Bold geometrics. Rich hues. Textured layers. Patterned prints.
These are just a few of the hot trends that come together to create this fabulous handmade and vintage home décor collection.
Who are you?
My name is Alex Keller. I’m an artist living and creating in Tuscon, Arizona. My passion is beauty through fashion, art and design. My addictions are thrifting and antiquing.
What are you collecting?
Kilims and kilim pillows.
When did you start?
I think my adoration of kilims really started with my mom’s love of textiles. Growing up, I had a tapestry hanging in my bedroom. It was for decoration, but also to keep the room a little warmer; I think my mom just took the idea from days of old and went with it. I was also exposed to a lot of Ukrainian textiles — handwoven fabrics and embroidery. I was also in a dance group, Kashtan, and we wore a lot of traditional costumes for performances. My personal collection started with the kilim my mom bought for me in Tubac. I bought another small one, then found a few large rugs, then pillows…. I think the kilim pillows remind me of embroidered Ukrainian pillows because they both have lots of color and pattern. (And they go really well together!)
Where do you keep them?
On the floor, the walls, chairs, a sofa, the bed… And everything else in a large vintage opera trunk.
What’s a crazy/interesting story behind one?
I found one of the rugs at a thrift store, and it was only marked for $12! But the craziest story is about the opera trunk. A friend and I went to this warehouse sale in October 2004, and while driving there we got stuck in traffic in the middle of a parade. I believe it was the Double Ten Parade, which celebrates Chinese Independence. The trunk would not fit into my car, so we had to borrow a friend’s SUV to pick it up a couple of days later. And then we had trouble getting to the opera warehouse because of the Chicago Marathon! So after two trips to the warehouse, and hours and hours in a car, I finally had my trunk.
What piece would you like to add?
I could always get more pillows, and I’m looking for some new runners for our bedroom.
Why do you love them?
I love that they are handmade, that they have such a wonderful history and that they add color, texture and warmth to the surfaces of my home.
Which one is your favourite & why?
The Tree of Life kilim that my mom bought for me when we first moved to Tucson.
What else do you collect?
Another textile I collect is Ukrainian embroidery. I’m first-generation Ukrainian and learned to cross-stitch from my mom. I have a few scraps that I’ve framed, some pieces I made as a child, a few placemats, blouses, a wool jacket, a sheepskin coat, and a beautiful towel from an aunt. My mom has quite a collection of pillows, towels, tablecloths and blouses, too.
Gorgeous! Thanks so much, Alex.
Both of Alex’s Etsy shops explore her love of reclaiming beautiful trends from other eras. Be sure to visit her jewelry recycled boutique, filled with gorgeous goodies, and her vintage finds store, where she rediscovers great treasures!
What do you collect? Please tell us in the comments below. We’d love to hear!
The Collectors Series | Kilim on Etsy
Hi nicies! I’m Kristal Davis (a.k.a. rikrak) and I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us a little bit about what inspires them. The Collectors series, first published on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, is a series of quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting (apart from their art supplies!)
62 comments
Sign in to add your ownmyvintagecrush says:
Haha, where do you keep them? ..basically everywhere!! These are really beautiful, I see why you collect them cause now I want a whole couch full of these pillows!
199 days ago
Colettesboutique says:
Wow! these pieces are truly gorgeous! I just want to reach out and feel the texture of those pillows!
199 days ago
TheBloomingThread says:
I always love this series..it made me start my own collection of vintage lockets! Thanks for sharing another great collector ♥
199 days ago
funktionslust says:
I love how this collection evolved through various events that happened throughout your life, beautiful meaning behind the collection
199 days ago
CandyAppleCrafts says:
Beautiful! Someday I'd like to incorporate a little bit of kilim in my home, as well. Love it!
199 days ago
beliz82 says:
Beautiful Kilims Love them too !!!
199 days ago
loveleeflowers says:
Goodness, I love, love, love your textile choices!
199 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful, I love the colours and geometric shapes I'd never heard of Kilim before!
199 days ago
VintageEye says:
Alex! Your collection is beautiful! I too have a tree of life kilim that I treasure! I came to love kilims & similar textiles during the two years I lived in Turkey in the 1980s. Thanks so much for sharing your collection here!
199 days ago
riskybeads says:
gorgeous and great post! thanks!
199 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Alex ! it's wonderful to see you featured here! I love your collection! :)
199 days ago
cartoncompany says:
Alex's shop is one of my absolute favs! I love this peek into her collection.
199 days ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Beautiful Collection!!!
199 days ago
busterandboo says:
hi Alex!! What a gorgeous collection!!! :)
199 days ago
OhMyAmpersand says:
Yay Alex! Lovely collection :)
199 days ago
maimy says:
I have a beautiful kilim that my fiancé snagged for cheap on an internet auction. The colours and pattern are stunning, I can totally understand how they could become an addictive collection :)
199 days ago
BeatificBijoux says:
Lovely collection! I love the rich colors and patterns, and the texture of the weaves.
199 days ago
busterandboo says:
Oh! And what do I collect?? Kachina Dolls - hand carved wooden native american dolls Also - all things miniature - many from Etsy - but started this collection when I was just a kid. :)
199 days ago
AlpineGypsy says:
Oooh, vintage textiles!!! And I never knew they were called Kilim, thank you~ All gorgeous. This is definitely my taste, and I think you just introduced yet another thing to me to obsess over, hehe..... Is there anything more fascinating than trying to imagine all the love and care that went into a handmade piece like an embroidered blouse, or a handmade carpet? I just *love* the energy these things have. Great interview. ♥ Heidi ♥
199 days ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
Warm and rich collection... wonderful!
199 days ago
VeraVague says:
covet
199 days ago
frighten says:
Beautiful collection, Alex! I love those rich colors and patterns.
199 days ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Beautiful collection!!!!
199 days ago
grandmamarievintage says:
Such wonderful beautiful textiles. Really, amazing talent!
199 days ago
anotherghostquilts says:
Lovely!
199 days ago
needlepointpassion says:
Which one is the Tree of Life? AlpineGypsy says it all! I have 2 kilims now! how is kilim pronounced? long or short i? Anne
199 days ago
scandivintage says:
Great pieces and wonderful ways of displaying them. I just love the warmth they give a home. Thanks for sharing.
199 days ago
LivingVintage says:
Gorgeous!
199 days ago
RustBeltThreads says:
Alex is awesome! So happy to see this featured!
199 days ago
Iammie says:
Beautiful collection.
199 days ago
HoneyThistle says:
These rich hues and geometric shapes always make my heart sing. What a great collection!
199 days ago
RossLab says:
So colorful!
199 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderful collections thanks for sharing
199 days ago
derinmavi says:
Kilim patterns are symbols of love, life, death, fertility, earth, nature, immortality, family.. and so on. They are also expressions of words and emotions that can not be expressed. Here's a bonus for you: A Turkish folk song called "Kilim". It says "I weaved love to kilim." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AeAtfhdztQ
199 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Beautiful collection! Your passion is catching!
199 days ago
TheFancyLamb says:
How cool! Love the interview, Alex!
199 days ago
QueenofCuffs says:
Fantastic collection - so warm - what a cosy home you have. Love textiles - and totally understand the passion. Love your shops - especially the jewelry - woman after my own heart !
199 days ago
alexkeller says:
thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments :) and the Tree of Life kilim is the 3rd photo (not counting the photo of kristal) - it's hanging on the wall from a very long curtain rod!
199 days ago
Lolavintage says:
YAY! Thank you so much for the post! how cozy and beautiful!
199 days ago
gardenmis says:
So awesome to see you here!! Gorgeous textiles + lovely interview! Congrats Alex :)
199 days ago
Earmark says:
This is so bizarre... I have actually been on the hunt for a Kilim rug for my home for the past month or so! Lovely fabrics! Great article!
199 days ago
VictoriaWest says:
Wow! those pictures are amazing -the pillow in the 2nd photo is absolutely gorgeous- and the related items are also great!
199 days ago
Parachute425 says:
Beautiful. Very colorful. I collect dust bunnies.
199 days ago
sewlola says:
The textiles are gorgeous! I am sure they bring happiness to your home. :)
199 days ago
ecceprints says:
Gorgeous colors and texture! I love the patterned prints and how nice that you get to enjoy/use your collection on a daily basis!!
199 days ago
MandyBesek says:
Gorgeous collection!
199 days ago
kayratastaki says:
Beautiful collection!
198 days ago
FranceGallery says:
Lovely textile patterns and colors!
198 days ago
MishaGirl says:
I adore kilims and have several decorating my place. You have a fabulous collection!
198 days ago
bitanem says:
Very beautiful collection!! How nice...!
197 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
Amazing work! Thanks for sharing!
197 days ago
ecokaren says:
Love your feature! And the collection! Congrats Alex!! :)
197 days ago
AnneMarie1025 says:
I love your design patterns and the vivacity of the colors you use!
197 days ago
RosepathCollection says:
I too love the colors and patterns. I come from a Ukrainian family as well here in Canada. Alot of rich culture I love!
195 days ago
birribe says:
Marvellous patterns and colors, I really love it
195 days ago
happyhound says:
Hi Alex, Love your collection!!
195 days ago
bstudio says:
They have a beautifully cozy look to them! What a gorgeous collectable!
194 days ago
forrestinavintage says:
Alex is one of my faves--congrats on the article, friend, and the lovely collection.
188 days ago
MerCurios says:
What a great article. Alex you are amazing - Kudos!! xo
170 days ago
semsamelkic says:
I have 3 Bosnian Kilim for sell, if someone is interested you can contact me on semsa_melkic@hotmail.com. They are handmade, and 100 % woll, never used, unique .
169 days ago
melongings says:
Fantastic interview! I had no idea Alex had such a wonderful collection of Kilims. I'm totally jealous! They are so rich and beautiful!
168 days ago
PrincesaAnastasia says:
What beautifull things you got!!!! I'll tell you very short story of the Ucrainian kilim which has run around the world. The story began in the beginning of WWII when my uncle was deported from Poland (presently Ucraine) to Kazachstan. She took her favourite kilim with her. Kilim went through Iran, India, Australia and since a few years is in Poland again.
145 days ago