Month: March 2012

Clownster Clown-star

March 2012: As a regular ARTE vendor at Times Square Centre, you may have come across the ‘JeJe’ experience whilst setting up your table at the Times Square Centre. If you have no clue as to what I (Jan) am referring to, then let me relate what a JeJe experience is.  And if you don’t like clowns and feel aggravated when you see one clowning around and wondering what he’s up to, don’t worry. He means you no harm.

He is JeJe the clownster who will light up your face  or hyptonize you into calmness (as you can see below!).

So who is this star amongst the other ARTE stars?

JeJe is a fourteen year old lad full of ideas to make people smile. He loves being a mime clown or one where he can do a bit of improvisation. “No bells and whistles. No stereotypical clowns for me, thank you!” Jeje adds.

JeJe had his first clowning stint during Halloween 2011, when he handed out candy to the kids.

He appreciates the experience he has had as an ARTE clown. “It has taught me to see how much effort actors and mascots put into their work; I appreciate them a lot more.” As for his confidence, it has increased hundredfold. Most of the ARTE artisans who have been regulars will vouch for the fact that practice at selling or displaying your work boosts confidence as customers and fellow vendors start to appreciate you.

JeJe is still down-to-earth when he admits that “I still can’t give a proper speech in public, but I can perform without being too shy.”

So where does this not-too-shy lad get his ideas? “School drama lessons and friends.”

Like everyone, there will always be a bad experience to go through. Jeje’s worst clowning experience was when his wig was way too tight and he ended up having a headache. What is good to note is that he has never faultered in his smile during the ARTE fair despite the big ache claiming his head.

For those who didn’t know, JeJe is the son of Terhi Karpinnen, photographer (most of the photos to illustrate this article are taken by Terhi herself), who has never missed ARTE except once for the Gulf Photo Plus 2012. So it is interesting to note that children of committed artisans are allowed to express themselves in ways beyond expectations.  Parents encouraging their children in ways that they are best at, is a highly recommended tactic.  The Terhi-JeJe team is such an example.

In answer to my question about whether JeJe has been asked to be a party clown, he states adamently, “I’m strictly an ARTE clown.”

If you have enjoyed JeJe the Clownster’s experience, please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.

Visit JeJe the Clownster on facebook.

"Have a great, light-footed day," says JeJe

"Have a great, light-footed day," says JeJe

Move Over Fulla!

Sarah’s Simply Sunnah produces unique Islamic rag dolls which are lovingly handcrafted. Made with carefully handpicked quality materials, these beautiful soft huggable dolls are put together by a group of experienced craftsmen from UAE.

These rag dolls are regulars at ARTE and are priced at AED 100 (an absolute steal, in our opinion). They are safe for children, loved by all age groups and make adorable gifts for every special occasion.

Join their Facebook Page for regular updates.

Press! Pink Poodle & La Vela Candles

March 2012:  Congrats to both Nick Roberts from Pink Poodle and Lakshmi Sukumaran of La Vela Candles. These two regular ARTE vendors were recently interviewed by Abu Dhabi’s The National newspaper.

The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.

The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.
The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.

 

 

You can also read the National article on Nick Roberts’ handcrafted work online, titled: Quirky mixed media art from Pink Poodle.

Our next talented eco lover vendor featured is La Vela Candles. Read the National article online, titled: Luxury, ecological soy candles from La Vela.  Visit La Vela on facebook for a fragrant (and healthy) whiff of the soy candles.

 

 

Lakshmi Sukumaran, Founder and Owner of La Vela Candles. Photo by ARTE.

Lakshmi Sukumaran, Founder and Owner of La Vela Candles. Photo by ARTE.

Enjoy sweets the Brigadeiro way

The original Brigadeiro from Brazil. Photos supplied by Simone Amaro.

The original Brigadeiro from Brazil. Photos supplied by Simone Amaro.

‘Brigadeiro’ is Portuguese for Brigadier. Brigadeiros are actually chocolate sweets (or candy whichever way you look at it) highly popular in Brazil.

For those who love a bit of history, it was Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian Air Force brigadier, who first created the concept of a plain chocolate bonbon whose main ingredient is sweet condensed milk. Now, nearly 60 years later, thanks to Simone Amaro, Founder and maker of Brigadelly sweets in Dubai, vendors and customers alike can partake of this unique sweet at ARTE Time Square Centre.

Simone Amaro, Founder of Brigadelly - seen at ARTE TSC event

Simone Amaro, Founder of Brigadelly - seen at ARTE TSC event

Simone shares, “Every Birthday party must have Brigadeiros. It’s something that we have eaten ever since we were children.” According to Simone, Brigadeiros have more than thirty flavours, and she makes twenty flavours, all of which you can see below (the Portuguese version is also added).

Image 20 flavours derived from the original Brigadeiro concept! Photo supplied by Simone Amaro

Image 20 flavours derived from the original Brigadeiro concept! Photo supplied by Simone Amaro

Traditional (Chocolate) – Tradicional (Chocolate)
White Brigadeiro – Brigadeiro Branco
Mixed (White and Traditional together) – Casadinho
Dark Chocolate (Bittersweet Chocolate) – Chocolate meio-amargo
Pistachio – Pistache
Peanut Butter – Manteiga de Amendoim (coberto com paçoca)
Lemon – Limão
Almond – Amêndoa
Strawberry – Morango
Sesame – Gergelim
Coconut – Côco
Chocolate with Coconut – Chocolate com Côco
Hazelnut – Avelã
Nutella – Nutella
Corn – Milho
Chilli – Pimenta
NIDO – Ninho
Cashew – Castanha
Biscuit – Biscoito (estilo Palha Italiana)
Apricot (dried fruit around a Brigadeiro) – Damasco (fruta seca em volta do Brigadeiro)
Dates (dried fruit around a Brigadeiro) – Tâmara (fruta seca em volta do Brigadeiro)
Grape (whole fruit, seedless, inside a Brigadeiro) – Uva (inteira, sem semente, dentro do Brigadeiro)

We (ie. Jan) have tasted the plain original brigadeiro as well as the grape filled one which almost feels like a surprise when your teeth squish into the seedless grape. As Simone says, “That’s why it’s called ‘little surprise’ in Portuguese.”

Not to forget the pretty packaging. Photo by Simone Amaro

You can follow  Brigadelly – The Brigadeiro Company on facebook for sweet, Brazilian updates.

We’re so Sweet for this Jewellery

Meet Sophia Mattia of Funkme Designs, who recently joined the ARTE fold with an amazing collection of quirky, fun, vibrant pieces of individually handmade jewellery.
Sophia began making jewellery in 2008 with her very first necklace made was a liquorice allsorts. What began then as a dabble into jewellery making has now developed a range of sweetie jewellery made from polymer. Each piece is individually handmade by herself. She also produces “one off” necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are different from the sweetie range using the Millefiori technique. These are pieces that cannot be produced again to an identical copy and so are completely unique.
Sophia will be returning to ARTE in May with a new look to her stand and a whole new range of products.