Category: Women

Studio Saubhagya- T(h)reading on Success

Photo copyright Studio Saubhagya

Photo copyright Studio Saubhagya

One day, Ms. Sonal, the lady behind the Studio Saubhagya brand, had a bright idea. She decided to translate her fashion design expertise into the realm of making jewelry using mixed media work (chiefly thread and other embellishments). At affordable prices, Studio Saubhagya’s collection caught the eyes of many a colour-junkie and the hearts of those in love with embroidery, embellishments and jewelry.
Recent months have seen Sonal return to making accessories that have the repeated embroidery theme that is so synonymous with her jewelry line. She now makes sets of lovely keychains with personalised themes. Note the Car and Home themes below. The elephant, peacock and other animal trinkets are made of wood so you can be sure they are going to stay intact.

Delicately crafted Keychains crying out to be seen (and purchased!)

Delicately crafted Keychains crying out to be seen (and purchased!)

Home-Car-Home ...Represents our modern life.

Home-Car-Home …Represents our modern life.

Note that Sonal makes lovely bags with a quilted bottom so that they stay put when placed on the floor, table or chair. If you look at the interior of the back, you will see neatly embroidered pockets to keep your mobile phones and more. Great to use as a beach bag we think.

 

Close up of the a heavily embroidered bag by Studio Saubhagya

Close up of the a heavily embroidered bag by Studio Saubhagya

We are sure Studio Saubhagya can do a neat set/package of matching bag, book, keychain and mobile holder, with the designs that you decide upon. Such a great gift set!

Consider buying a gift set of a bag, book/note pad, and keychains for a loved one!

Consider buying a gift set of a bag, book/note pad, and keychains for a loved one!

Visit Studio Saubhagya on facebook.

Ways to Go Green! (Recycled Gift Ideas & More)

Our ARTE Markets are an invaluable resource for visitors to discover a wide variety of beautifully locally crafted items for the home. Among others, ARTE also welcomes a variety of locally-based artisans, who are committed to using sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

Here are a few green gift ideas for any occasion, – hand produced by ARTE Artisans, who have put their skills and love into making the products.

Scrabble tile cuff links by Theresa Tsui

Old zippers transformed into attractive rings

Old zippers transformed into attractive hairbands

Sock monkeys by Sandustar Socks Toys

Sock monkeys by Sandustar Socks Toys

Upcycled driftwood candle holders by Kariba Arts

Hand painted bottles by Artmitul

Hand stamped old spoons 

Old CDs transformed into Candle Holders by Pretty Dezines

Fabric scraps transformed into reusable envelopes

Sale of Second-Hand Books in support of Feline Friends

There’s Something about Mary’s Designs

Mary Falconer’s handmade clutches are one of the most coveted items at ARTE. These pieces exude classic feminine sophistication, with a dose of glamour to boot.

Without any formal training, and mostly self taught, Mary is the maker and talent behind the sewing machine, creating these colourful and trendy clutches, one design at a time.

Mary Falconer with one her handmade clutches

A stay at home mom of three children, she decided to give entrepreneurship a go. It has since turned into something more remarkable for her. Her business is something she looks forward to each day, and is a constant source of gratification.

“I strive for difference and oneness with my pieces. Finding materials and then finding ways to challenge the perceptions held by people about the boundaries of these materials is what drives me. I therefore embrace vibrant colours, intense prints and textures and fuse them together to create a unique and expressive design.”

Image courtesy of Mary Falconer Designs

“I really do enjoy both the creative aspect of dreaming up new things and the business side of making it all work. It is not an easy process and certainly not quick as one might think, but it is a wonderful experience when the end product works out and it can be enjoyed by my clients.”

Image courtesy of Mary Falconer Designs

“My goal as a designer is to create a brand that truly defined a woman; a brand that embodies all the qualities I see in them: Strength, Fun, Independence, Elegance and True Beauty…”

To learn more about Mary Falconer Design, join her on facebook  or visit her website: http://www.maryfalconerdesign.com

Image courtesy of Mary Falconer Designs

A Head Case for Skulls

Make no bones about it; the skull trend is here to stay! Popularized by Alexander McQueen, the once gothic omens have been transformed into chic accessories and prints to give any outfit a chic and/or rock edge. At ARTE, Skulls have been embraced by several artisans creating fashion and jewellery to clothing and home decor.

Framed Flag Skulls by Gorgeoustuff

Polymer Clay and Sterling Silver Skull Cufflinks by Janys De

Skull Earrings by Lady Mauve

Skull Jewellery by Lady Mauve

Stained glass flair by talented ARTE-san pair

Bea Bennett and Karen Scott showcase their stained glass wares at ARTE in June 2012

Bea Bennett and Karen Scott showcase their stained glass wares at ARTE in June 2012

 

Here is another artisan pair who decided to come together to showcase their work at ARTE, united by their common love for a particular craft.  Bea Bennett from Germany and Karen Scott from the US.

Stained Glass work by Karen. These are pretty, little things that can be hung at your windows.

Stained Glass work by Karen. These are pretty, little things that can be hung at your windows.

According to Karen Scott, stained glass is both an art and a craft. It has a lot of technical aspects to it because the glass needs to be cut and then soldered according to the pattern. “However, it is also an art,” Karen says, “figuring out what patterns to create and use or draw, what types of glass to use and how to put it together.”

Attached is a recent series I have just done called tropical life. The glass pictures can be purchase independently or purchased in a series and hung in a row.

A recent series by Karen Scott called tropical life. The glass pictures can be purchased independently or purchased in a series and hung in a row.

 

Karen got into stained glass because “I love glass and color and was intrigued by stained glass windows. I simply had to learn how to do it.” It was 15 years ago when she chanced upon an advertisement in a local community newspaper for a class teaching people how to do it. There was no looking back once she signed up for the classes. And we, at ARTE, are glad she didn’t because we now have her lovely stained glass work to look forward to.

Keep up with time in the London Taxi. A stained glass clock made by Bea

Keep up with time in the London Taxi. A stained glass clock made by Bea

According to Karen, Bea is one of the best stained glass craftspeople she has ever met. “I wanted to get better so I took classes and traded ideas with other artists such as Bea Bennett to get better.” Like many ARTE-sans, Karen can boast of a repertoire of art and craft talent. She is a photographer and published author. She also enjoys making jewelry, needlework, crochet as well as mosaics. Looks like her creative life is a mosaic in itself!  She however believes that while she has a great eye for colour and proportion, that she is unable to draw.

A stained glass jewelry box made by Bea. The wire crochet jewelry piece courtesy Janys De.

A stained glass jewelry box made by Bea. The wire crochet jewelry piece courtesy Janys De.

 

Sun or Moon? This work by Bea was sold.

Sun or Moon? This work by Bea was sold.

Bea has been doing stained glass work for only 4 years but she is already reached a high level of proficiency. She had trained as a draughtsman and as a result you can see the technical aspects of her design (clocks, kaleidoscopes, lamps and more). In fact one of the frequent ARTE visitors, Dheeraj Rupani, owner of Veesham Printing Press, was happy to demonstrate how the kaleidoscope created by Bea works. Thanks Dheeraj for being a sport when we took the photos.

Demonstrating the use of the kaleidoscope made by Bea Bennett

Demonstrating the use of the kaleidoscope made by Bea Bennett

Bea teachers beginner’s class so if you are interested in trying your hand at stained glass making, she is the person to contact.

The facebook page dedicated to their work is yet to be set up. We will update this slot once their facebook page is up and running (and of course, ready to be ‘liked’).

Sizzle with Ra’Dazzle

Spirally wrapped wire encases this bead. Note the clean finish of Ra'Dazzles work

Spirally wrapped wire encases this bead. Note the clean finish of Ra’Dazzles work

Sometimes two heads are better than one. And that’s what happened in the case of the Ra’Dazzle gals, Rachna and Anjana. Their common interest in trying out jewelry making as a hobby led to them teaming up under the brand name Ra’Dazzle, jewelry created mainly from wire (by Rachna) and crochet (by Anjana).

The gals have been working together for six years now, but like many of the artisans, they have been separately involved in their own handcraft and artistic journey in the areas of crochet, knitting and card making.

Closeup of Rachna's wire work piece to show how neatly she has finished the wire wrapping piece.

Closeup of Rachna’s wire work piece to show how neatly she has finished the wire wrapping piece.

Neatly tucked wire edges are very important in ensuring the customer is not harmed or scratched when wearing the piece. Rachna's advice

Neatly tucked wire edges are very important in ensuring the customer is not harmed or scratched when wearing the piece. Rachna’s advice

Rachna says, “The process of creating something, from scratch, with your hands is pure joy. For me, crafting is similar to meditation – complete focus on the craft, while forgetting about everything that’s happening around (the good or the bad)!”

Rachna’s work involves a lot of wire wrapping work as be seen from the photos in this blog post. We asked her what are some of the pointers that she would like to share with us, considering that working with wire can be risky if the sharp ends are not neatly tucked away into the piece (among other risks).

Add some Ra'Dazzle Sparkle to your ears.

Add some Ra’Dazzle Sparkle to your ears.

Few pointers Rachna:

  • Practice wire work on copper or craft wire initially as they’re a lot cheaper compared to sterling silver and gold-filled wires. You won’t feel guilty of throwing away all those trial pieces.
  • Always file the ends of your wire work (after using a flush cutter) – you wouldn’t want the ends poking the customer wearing your jewellery.
Photo by Ra'Dazzle indicates lots of jump ring work, similar to chain maille.

Photo by Ra’Dazzle indicates lots of jump ring work, similar to chain maille.

Close up of the piece that involves using multiple jump rings. See pointers about using jump rings in your work.

Close up of the piece that involves using multiple jump rings. See pointers about using jump rings in your work.

  • Invest in a nylon jaw chain nose pliers – this will prevent marks on your wire work and it is also good to straighten wire.
  • Make sure you close your jump rings properly.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wire gauges, shapes and hardness.
  • Lots of patience is required

Join Ra’Dazzle on facebook.

In the Mad Potters Laboratory

We recently visited Maria Pearson aka The Mad Potter in her private pottery studio.

Tucked away in the backyard of her Jumeirah Residence is The Mad Potter’s not-so-secret laboratory, equipped with her Potters Wheel, clay and an abundance of ceramic glazes.

For Maria, what began as a mindless hobby for stress relief quickly grew into a passion for clay. She has been working with clay for over 7 years now and is a regular at the ARTE Arts & Crafts Markets in Dubai.

While designing a piece, Maria always thinks about functionality… but ultimately she lets the clay tell her what it will be. She then adds some quirkiness through the colour choice of the glaze and texture finish to make each creation one of a kind.

The Mad Potter’s designs are as unique as their creator. Maria explained, “Over the years, I found my own voice and discovered that I preferred the utilitarian forms when combined with both the beauty of perfection and the element of imperfection. Living in a world of quickly reproduced identical forms, it’s the depth of character and inability to duplicate the organic imperfections that intrigue me. It is my goal to create spontaneous patterns and forms keeping that ingredient of uniqueness in every piece.”

We were especially surprised to learn the rather complicated yet fascinating glazing process behind her work. The glaze application is achieved by both brushing and dipping, and then fired in a kiln to over 2,000 degrees.

We were fascinated with her incredible selection of glazes and glaze chemicals. Much like cooking or chemistry, glazing pottery properly requires thorough knowledge of materials and technique, and Maria has spent years developing and perfecting her style. While her application of dynamic colours and glazes may seem like a reflection of her title i.e. The Mad Potter, in reality it is a laborious process involving, brushing, dipping and dripping.

To follow Maria’s personal journey, visit her website and facebook page.

She is a regular at the ARTE Markets in Times Square Center.

Birds of a Feather

Thanks to Hollywood hipsters, such as Jessica Biel and Steven Tyler, the feather hair extension trend – often seen as colourful feathers that clip into the hair – has really taken flight and is quickly spreading worldwide.

Closer to home, 16-year-old ARTE member, Hannah, is showing fashionistas how a strand of feathers into your mane may be just what you need to get yourself prepped for a truly bohemian summer.

Safe, Beautiful and Colourful

All natural real feather extensions are the simple way to give your hair colour and life; they will not damage your hair like adding dye or highlights.  They are the perfect way to change your hair with your mood or with the seasons because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to put in; your professional stylist can ensure they are put in properly so they last.  When done properly, feather hair extensions can last for up to six months.

How to Wear It

Hannah says: Feather extensions can work with any hair length. If you have short hair, you can wear your extensions two different ways: the length of the feathers can extend past the length of your hair for a dramatic look. You can also cut the feathers to match your length & blend them into your hairstyle.

Low Maintenance

Made from natural feathers, you can treat these extensions just like your own hair. They are water-friendly and you can straighten it, curl it or blow dry it. So style them any way you like!

Hannah is a regular at our monthly ARTE market in Times Square Centre. For more info about Hannah’s Hair Feathers, email her directly.

Add a Little Sparkle to Your Life

Meet Laila Lambert, who brought to life her passion for crystals in 2006 when she founded Sparklefairy – the UAE’s first New Age online boutique, all things fairy, angel, handmade & crystals.

Illustration of Sparklefairy made by the fabulous Pink Poodle

Her collection comprises of beautiful handmade angel & fairy jewellery for every occasion including angel callers, wish pendants, exclusive scared geometry jewellery as well as supplying a full range of crystals from giant geodes (up to 1 metre high) tumblestones, raw, clusters, wands, pendulums, very rare crystals, fossils MOLDAVITE & ORGONE. Angel/Oracle cards, unique natural incense (no synthetics) and so much more, she also does lovely ideas for wedding favours.

We especially love her Fertility Bracelet made from crystals have an innate energy to prepare the body for conception.

We asked: What crystals are in the Fertility Bracelet and why?

Laila said: I personally use Moonstone and Rose quartz. Many crystals can assist but from research these 2 crystals are most effective in my opinion. Moonstone is said to help aid in nurturing receptivity and balances emotions, moonstone also said to help welcome new life into the body. Moonstone is often called the Stone of the Goddess and symbolises acceptance and new beginnings. Moonstone may help with childbirth, conception and breast feeding. Rose quartz helps stabilize the energy inside the body. Provides one with love and self love. Rose quartz provides us with harmony and trust. The powerful combination of the rose quartz and moonstone is known to boost the woman’s fertility status. The energy from the Fertility bracelet works by balancing the energy in the body. It is calming, rids negative energy and reduces fears, also known to regulates menstrual cycle, improve blood circulation. As above.

We asked: How effective is it?

Laila said: We never say the fertility bracelet gets you pregnant, but it aids and working with energy is a lovely thing. Fertility Bracelets come from ancient traditions and still continue to be in use today, These days, a lot of women wear these types of bracelets for the very same reason that they were worn decades ago. Women will wear these gemstones because of tradition, out of belief or suggestion from family and friends, in order to improve their chances of getting pregnant.

For more info visit her facebook page or her website here: www.sparklefairy.com.