SEWING HOPE

A community sewing event to help Syrian refugees

BROTHER INTERNATIONAL GULF (FZE), an imaging and printing solutions provider, will be sponsoring a sewing oriented community CSR event on the Friday 26th October 2018 from 11AM to 6PM in aid of Syrian refugee children. The event is held in partnership with ARTE, The Makers’ Market and Times Square Center, Dubai.

The event has been developed to involve the wider community in the UAE, which include Brother staff, volunteers, sewists and the general public to help sew as many children’s winter clothing as possible that will benefit the Syrian refugee children.

It will be a full day of fun activities designed to involve the whole family. Throughout the day, visitors will spend time connecting with each other, participating in the CSR initiative and entertainment, as well as celebrate the spirit of giving, kindness and love embodied by the Year of Zayed.

Soichi Murakami, Managing Director, BROTHER INTERNATIONAL (GULF) FZE, said: “As a company,we are always on the lookout for CSR initiatives that work for the greater good of the disadvantaged or marginalised communities. “Sewing Hope” is such a cause-worthy event that has been designed to encourage involvement from the community in the UAE. I cordially invite UAE residents and visitors to come and support so we can work collaboratively to make a positive difference. I also take this opportunity to recognise our preferred implementation partner, SKILLS3 – a social enterprise which is making a major positive difference to women across the MENA region. We are looking forward to a day of giving and sharing.”

You are invited to join Brother ‘Sewing Hope’ to come together to sew winter clothing for Syrian refugee children.

This event is for sewists and non-sewists alike. Grab a friend and come down and use your skills to make a difference. .

The sign-up is now officially open and book your activity slot immediately

Sign up here: http://signup.com/go/UutZXmD

Shilpa – Henna Musings and ARTE

Henna Musings, a thoughtful collection of gorgeous designs which represent the UAE and Dubai. When we think of henna, we think the beautiful, intricate patterns that are created on the hands and feet of woman. Yet, these images are fleeting. Not, Henna Musings designs, Shilpa has created everlasting henna creations on candles. These lovely candles make wonderful gifts and amazing decorations for any home.

It is however, with a heavy heart that we tell her story today… as always Dubai is a transient city and Shilpa will be heading on to new adventures. We wish Shilpa all the best and know that she will be deeply missed at our markets.

Shilpa will be at ARTE in Times Square Center this Friday, 9 March from 10am to 6pm. Please join us in saying farewell and don’t forget to stock up on her Henna Musing Candles.

Shilpa’s Journey with arte

When I moved to Dubai in 2012, I had no idea about the great handmade art markets that Dubai had to offer. I have always loved to try my hand at new things from painting to paper quilling to baking. One fine day, I decided to explore the art of henna candles. The art of henna painting on hands is something that everyone links to Dubai and I found the thought of henna candles fascinating because it took the art to the next level i.e. taking something that is so delicate and transforming it to a permanent art work. 

It started off as a casual thing and then I decided to exhibit at ARTE in September 2013. I was delighted to find a platform to take my hobby to a commercial level. Nervous yet excited…..my first market didn’t go as well as I expected though the appreciation I received felt great. But my lovely neighbor at the market, Diana, who used to sell camel milk soaps encouraged me to not give up. I am glad she did and I am super thankful to her….as after the first market, there was no looking back! Such is our ARTE community….everyone is always happy to help each other.

Over the past 4 and a half years that I have been with ARTE, I met some very lovely people….fellow vendors and some super happy customers who I proudly call friends now. I have some customers from my very first few markets who still come to buy the candles for gifts and then there are others, who’ve never bought candles but have always stopped and appreciated my art over and over again. It feels great to know that my candles have reached various parts of the world as Dubai souvenirs.

Thank you ARTE for this wonderful opportunity! Miriam & Stephen, you are doing a great job giving people a platform to explore their talents & take their art to the people!  

I will miss being part of this lovely community but I will always treasure these beautiful memories.

Best Wishes to all at ARTE,

Shilpa

Henna Musings

Shireen McGurn – Truly a Rare Find

The sign says: “No sales pitch, if you’re not crazy in love with it, please say no and walk away.’ and she means it. Shireen is hardworking, honest, straight to the point and very gifted. She is one of the quiet ones at ARTE but don’t let that fool you. She is super talented and highly supportive of hand created in the UAE and her fun loving attitude bubbles with energy.

We had a little chat with her and discover her passion for ART, why she loves ARTE, the Makers’ Market and why she creates.

Meet Shireen McGurn

Why do you love ARTE?
I can sell what I truly love making. It is the best platform for my creative ideas.

When did you discover your passion for your artisan’s work?
The minute I could doodle.

How did you get where you are now?
People asked to buy things that I made.

What or Who is your inspiration?
Inspiration is not a set thing. Everything, all around, people I meet, artists, children. Sources of inspiration are ever changing.

What is your favorite piece of work that you have created?
The Camel Dubai.

What is your trick to make the sale?
No tricks. I’m honest and open with customers. I’ve even told customers to return products if they change their mind. These are my creations, why would I want someone to keep something I’ve put my heart into, that they don’t really want it.

What is your best seller, what are you known for in the artisans’ community?
People know me for my artwork and signs. The artworks are unique Dubai pieces. The signs are fun and make people laugh and that’s why most people stop to look.

What does your artisan’s work really mean to you? Is it business, pleasure, passion?
It’s my business but it comes from passion and a need to create.

I always say: “I’m one big creative mess.”

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any new projects coming up?
I’m working on new artworks to go with my Camel Dubai.

Who or what at ARTE do you like or admire?
I love true handmade products. ARTE is the one market that believes in true artisans. All the vendors with their original ideas inspire me. I love seeing their ideas come to life.

Do you use any unusual, or special materials in your product?
Not really, I make things from materials I have around me, I always have.

Which part of your work do you enjoy the most, the design part, the finding of materials, the combining of colours, the marketing, the packaging, the selling?
I love the undistracted moments of being creative. Getting engrossed in a project, painting, working on a piece of jewellery. I also enjoy meeting people at ARTE, seeing reactions and hearing people’s stories. Where else would you come across such a wide cross-section of people?

Shireen is truly a rare find and you should pop into the ARTE market and discover her amazing talent and friendly personality. Her signs will make you giggle, her work will take your breath away and you will be better for meeting this talented creative.

Meet Shireen at the ARTE Market:

Dubai British School on 13th December 2017
Mercato Mall on Friday 15th December 2017
Times Square Center on Friday 22nd December 2017

Find her on Social Media:

Facebook – @RareFinddxb
Instagram – @Rarefind99

ARTE, the Makers’ Market is the UAE’s largest, hand created market which also includes an exclusive vintage section. Make sure you follow our events page HERE for all our next markets.

ARTE’s Success Stories

The Camel Soap Factory’s Journey with ARTE

Five years ago, traveling through Australia, my husband and I came across a little treasure of a place called The Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory. Set in the Western Aussie bush, it had a retail outlet and factory where visitors could see the soap being made, and buy locally made products and produce. I came home with a dream for Dubai!

My first steps were to learn to make soap. Not much in my background in payments software had prepared me for this. I found a course in London and met my soap mentor and guide, Melinda Coss, without whom the factory might not have happened as quickly. Paying somebody every month certainly focus’s the mind.

Next was learning how to make soap with camel milk. There are not too many books on the subject. I thought I would attend two school fairs that Christmas. I never made it to the second one after we sold all our stock at the first.

That’s when I decided I needed to dream a little bigger and faster.

But I realized that moving into bigger and different markets meant that I was going to need a license. Initially I was allowed to manufacture from home under a trading license but as we got bigger I needed to get a full industrial license. We now have a factory situated in the heart of Dubai and export across the globe.

Without Arte, it would have been impossible for me to get the business off the ground.

Selling at ARTE, The Makers Market helped me refine my product and learn more about our wonderful customers who buy our soaps. It allowed me to gather market intelligence, work out what sold and what didn’t. It allowed me to start to build cash to invest in growing the business. And most of all I made the most wonderful friends among the other ARTE vendors. Friends who have left the UAE, and now sell our soaps as distributors in other parts of the world.

Thank you ARTE, we are deeply grateful.

Stevie Lomass is the founder and creator of The Camel Soap Factory in Dubai.

If you are an artist or artisan that makes handmade items in the UAE and would like more information about becoming a vendor at the ARTE Markets, contact us via email – info@arte.ae or read our section Book a Table for more information.

Don’t miss the next ARTE, The Makers Market!
Like our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/arte
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/arteuae
Check out our next market www.facebook.com/arte/events  

The Best Gifts for Mother’s Day

Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day with a unique, handmade gift.

Mother’s Day is that special time that we can show our Moms how much we love and appreciate them. ARTE has chosen the best hand made, one-of-a-kind gifts that your Mom is going to love and you will definitely be voted as the Child of the Year.

The Holistic shop

The Holistic Shop creates crystal healing art and these rose quarts hearts and planters is specially made to show your unconditional love for Mom.

Agate handmade Jewelries

Gorgeous handmade fashion jewellery and accessories made with a variety of products including, gemstones ,beads ,brass and copper.

Desert Patch

Mom loves when you put effort into the gifts that you give. Join Desert Patch and create your own unique decoupage hearts that Mom will treasure forever.

pictoresca design

Lina Saurez will create your custom pillow filled with special memories of you and Mom.

Deseneros

Make sure your Mom rocks her jewels with a signature piece from Deseneros!

H makes bags

Handmade bags made by Heather, using a combination of new, vintage and recycled fabrics.
Grab one of the  Burqa sisters and spoil Mom.

Ups designs by Upasana kapoor

Her handmade abstract journals ,feather bookmarks and cute jute or brocade bag will definitely make your Mom smile.

Jewellery by Leah

Pure silver personalised jewellery from bracelets and necklace pendants. Children’s hand prints, footprints and drawings can be incorporated on to the jewellery to make gifts and keepsakes perfect for Mother’s Day.

Handy-Craftz & Artz

A beautiful union of candles and the traditional art of henna.These elegant candles are hand-painted with natural henna paste and will look lovely in any home.

Audrey’s Cat

Vintage Moms will be delighted with any of Lynda Kirby’s vintage collection items. Jewellery, clothing or even a stylish hat that she can wear to the Horse races later this month, will make her day.

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Each picture is handmade to order and with a pattern of Arabic letters and numbers. Spell out your Love for Mom.

Handlettered by lama

Fantastic cups that lets Mom know how special she is to you.

Arlene’s Dreamcatchers

Make sure Mom gets a good nights rest with one of these lovely hand created dream catchers. Make sure you chat the Arlene to get a customized item that will be as unique as your Mom.

Blooming Basket

Real preserved flowers from Blooming Basket has under gone a preservation process which allows the flower freshness and suppleness to be kept for a long time without losing its beauty. A flower that lasts.

If you have forgotten about the most important woman in your life, make sure to join us at the ARTE Market , Friday 17th March at Mercato Mall and Friday, 24th March at Times Square Center to find your perfect Mother’s Day gift.

We would like to wish all our special ARTE Moms a very Happy Mother’s Day. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Don’t miss the next ARTE, The Makers Market!
Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/arte
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/arteuae
Check out our next market www.facebook.com/arte/events

ARTE’s Artists

Moonberry Studios by Lene

March is the month of horse racing, art and literature in Dubai which makes me want to race on down to ARTE at Times Square, tomorrow, Friday, March 10, 2017. Do not forget our new hours: 10am – 6pm.  Looking for that special hat to wear to the races or a gift to share with your favourite jockey? Than ARTE is the place to be! Remember, our artists make what they sell and everything is handmade with love in the UAE. Plus, look out for ARTE this weekend at the Emirates Literature festival.

This week’s ARTE artist is Lene of Moonberry Studios

(Instagram: Moonberry_Studios, Facebook: Moonberry Studios1, e-mail: Lenepieters@gmail.com)

Lene is originally from South Africa, but has been living in the UAE since 2005. Lene’s first ARTE market was in 2008. Shortly after her first market, Lene learned that she was pregnant with her first child. Lene decided ARTE would have to wait.  Today,  Lene  has two beautiful children who inspire her art work everyday.  In 2015, Lene decided to return to ARTE and she’s been with us ever since.

I asked Lene how she became involved with card making and she told me that one day she saw a page with a rose and writing on it. She loved it so much that she started talking to the artist, who introduced her to scrapbooking. Lene was hooked!

My photos do not do justice to her beautiful work. Lene creates each of her designs by hand. There is a great amount of love and care that goes into each card.

Lene believes in quality over quantity. A card is just as important as an art piece. This is why she uses pigment inks which are not heat dried. They take longer to dry but, are worth the wait.

She cuts out her images by hand, as well as using the latest embossing techniques.

Plus, Lene’s work is environmentally friendly, as she uses recycled books and paper to create her gorgeous cards.

Lene’s cards are perfect for holidays.  With Easter and St. Patrick’s day right around the corner, (and don’t forget all those birthdays!) you must come and check out her latest cards at ARTE.

Lene also handcrafts the most adorable gift tags.

for any occasion:

They even make great bookmarks:

Although Lene, loves making her cards, her true passion is mixed media. In 2008, Lene was a finalist in the Red Bull art show. When you visit Lene’s table, you will also see her art pieces for sale.

Lene describes her art as “historic ephemera”. She uses items from the past which would normally have a short term use like tickets to a movie, and transforms them into something beautiful. Here is an example:

If you look closely, you will see tickets. These tickets are from the 1970s. Originally, they were used to raise money for a trip to the fresh water angling world championships in Europe.

In this piece, Lene has taken pieces that her grandmother crocheted and incorporated them in her art. Lene feels that art is a way to connect our pasts and futures. If you are interested in learning more about her mixed media pieces or if you are interested in taking a morning mixed media art class, for adults only, Please stop by Lene’s table at ARTE for a chat.

Don’t miss the next ARTE, The Makers Market!
Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/arte
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/arteuae
Check out our next market www.facebook.com/arte/events

Top Ten Gifts for Valentine’s Day from ARTE

Show your love with a one-of-a-kind hand crafted gift.

 

February is the month of LOVE and Cupids. Valentine’s Day has become a commercialised event with malls and shops churning out the same old same old. This year you have the chance to dazzle your loved one with the most original and unique gifts, limited numbers, hand crafted by the best artists, jewelry designers and more from the UAE. ARTE has been running art and craft markets since 2005 and shows the creme de la creme Artisans of the Emirates to inspire you for Valentine’s day.
Create a romantic evening.
 Shea Body Butter and Bath Salts using the best quality raw organic cold pressed oils and organic essential oils from with Raw Sensation Body Butter.
A woman can never have too much jewelry.
Designer Jewelry by Hayet Zerelli Jewelry- Timeless pieces that travel through cultures, continents and generations.
 The Ladies will love a one-of-a-kind, designer handbag or journal.

 

Upsdesign – Upusana Kapoor is an abstract artist from Dubai that creates handmade jute bags, journals and more.

Bring your other half and select a painting together to celebrate your love.

ART by Jocelyn  – Jocelyn Lewisham is a Dubai based New Zealand Artist. Much of her work is inspired by her new homeland and is dominated by local and Arabian themes.

Hand lettered  and personilised mugs.

The perfect gift, with a hand lettered message, to make your loved one remember how special they are,  while sipping their morning cup of coffee or tea. Pop in and Handlettered by Lama will personilise your card, mug or journal.

For the Décor Lover we have these beautiful hand created pillows with unique designs.

Pictoresca design – Exclusive hand-made designs tailored to your personal taste and imagination. Custom made items, stunning gifts and décor pieces for you and those that you love. Cushions, hand-painted mugs, makeup cases and more.

Lilly’s Art & Decoration – From handmade original paintings to crafted & customized home accessories surely you will find your needs, all this comes with an Oriental Twist.

Something sweet…

Jo Baked –  Homemade sweet treats from gourmet and decorated cookies to cupcakes and simply decorated cakes using fresh ingredients and containing no preservatives.

Kikki’s Bake – Tempt your taste buds with home quality handmade cakes, muffins, cupcakes, cake pops and more straight-from-the-oven

Capture her dreams with a Dream catcher.

Arlene’s Dreamcatchers – Entirely handmade, all original designs using quality materials.

Words of Love or a special personalised card will melt their hearts…

Zebratini – Sacred geometry inspired designs reflected in greetings cards. Colourful, abstract paintings and prints.

Gingersnap – made to order frames and letters. Personalised gifts for all occasions.

Don’t miss the next ARTE, The Makers Market!
Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/arte
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/arteuae
Check out our next market www.facebook.com/arte/events

ARTE’s Artists

The Camel Lady by Darcy

Eid Mubarak – Here’s wishing you and your family a safe and joyous Eid Al Adha.

For those of you who are not travelling this Eid holiday, I invite you to join us tomorrow, Friday, September 9, at ARTE in Times Square Dubai. ARTE is the perfect place to work up an appetite before you go to your Friday brunch. ARTE starts at 11:oo, but many artists are open for business by 10am. There is plenty of FREE underground parking to keep your car cool while you walk around the gorgeous arts and crafts. What’s more, Biela and Caribou Coffee are open early for all your breakfast needs.

This week’s artist is the Camel Lady by Darcy (empressdarcy@hotmail.com, Facebook ).

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Darcy is originally from Los Angeles, California, USA, but has lived in the UAE for 17 years. She has been a member of ARTE for over 6 years. Darcy makes handmade papermache camels.

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For many years, Darcy combined her love of theater with her love of papermache. Many of you may remember the yearly Christmas pantomimes that Darcy directed in Ras Al Khaimah and the myriad of set decorations and props that she made – from  palm trees to sea monsters. She even made a giant camel head so it was no surprise when she started making smaller camels.

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Darcy’s camels travel well. Here are the two camels (Camill and Oswaldo) she took to the RIO Olympic games in August. They travelled around the country, often in just a plastic bag, and have returned home safely. Come meet them and learn about their adventure tomorrow at Times Square Center.

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Each of Darcy’s camels is made individually by hand and has its own character. No two are alike.

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Darcy’s camels come in many sizes and colours.

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And are perfect for holidays, too.

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Darcy decorates her camels using many textures:

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styles:

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travels:

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and paper. Darcy has been collecting paper for years. Whenever she travels, she always checks out the local paper with her camels in mind.

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Darcy welcomes special orders and is always up for the challenge of coming up with new designs. Of course, her camels take hours of work and orders take time. Being handmade, not every camel is perfect, but the flaws remind you that these camels are not made by machine or in a factory. They are made right here in the UAE and are exclusive to ARTE.

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Stop by Darcy’s table tomorrow, near Etisalat, anytime from 10:30 – 6:00 and say hi.

#Wemakewhatwesell

#handmadeintheUAE

#ARTE,themakersmarket

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTE’s Artists

Mehwish Riaz

May has arrived and with it the hot weather! With the return of the hot hazy days of a Dubai summer what better way to spend the day than a visit to ARTE! Today, Friday May 6th, ARTE is at the Oasis Center. Located off Sheikh Zayad Road, this cute mall is worth a visit and once you go, you’ll want to keep returning on the first Friday of every month!

This week, I want to introduce you to a young artist – Mehwish  Riaz.

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Although her family is originally from Pakistan, Mehwish was born and raised in the UAE and considers Dubai her home. For 23 years, her passion has been drawing and painting. She started with watercolors and acrylics, but over the years has expanded her talents to include oil and ink mediums. It is not unusual for Mehwish to combine many mediums together.dsc_0008-copy-2-copy

 

I asked Mehwish how her interest in painting started. Mehwish is deaf and she found art an excellent way to help her communicate with the hearing world. Art allows her to use her imagination and to express herself.

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I wondered if being deaf makes it difficult for her to work with customers at ARTE, but Mehwish just smiled and said her mother comes with her to The Oasis Center, Times Square and Al Hamra Mall RAK in order to help her communicate and share her more abstract art. Plus, the internet has made communicating with clients even easier.dsc_0003-copy-copy

 

 

Mehwish loves to paint and draw wild life, especially birds. She often uses ink, watercolor and acrylic to create her birds. She doesn’t like to just copy photos of wild life. Her images come from her mind and how she envisions her subjects. When I look at her work, I can see her struggle with the world and how her birds reflect the confusion and chaos of being deaf, but surviving in a hearing world.

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Mehwish works contrast bright vibrant colors with a darker subject. They can also have a whimsical side which can be seen in her Arabic scenes like this camel:

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Mehwish’s second passion is interior design. Blessed with good spatial order skills, Mehwish is the perfect person for ARTE customers to go to when they need advice on where to hang art in their homes and offices.

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Mehwish can be found at ARTE, and you can contact her through Instagram : mehwish_art,  Facebook: Mehwish Riaz, E-mail: mehwish.r@outlook.com

Stop by ARTE and say hello to Mehwish.

#ARTE the makers market

 

 

ART at ARTE in April – meet Laila El Hefnaoui

Laila El Hefnaoui, Artist/Architect, a Dubai based artist, originally from Egypt, who studied & practiced architecture for over 20 years in both countries, but fell in love with art in many ways. Painting has been her inspiration for years, but recently embraced it & cross the line to become a professional artist in 2014 and has been selling her art at ARTE. Through her architectural background, she has captured different aspects of urban & natural sights in various countries. She lived through the metamorphoses of the architecture lines in the city of Dubai in United Arab Emirates from 1997 till date. Her Art express these metamorphoses, finding samples in her work, from Heritage Architectural to Modern skylines, from expressionism to abstract, a wide variety of styles to enhance these developments of both human and urban life styles. #wemakewhatwesell #artemarket @Lilly’s Floral Decoration12935407_915491455216786_320252659_n.jpg