventional but sporting use of the Camp Mela outside dining table! Thoroughly loved having friends stay with us at camp~ let’s do it all again! @jackiebassmosaic @diddleyhels Robb @wagon_cabin_man

L O O K ~ S E E s p a c i o u s • b o h e m i a n Looking at a Tipi from the outside belies what’s to be found on the inside …that’s what never ceases to create that elusive ‘wow factor’. I swear it makes my heart grow each time I see one of our guests faces light up at first sight! In that moment every drop of the journey becomes worthwhile. Sharing the space we’ve created is for sure, the most rewarding part of it all. Each of our five Tipi interiors have been lovingly and thoughtfully styled. Each unique with a magical Mela, bohemian vibe that connects them all… Come and see for yourselves! Bookings for 2023 will soon be open so don’t hang about!

H I M A L A Y A H O M E m e • o l i • c a r l a • s h a w l s Feeling it’s time to share a little bit of background to the shawl story. Some context in which to place these beautiful offerings… This photo was taken (guessing by the size of my 1st born Oli) somewhere in Spring 1999. He was born not 10 metres from where we’re standing on a sunny day in May ‘98 (2nd pic our home) We were blessed to live a truly simple, natural life. No phones, no screens, no internet to distract us from the ‘art of living’. No striving, comparing or competing. Way out from the tourist places, in a small local community, we learned much from our time spent amongst the Kullvi people. When Oli was born he was given a few very special gifts from dearest friends. A silver dorje ~ A Tibetan Buddhist symbol and ritual object~ set with small stones of turquoise and coral. He wore it continuously threaded on a lace of leather. Amongst other treasured things, a super soft and gorgeously warm Angora, hand loom shawl…Perfect gifts for a mountain baby. It was only by living in this Himalayan region that I grew to really appreciate these beautiful and varied ‘everyday’ pieces. Learning more about the yarns used, the significance of the patterns. They use wool from yak, merino and pashmina (cashmere). This is belly fur from the Changthangi and Chegu goat breeds. Local pure wool, hand spun from sheep bred in Himachal Pradesh. In summer, the sheep are led by the Gaddies from the lower plains to the high up Himalayan pastures for grazing. As winter approaches and the glacial iciness creeps, the sheep are brought back. They are sheared twice a year during autumn and spring. As you can see in the photo, Carla has a shawl draped over her shoulder. The shawls are a very generous size (200 x 100 cm) making them the perfect wrap as the nights draw in. They really are special pieces and made to treasure. My online shop has a small batch made in collaboration with Durga who weaves independently from her Himalayan home.

S L O W S I M P L E D A Y S • m e d i t a t e • One of my favourite places to sit this summer, draped in dappled shade of the ancient oak. Sometimes to sketch and paint, sometimes just to pause or both. Slowly close the eyes, breathe and listen to the sounds all around. Notice the air filling my nostrils with tingling dry heat and scents of stillness - a simple practice for relieving the mind. As the searing temperatures and the driest of dry days continued, I saw colours at Camp Mela that I’d never seen before. Nature offering up and revealing a coded palette of the finest hues. Ever inspiring, ever guiding…

H O R S E P O W E R a r t • m e t a l • s c u l p t u r e We’re pretty keen on our art here at Camp Mela and @p.r.a.i.r.i.e_s.k.i.e.s This fine horse found its way here for our Weekend of Wellness & Creativity event back in August ~ what a magical weekend it was too. A gathering filled with so much expression, love, light and feeling free. Looking perfectly at home here on the Tipi field, it was clear to see that he belonged here with us. A totem for camp. Standing watch in the prairie amidst long, swaying summer grasses… The horse has long been revered in all ancient cultures. A majestic animal that embodies the spiritual power of independence, nobleness, endurance, confidence, triumph, heroism and competition. Its symbol is associated with Strength, Courage and Freedom. Empowering and liberating attributes to work with during these fast shifting & transitional times! Sculpture @salle_forge Photo credit @samharrons