Arabian Centre and RAK Hamra Mall, here we come! Plus all things wood

Since ARTE said goodbye to the long term location at Dubai Festival Centre, we have now found new homes in other locations – such as RAK Hamra Mall as well as Arabian Centre in Mirdif, in addition to the two markets at Times Square. Well into our ninth year, the ARTE family have truly expanded throughout the Emirates and beyond.  You just have to look at the highly interactive facebook page standing at 16K followers and our social media is full of videos, instagrammed photos and tweets and an ever growing list of subscribers and fans that support handmade in the UAE. Thank you all.

So don’t forget to pop down there to see us.

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In the meantime, we are dedicating this space to some amazing wood crafts by our artisans. Enjoy the gallery!

 

 

Follow these artisans on facebook.

Kariba Arts

Miss Green Tea

The Joinery Shop

Wael Hamadeh    – read more about his work here.

Prerna Unlimited – read more about her work here.

Lilly’s Floral Decoration– read more about her work here

 

All photos used as owned by the artisans unless otherwise indicated.

The Rise of the Arte-san Man

When ARTE came into existence just over nine years ago, we only had a couple of male artisans as members, Colin Roberts (who was known for his Dirham coin bottle stoppers) and Paul Beaujangles (the silversmith and ARTE’s co-founder) to name two of them.  In recent years, we have seen the number of male artisans join our ever expanding family. Sadly, May 2014 saw the departure of the Roberts family (a blog story that traces their journey with ARTE is published here).

Do you remember Colin Roberts, our regular vendor since the beginning of ARTE.

Do you remember Colin Roberts, our regular vendor since the beginning of ARTE.

The Roberts' son Nicky of Pink Poodle used to design these bowties.

The Roberts’ son Nicky of Pink Poodle was known for his love for old Hollowood movies and musicals.

 

Paul Beaujangles is known for silver smithing themed cufflinks

Paul Beaujangles is known for silver smithing themed cufflinks

Here is a lowdown of some of the male artisans who make us proud.

Fluke photography

 

Of his photos, Fluke photography says, “One of the stand-out things about Dubai is the extreme contrast between tradition and the modern, such as the minarets and the fancy resorts.” In the photos below, he sought to capture this contrast by braving the 42 degree heat and high humidity. We think it’s a job well done!

 

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fluke photography

Follow Fluke photography on facebook.

 

The Howlin’ Rooster

Basil, the cigar box guitar lover brings his unique handmade guitars to ARTE. Read more about his work in a separate blog post here.

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Follow The Howlin’ Rooster on facebook.

 

Photo GT – Motorsport Photography

 

If you are a motorsport afficianado, and you love photography, then Photo GT is your man. This photographer has an ‘obsession’ as he calls it, with capturing razor sharp images of fast cars, “while the rest of the world screams by in a blur of confusion.” Check the photos and see if you don’t agree with what we say.

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photogtweb

Follow Photo GT on facebook.

 

IntentionS by Paul Mercer

We have already blogged about IntentionS collection of essential oils and creams by Paul Mercer, here. Some of his latest inventions include the divine blend of essential oils with seaweed and Vitamin E. Hmmm, that already feels so wicked and good on the skin! Try some at the next ARTE market.

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Follow IntentionS on facebook.

 

Stefano’s Jewels

Jewels by Stefano range from rings to earrings are hammered to perfection. We covered his handcraft in a separate blog post here.

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Follow Stefano’s Jewels on facebook.

 

All photos used as owned by the artisans unless otherwise indicated.

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If you are an artisan, making your own crafts right here in the UAE, and you would like to sell your work at ARTE, all the application details are on our website.

 

 

Our Pink October favourite picks

October, being the month to raise breast awareness, many of our artisans have decided to go pink.  The following items will be available at ARTE at Times Square this Friday, 10th of October. Don’t miss out.
Aunty Becky's Crocher Corner has a pink stool seat in store for you

Aunty Becky’s Crochet Corner has a pink stool seat in store for you

Find Aunty Becky’s Crochet Corner on facebook. This crochet aunt will soon be starting workshops for crochet lovers.

Designs by Anna D

Designs by Anna D

Anna D likes to create pretty cards, canvasses and jewelry. Find Designs by Anna D on facebook.

 

It's all on paper by Susan Lee

It’s all on paper by Susan Lee

Find IAOP  – It’s All On Paper on facebook.

 

Pearls and Rose Quartz make the perfect pink bracelet - by MC StudioNDesign

Pearls and Rose Quartz make the perfect pink bracelet to wear this October – by MC StudioNDesign

Find MC StudioNDesign on facebook.

 

Silk sachets in the making by RedCat-SilkArt

Silk sachets in the making by RedCat-SilkArt

Knittox and their cute toys

Knittox and their cute toys

Find Knittox on Facebook.

Doggie wants pink biscuit today - by Mutt Madness

Doggie wants pink biscuit today – by Mutt Madness

Pure Candles Dubai generous with their pink hearts!

Pure Candles Dubai generous with their pink hearts!

Like the luxury eco-friendly soy wax candles by Pure Candles Dubai on facebook.

Ragmatazz goes pink

Ragmatazz goes pink with their fancy purses in pink and blue

Find Ragmatazz on Facebook.

Rebecca Bear's pink doodle of Audrey Hepburn

Rebecca Bear’s pink doodle of Audrey Hepburn

Find Rebecca Bear and her iconic UAE doodles on facebook.

 

Polymer Clay by Suzanne Kazan Jewelry

Suzanne Kazan Jewelry is all about breathing life into jewelry – her chosen medium to handcraft it. The artisan, who is from Switzerland, has a special relationship with nature which helps her be responsive to people and cultures.
Suzanne talks about her journey into the use of FIMO polymer clay, “When I first discovered the FIMO clay, I was at first taken aback by its wide range of colours and possibilities. I was just recovering from a cancer operation and working with clay was my way of meditation and recreating new life.” This recreation of life, with the combination of colours and patterns, is apparent in her jewelry. “I use the combination of colors and patterns to create a certain energy that calls on a specific individual because it talks to his or her specific energy.”
A regular ARTE vendor since a year, Suzanne loves the thought that ARTE helps her go public with her art. “It was ARTE that helped me create very cordial relationships with art appreciators. Now I have customer base and contact with other artists who participate in ARTE’s activities; this raises the challenge for continuous exploration of and experimentation on my own art.”
Like Suzanne Kazan jewelry on Facebook. Catch her at ARTE, Times Square Centre, this coming Friday, the 26th of September, 2014.

Animal Planet comes to ARTE

The first ARTE fair for the last quarter of 2014 was filled with beautiful people and beautifully painted and crafted icons from the animal kingdom – butterflies flitting about from one ceramic pin to another, camels trekking from cushion to cushion, the hippos and the rhino making merry, and more.

Here are a few artisanal products by our ARTE. You can find their facebook pages below the gallery.

 

 

Like the artisans on facebook

Hector’s handmade

Komeropuoti craft shop

Handmade Agate jewelry

Favourite Things – Handmade by Roberta

Photos by the artisans or Alex Nex (Green Moments Photography)

It’s a cakewalk right here at ARTE

We start a new round of craft fairs at ARTE, with a sweet tooth. Expect to see many cakes ‘n bakes, desserts and preserves food artisans at the first ARTE fair this season, on the 12th of September, 2014.  Here are three of the

 

Annette Cakes Dubai

Not only can you  savour their delicious cakes, you can also learn the art of decorating your cake at ARTE. The Cake Decorating workshop is a basic buttercream decorating workshop that is at no cost to you when you buy one dozen cupcakes at ARTE this Friday. Register now. Details below.

Like Annette Cakes Dubai on Facebook.

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Ladybug sits cosily on this green and creamy cake by Annette Cakes

mickey theme cupcakes with oreo frosting

Custom cupcakes by Annette’s Cakes – Mickey Mouse themed cupcakes with Oreo Frosting

 

Just Cupcakes – Love at First Bit

Just Cupcakes brings to ARTE their freshly baked, eggless cupcakes.   Promising endless bites of sweet cupcake desire, you need not look further if you have had a bad day at work or a messed up day at school. Head over to their stand this weekend and ARTE and feel special.
Like Just Cupcakes on Facebook.
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Pastel coloured ‘lollipops’ for a baby shower by Just Cupcakes.

nutella and red velvet cakes - just cupcakes

Just cupcakes makes creamy yummy nutella and red velvet cupcakes – want some?-

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Frosted Creations Dubai

Now, if you are in a mood to celebrate, then Frosted Creations Dubai is on standby to help you do so. Their theme is all about celebrations, through freshly prepared cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

Like Frosted Creations Dubai on Facebook.

Disney Lightning Mcqeen Cake-frosted

Fancy a Disney Lightning McQueen cake – Frosted Creations are your peeps.

Couch potato cake...really enjoyed making it...frosted creations

Hitting the 40s? Have no fear – Couch potato cake by Frosted Creations comes to your rescue.

Graduation of American academy-frosted creations

Customized order by Frosted Creations for the Graduation of Dubai American Academy event.

We know what they did last summer

ARTE may have taken a short break during the month of August, but our artisans have been as busy as ever. We take a look at what some of the artisans did over the summer to refuel that flickering oil lamp of creativity.

Bright and Beautiful – Creative Fabric Ideas

Carla Bygrave, Founder and Designer of Bright and Beautiful did not have much time to create many of her popular bag creations, but her tote bag travelled all over the world with her. From Vegas to LA, from Cebu to Malibu beach, from Dubai international to London Heathrow, her large tote bag has bagged quite a bit of air mileage.  She also captures colourful ‘craft wonderlands’ (as she calls it) where ever she travels, most of them heaped with fabric and wool that make us at ARTE-sans hunger for more of such craft shops in the UAE to whet our arty appetite.

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Packed to the brim, the tote bag comes to Carla’s rescue at the airport while travelling.

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The Bright & Beautiful tote bag is spotted yet again at Houston’s George Bush airport.

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One of the many photos Carla takes of craft shops and shares with her fans. This one is at Michael’s craft wonderland in Pasadena CA.

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Customized buntings and bags by Bright & Beautiful. Carla whipped these up in a matter of two days, before she got onto that jet and winged away to Scotland.

Like Bright & Beautiful Creative Ideas on Facebook.

T’Danes

T’Danes also travelled during the summer. Her favourite destination happens to Istanbul.  “This city made me realise that that one time beauty stays a life-time beauty,” she says.  This philosophy is incorporated into T’Danes beautiful pieces of work. No wonder they sell like hot cakes – after all, who wouldn’t want a piece of Istanbul beauty around her neck?
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Photo by T’Danes encapulates Istanbul’s handcrafted inspiration through the power of recycling.

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Turquoise-ptember collection by T’Danes.

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Each pendant is a memento marking a special past event in someone’s life.

Doesn't this 'Marina' necklace by T'Danes look awesome?

Doesn’t this ‘Marina’ necklace by T’Danes look awesome?

Like T’Danes on facebook.

Janys De

Spending time between India and Dubai this summer, Jan D’Sa, Owner and artist-designer at Janys De, started working on pocket squares to compliment her handcrafted cufflinks collection.  Leaving the pocket squares and her cufflinks behind in Dubai, she went off to India and had a great time having the space to work on her fiction stories, doodle spontaneously and take insect and floral photographs to capture her love for nature. She says, “I did not travel as much as I would like to, but time spent on my parents’ garden-farm, dabbling in hobby photography, doodling and writing served to be a great introspection time where I travelled deep into my creative being.”  We can be certain to witness her cufflinks collection steeped in this newfound creativity  at ARTE.
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Jan loves the time after the monsoon rains, where the raindrops sit immaculately on the flowers and leaves. Captures on her parents’ garden-farm.

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Balancing the arthropod and the tear drop. Captured by Jan on her parents’ garden-farm.

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Spontaneous doodling with her non dominant hand has become one of Jan’s favourite past times.

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Handcrafted cufflinks by Jan in polymer clay and resin. The designs are made, following the intricate patterns in doodles created by Jan.

Like Janys De on facebook.

Dollie Day Dreams

Another artisan who has seen the world and has lived in different countries spanning South America to South East Asia, had a pleasant surprise waiting for her in the English Countryside. Maggie, Owner and Designer of Dollie Day Dreams, says, “I was re-introduced to the pleasure of picnics in the English countrysides, long walks and endless rows of gorgeous flowers. The weather was great to just wander off the beaten path and lose myself in memories of things that I miss when I am in Dubai.”
Her Dollies are well known collectibles that are quite the rage among ARTE’s visitors.
Flowers in Maggie's mother's English garden.

Flowers in Maggie’s mother’s English garden.

 

Maggie Tuite, seen with her Dollie creations on new ARTE posters.

Maggie Tuite, seen with her Dollie creations on new ARTE posters.

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Maggie’s Mr.Bunny keeps her company when she makes her dollies. She says, “She likes my button box, thankfully, I caught him in time having a sniff and not a snack.”

diva dolls

The Diva Dolls sell like hot cakes at ARTE.

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Don’t you love this doll Trapeze Artist – each Dollie by Maggie exudes her own character and personality.

Like Dollie Day Dreams on facebook.

Eva’s  Cats

Bright and spunky Eva Yumshanova, designer at Eva’s Cats,  spent time in the west of France camping with the family during the summer. Amongst all the expected camping gear you may find in camper’s backpack was (no surprise) threads and needles. Eva says, “I could not take my sewing machine, but I could sneak in some fabric, needle and thread. I zipped myself in the tent which made me feel I was inside a sleeping capsule of a star ship. I loved it.”  It was in the midst of viewing the night sky, the milky way, breathing fresh air and pine trees, visiting Brittany and Le Croisic (known for its snail farms, salt plantations and more ) that her cat keychains were born.

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Eva in France, enjoying her ‘starship’ abode while piecing the cat keychains together.

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Buy these cute cat key chains by Eva at ARTE markets.

Evas cats

A preview of some of Eva’s cats and dogs, foxes and camels.

Who can resist these animals made by Eva?

Who can resist these animals made by Eva?

Like Eva’s Cats on Facebook.
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All Photos used in this blog posts are used with the permission of the artisans.

 

El Qady handmade – an Arabic love story

There’s something about El Qady handcrafted work that makes you want to visit Egypt and/or belt out soulful songs by legendary Egyptian singers.

Consider the beautifully decoupaged work on the wooden chair below featuring one of the most beloved music icons in the Arab world.

Musical chairs- literally!

Musical chairs- literally!

A canvas with the Arabic iconic singer. Can almost hear her singing multifold

A canvas with the Arabic iconic singer. Can almost hear her singing multifold

What about the night lamp studded with the music and movie icons of old?

Light up my life with music and movies

Light up my life with music and movies

The wooden tray below is once again decoupaged to give the sense of mountains and movement while the houses are stuck in place, with the tall palm trees looking like they have been placed on stilts.

Love those tall palm trees

Love those tall palm trees

Keeping an 'eye' out for more wall hangings

Keeping an ‘eye’ out for more wall hangings

El Qady stand as seen at ARTE

El Qady stand as seen at ARTE

El Qady makes accessories that can dress your home, your garden or even your wrist (in the case of women), so hop on to their stand at ARTE and enjoy the best of this Arabic love story in person.

Like El Qady handmade on facebook.

Photos source: El Qady handmade

Surat Journal – a world of leather and words

The word ‘surat’ has many meanings in different languages. But when we refer to the word in ‘Surat Journals’  it means ‘write’  in one of the Philipino language dialects.  At Surat Journals, you will find the ‘irresistible combination of leather and recycled paper’ as the proud owners and handcrafters say. The leather is imported from the Philippines, but the products are done right here in Dubai – the home of ARTE  handcrafts.

The journals that started it all.

The journals that started it all.

It all started when two handcrafted journals were used to doodle coffee sketches and paintings. What evolved is what you can see in the photos below – an explosion of handcrafted leather journals to appease the ‘journalling’ appetites of those who love to journal whether by writing or sketching.

Happy Leather, happy buyers!

Happy Leather, happy buyers!

As seen at arte

As seen at arte

Don't waste. Leather is used to create some awesome bookmarks!

Don’t waste. Leather is used to create some awesome bookmarks!

Exquisite sketches and writings in an exquisite Surat journal

Exquisite sketches and writings in an exquisite Surat journal

Like Surat Journal on Facebook

Follow Surat Journals on twitter

Sources of Photos : Surat Journals

Wael Hamadeh and his upcycled work

It is amazing how a well travelled member of human kind finds his journey back into the arms of his homeland, Lebanon. Where ‘the history of stone merges with the beauty of nature, where olive trees dance with the breeze of the valley’ (Reference, Wael Hamadeh’s biography.

Dance on, live on, paint on....Lebanon calling as seen through Wael's eyes.

Dance on, live on, paint on….Lebanon calling as seen through Wael’s eyes.

The biography is as poetic and heavy with ‘dancing’ metaphors, just as Wael’s beautiful paintings are.  The characters in his paintings are filled with nature’s way of expressive arts, whether that is the picking of apples or the gathering of fruits and herbes, whether it is the sweat of his father and forefathers, or the brightness of the sun wiggling its way through the harvest season.

When you see Wael at ARTE, you will notice that he is always painting. There is movement, liveliness, mermerism at its best. Wael believes in social consciousness, so he uses materials such as wood and even throw-a-away tin cans to paint on a make some great pieces of upcycled art. The rust from the cans is quickly covered with luscious dips of acrylic paint and with a flick of lacquer, the painting is sealed for good, never to corrode through the course of time.

Wael demonstrates his painting technique at ARTE

Wael demonstrates his painting technique at ARTE

Like Wael Hamadeh’s facebook page.

His website is worth looking at too. From exhibitions to commissioned work, from coffee sketches to sculptures, the website is replete with the creativity at its best.