Tag: candles

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

Rehab Barrag – Candle Maker

1 Comment

Rehab Barrag, an interior designer who rarely had the chance to practice in her field due to the frequent moves across the globe, found her passion for hollow candles 3 years ago when her children started to grow up allowing her more time for her hobby.
Rehab is ​a ​self taught​ artisan​ because only limited technique information is available and so she learned​ her hobby​ from ​many ​time​-consuming experiments at home that finally lead to her making beautiful hollow candles.

Rehab’s hollow candles are lit by a tea light​, rather than by the candle’s own wick, preserving the hollow candles forever.

The candle making has given Rehab a focus in her day ​for ​when the family is away at school or traveling the world for work.

Her candle making passion is growing every time with another candle made to gift to a special friend​. Rehab’s candles are available at the ARTE​, The Makers’ Market events.

Some candles take several days to accomplish, often up to a week. It begins planning the shape and then it is personalised for the occassion wether this is a family momento, or a seasonal inspiration.Rehab can spend 6 to 7 hours a day working on her creations.

Rehab loves the feedback from the beautiful people that ​she​ meet​s​ at the markets ​and engaging with them as ​they admire her unusual work.

The prices for hollow candles range from AED 150 to AED 500.

Please contact Rehab on rehabbarrag@icloud.com and find her at the ARTE events, check out our calendar www.arte.ae/calendar/.