ARTE‘s countdown to National Day and Christmas continues tomorrow, Friday, November 18  at the Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah and the Mercato Center in Dubai.

This week’s artist is Sundar from the Indian Christian Women’s Charity organization (sirra.sundar@hotmail.com).

Sundar has lived in the UAE for 30 years and has been a member of ARTE for 8 years. As a boy, Sundar remembers how all the women in his neighborhood used to crochet and make lace to earn a living.

Overtime, the demand for such beautiful work lessened as younger generations began to see Aukindoe handmade work as old-fashioned; not the modern way.

Fewer people buying has meant that women are no longer able to make money to support themselves. It has also meant that the craft is dying out because younger women no longer learn the skills involved.

When you buy something from Sundar, you are helping women in need. The women who make these beautiful creations, get a monthly wage and they are preserving this craft for future generations.

Everything is handmade from 100% cotton and the lace is done in delicate white and cream.

The women create doilies

glass covers

food covers

bedcovers

Just look at that design work!

Tablecloths

Take a closer look

(Wouldn’t this one be beautiful on your Christmas or National Day dinner table?)

You can see how the cloth and lace are matched so beautifully

table runners

and table mats – plain or fancy.

The women also make clothes like this beautiful piece modeled by Suzan ( Facebook  ).

Need a special size or shape? Have a dress idea? Custom orders are gladly accepted.

Intricate patterns and designs that are sure to add a touch of class to any home.

So stop by Sundar’s table and say hi the next time you are at ARTE in Times Square!