Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Meet the Makers behind Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Clare, Dom and their 9-year-old twin girls, Lily Eve and Ella Faith are wire-wrappers who like to create wearable works of art. Their tag line is: “We help you wear your healing crystals with style, because everyone needs a little sparkle in their life!”

It started with a mission to keep the kids off the iPad, and it mushroomed from there. Soon their house was full of gemstones, wire and all manner of shiny things!

Why do you love ARTE?

First and foremost, ARTE has a family-type atmosphere. The warm, welcoming attitude and the friendly faces with everyone supporting each other.

ARTE is a community which is a veritable melting pot of talent and culture reflected in everyone’s unique art, which is something we feel very fortunate for.

When did you discover your passion for your artisan’s work?

Dom and I have always been attracted to stones and crystals since we were children. However, living on opposite sides of the world meant we both had interesting and very different collections of rocks.

The creativity only started to flow after we had the girls; now, they both dream of being designers. They love sewing, designing, drawing, painting, pottery, wire-wrapping – you name it!

Some of the wire designs are created from Lily and Ella sketching out their ideas for a pendant. Then sit with their daddy while twisting wires this way and that to bring the design to life.

Pendant design by Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Who or what is your inspiration?

Creativity came from our parents. Dom and I come from similar backgrounds and consider ourselves “expat brats”. Our parents extensively travelled the world when air travel was still a relatively luxurious concept, and the Internet was a 60’s sci-fi fiction movie!

They had to learn to be creative to adapt to their surroundings, perhaps inadvertently passed on to us. Consequently, we have always been influenced by a variety of cultures and experiences we try to incorporate into our work.

We’re fascinated by medieval Renaissance fairs, crystals and various medians from fabrics, wood, leather and, of course, metals.

The list is countless, as well as an obsession with metal smithing (which we are only beginning to explore). We take inspiration from everyone we meet. We enjoy the challenge and the reward of making something we consider beautiful that someone may treasure for many years.

What is your favourite piece of work that you have crafted?

Our favourite piece would have to be one we made for a friend leaving Dubai. We started and wanted to give her something unique so that she could remember Dubai. We made a rather rudimentary turquoise necklace and a bracelet wrapped with beads and shells collected from the beaches of Dubai.

We have changed a bit since then and are fully absorbed in our present jewellery collection.

Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

What is your trick to make the sale?

Our approach is genuine, and we consider our customers’ needs carefully. We want the client to leave our table with a piece they will love for years and wear with joy. So we go the extra mile.

What is your best seller, and what are you known for in the artisan community?

We are known for our friendly attitude, cheerful disposition, the team of four, and beautiful wire-wrapped jewellery collection. We customize jewellery, and every market day, you can find us with our wire and stones, ready to breathe life into your jewellery with the design of your dreams.

Our 4Kids by Kids selection of bracelets and necklaces are created entirely by the girls and was their idea, which obviously, as parents, has us beaming with pride. It’s also one of our most popular sellers.

What does your artisan’s work really mean to you? Is it a business, pleasure or passion?
We’re all immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a family. It is extremely rewarding. The passion is a bit of an obsession.

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any new projects coming up?

At the moment, we are creating Christmas-inspired pieces. It has been fun to explore the festive colours and investigate ways to push the traditional boundaries of wire wrapping Christmas. As a result, we now have Christmas decorations, and some statement pieces and delicate necklace sets.

Christmas design by

We are slowly working on our webpage and exploring all the requirements for online sales for when Eve’ N’ Ella Designs go global.

Who or what at ARTE do you like or admire?

The sense of community and camaraderie that ARTE fosters is beautiful. We feel fortunate to have been adopted into the ARTE crew. We admire every artisan, from their individual talent, passion, drive and dizzying collective array of gorgeous goods.

Everything everyone does is entirely handcrafted, which is what unites us and is unique and almost magical in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.

ARTE is fundamentally as wonderful as it is because of the people behind the scenes. The amazing ARTE team is second-to-none, helpful, supportive and motivating. A special mention to Miriam individually. She is fantastic. Her calming, nurturing, kind spirit and the invaluable experience she willingly shares set the tone for the family atmosphere we love at ARTE.

Eve ‘N’ Ella Designs

Special Message from Lily Eve and Ella Faith

Lily: “Our jewellery company is Eve ‘N’ Ella. It’s our family company, made up of me, my sister and our mummy and daddy. We sell truly remarkable jewellery. Although it takes a very long time to make, it’s very rewarding to create something people like, and it makes me smile to see we are making people happy and making some money to help our family too”.

Ella: “We make and sell beautiful jewellery. One glimpse of it, and you are hypnotized!”

This fabulous foursome sell their unique wire-wrapped jewellery  at the ARTE Market in Times Square Center and Mercato Mall most Saturdays. Make sure to stop by and grab your very own piece of sparkle.

If you would like to learn more, follow or order from Eve ‘N’ Ella here are their contact details:
IG: @evenelladesigns
FB: evenelladesigns
Whatsapp: +971 54 401 4410
EMAIL: clarejmasterman@gmail.com
Their website will be launched shortly. Keep an eye on their Social Media.

Stockings Full of Christmas Gift Ideas at ARTE

It’s that time of the year again… Think fluffy clouds, stunning sunsets and Christmas markets!

The lead up to Christmas at ARTE, the Makers Market sees the cogs churning and the workshops whirring as real-life elves dig deep into their Santa sacks of magic, creativity and skill for the best handmade products the UAE has to offer. Deep within the grottos of Dubai, you’ll find our busy makers cold-pressing nut butter, hot pressing fabric designs, fiddling with wires, beads and threads, merino wool and silk fibres, all to the sound of distant knitting needles clicking, paper mache sticking, gasps of awe and wows of wonder.

What better way to celebrate, than by gifting years of experience, craftsmanship and unique bespoke pieces to the people you love on your gift list?

ARTE’S STOCKING FILLER GIFT IDEAS

There’s a known saying that ‘good things come in small packages’ and our Artisans of the Emirates at ARTE have spent hours-upon-hours to prove that true. You can put them under your Christmas tree or slip them in a stocking; these unique handcrafted gifts are the perfect pieces for those who have everything and a must-have for everyone in between.

The Warm Up – Christmas Decorations

emirati christmas ornamentsJodie Art Framing – Tree Ornaments

Typical is an obsolete word at our markets, from art to ornament there’s a story of significance.

Our savvy Art and Framing Consultant, Jodie Cummins, has created these cute and crafty Emirati men and women tree ornaments, making your home the envy of the palaces.

If you’re lucky, you might just see her mastery in process at one of our upcoming Christmas markets.

 

christmas camelsDawn Southern – Christmas Camels

As old and gold as the nativity scene itself, camels have featured as the bearers of great gifts throughout our festive history. Just as legendary, Christmas camels have become a UAE tradition that’s been running with the same group of ladies for over 15 years.

These wooden camel templates form their own unique features – from the gorgeous camels’ lashes to their brightest coloured saddlebags… all by hand using acrylic paints. A great Christmas tree decoration that can be gifted, hung and even personalised.

luna mora - fun feltLuna Mora – Fun felt

Perhaps your tree needs a new fairy, or your fairy a new tree? Luna Mora’s designs are a true labour of love with some of these timeless pieces taking up to 25 hours to make.

Find your Christmas decoration that barely sees a box from her stall at ARTE.

Gifts for HER or HIM

personalised embroideryTread Threads – Keyrings/Bookmarks & Personalised Embroidery

Whilst Santa awaits his cookies and Rudolph his carrot, a Christmas dinner in Dubai might see tables laid with a roast, or a Christmas day brunch BBQ fired feast.

Here’s a stocking filler that can be rolled up and strategically given as a nudge to the man of the house, to do what he claims to do best, and get grilling for a Christmas day filling.

These aprons make the perfect personalised gift for him. Keep an eye out on the Tread Threads table for personalised bookmarks and other teacher’s gift ideas.

jewellery giftRaphaeilo Accessories – Jewellery

A go-to gift with a difference – jewellery! So (men), for once, don’t go trying to fix what isn’t broken and get her something sure to wow with a statement piece of jewellery from Raphaello Accessories.

Many of their items are handcrafted in lightweight silver and coated in gold leaf making them incredibly comfy to wear.

 

Gift Ideas for the Littlest Stockings

handmade knitted dollsMarjan and Bahar – Corals Handmade

The sister duo Marjan & Bahar have 16 years of knitting under their belts which have perfected their bestselling topsy-turvy dolls and unicorns.

Keep them in the stocking, safely tucked-in the night before Christmas to bring as many years of joy for your little one.

For The cherished Pet

Sassy Pepet accessoriestshop, Pet Accessories

Leaving no one out at ARTE, The Sassy Petshop’s wonderful array of pet paraphernalia may just be the perfect way to say thank you and include the most loved member of the family (we won’t tell the kids) into the festivities.

We love this Christmas themed dog collar but she also has some pretty cool personalised pet gifts too!

 

Housewarming Gift

housewarming giftSAANTÉ – AROMATHERAPY FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SOUL.

The holiday season equals celebrations, invitations, food and merriment. Turn up with your arms open and your bags full with a housewarming gift that will literally warm the house.

Saanté makes the most deliciously smelling natural Beeswax & Essential Oils candles, soaps, creams, lotions & potions and they even stock White Sage to burn for ridding the nasties so that there’s only room for nice on the list – although that one may send the wrong message as a housewarming gift.

hearti grubArti – Hearti Grub

Great to take as a thank you or as a stocking-sized alternative to the Christmas orange are any of Hearti Grub’s exclusive festive granola and nut butterfestive gift boxes.

Using premium quality organic and GMO-free nuts through a cold-pressed technique that retains the nutritional value of the nut oil puts all of her products appropriately on the nice list.

Gifts For One & All

pop-up cardsKelly – Abra Pop-up Cards

The fantastical genius Kelly at Abra Cards, hand makes her whole collection and they’re truly magical! She currently has some new ones that are the perfect tree accompaniments to your stocking fillers, for a Christmas in Dubai filled with family tradition.

Check them out at our next Makers Market – She’s doing special batch deals.

 

personalised santa sacksNicola – Framed with Love

An all-round creative by nature and a self-professed Christmas enthusiast can mean only one thing – oodles of festive treasures by Nicola of Framed with Love.

We’re loving the personalised Santa Sacks and have our eyes set upon her cushions and Dubai-alternative to the Christmas jumper – Christmas T-shirt designs.

Shireen – Rare Find

As somebody that only sells what she loves, knowing that love, in essence, is universal, Shireen of Rare Find spends hours of doodling, sketching, painting and perfecting until her designs are ready for purchase.

You may have admired her hamsa & burqa prints at ARTE before and can be yours or a special someone’s at any of ARTE’s forthcoming Christmas markets coming up.

 

Arte’s Christmas Markets For the Diary:

  1. D3 | Dubai Design District, 12th December – Between buildings 2 & 4, 11am to 7pm.
  2. TSC | Times Square Center, 13th December, 10am – 6 pm.
  3. QE2 | Queen Elisabeth , 14th December, 9am – 5pm – Mina Rashid Marina, Port Rashid.

Click here! To check out our Facebook page for more Christmas gift hints and ideas and our events calendar and workshops to come.

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

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 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

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 ).

img_5425-copy

 

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.

an-apple-a-day

 

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.

dsc_0044

 

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.

rio-camels-1

 

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

chickadee-8

 

Darcy’s camels come in many sizes and colours.

DSC_0031.JPG

 

And are perfect for holidays, too.

img_6934

 

Darcy decorates her camels using many textures:

img_6082

 

styles:

dsc_0086

 

travels:

dsc_0019

 

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

dsc_0054

 

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.

dsc_0148

 

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

#Wemakewhatwesell

#handmadeintheUAE

#ARTE,themakersmarket

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Artisan – Glass engraving by Suzan Gathoni

A Dubai resident for six years, Kenyan artist Suzan Gathoni specializes in glass engraving. Trained in Kenya with a British Master Glass Engraver and a member of the Guild of Glass Engravers, Gathoni is now a freelance artist participating in the ARTE markets.

 

Gathoni specializes in the technique of intaglio engraving, which she explains is the art of hand sculpting a three-dimensional design on to a glass surface, creating a negative image. As the light falls and plays on the deeply carved designs, the image appears as though it is in relief.

 

Gathoni's glass engravings

Gathoni’s glass engravings

 

Safety precautions are vital to the engraving process as the glass dust is dangerous to inhale. Gathoni advises “using water during the process as engraving should not be done on dry glass. The work area should be kept humid at all times, preventing the glass dust to dry.”

 

Gathoni at work

Gathoni at work

 

Nature and culture are Gathoni’s biggest inspirations. Her work regularly features wild animals from her native Africa. Liking Dubai and its people and cultures more each year, she feels motivated to expand her horizons, which is why you will see local UAE designs incorporated into her engravings.

 

 

With both locals and expats buying her works, Gathoni believes ARTE has given her good exposure, saying that “It is amazing how Dubai people love handmade things.”

Follow her Facebook page and visit her table at this weekend, Saturday 20th December, at the ARTE market in the Arabian Center, Mirdif. Click here for the location map.

 

Images courtesy of Suzan Ghatoni.

 

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.

carlas tote

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

carlas tote1

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

carlas tote2

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.

carla commission - 2 days

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.

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?
bijou tdane

Photo by T’Danes encapulates Istanbul’s handcrafted inspiration through the power of recycling.

10486389_777526532297705_8118752092598057952_o

Turquoise-ptember collection by T’Danes.

10524663_776687275714964_4281926077544483775_n

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.
DSC00139-001

Jan loves the time after the monsoon rains, where the raindrops sit immaculately on the flowers and leaves. Captures on her parents’ garden-farm.

DSC00145-001

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

IMG_9548-001

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

001IMG_8712

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.

10471187_10152612034612488_1202187233898013254_n

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.

maggie

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.

10559680_670510116358153_1468937022769540103_n

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

eva keychains

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.
All Photos used in this blog posts are used with the permission of the artisans.

 

How to get customers to your market stall

It’s nearly the end of January, the time when most new year resolutions start to wear off.

What about your resolution to get more customers to your market stall?  Have you thought about changing the look, or creating a new brand? Perhaps the displays could do with a bit of change in location? What about colours, tones and shades?

Here are some of the how-tos to get more footfall to your market stall.

1) Draw your customers in through your displays.

http://handmademakersmarket.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/displays-how-to-draw-customers-in/

2) Colours, Light, and (more) action

http://www.gazebosaustralia.com.au/pages/13-Ideas-to-Sell-More-at-your-Market-Stall.html

3) Business cards, checklists and prices

http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/the-knowledge/how-to-run-a-market-stall

4) Stick with it

http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/the-knowledge/how-to-run-a-market-stall

Are there any more ways not mentioned above that you have used that brings more customers to your stall, thereby increasing footfall and also increase the likelihood of people buying from you? We would love to hear your ideas so do share with us, by commenting on the blog post.

 

Have a Handmade Halloween!

Our ARTE Artisans have been very busy creating Halloween themed handmade products. From fun decorations to toys and delicious treats, each piece will help you stand out at your upcoming Halloween party.

Crochet Zombies and Pumpkins by Komeropuoti – Little Craft Shop

Pumpkin Toffee by Toffee Princess

Halloween inspired Crystal Tree by Sahar’s Luxury Handicrafts

Halloween inspired Cat-Shaped Decorative Cushions by Eva’s Cats

Stuffed toys by Natalia Sukhanova

Halloween Inspired Miniature Sculptures by Orange Jar

Halloween Bunting by Bright & Beautiful ME

Trick or Treat Buckets by Bright & Beautiful ME

Halloween inspired Cupcakes by Farah Nausheen Arshad & Sana Ayesha Arshad

Little boys set by In The Sand Pit

Polymer Clay Earrings by Mojeperle

Skull Cork Stoppers by Colin Roberts from 2RGalleries