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The beauty of these
pieces is their unique hand made form.
The beads from Ghana are made
from recycled bottles.
First, the bottles are ground down to form a
fine powder. Individual moulds are then carefully filled.
For some
beads, a mix of coloured glass is added at this stage. The powdered
glass bead moulds are shoveled into a red hot stone oven. The
craftsman constantly checks the progress as the beads are “baked” to
perfection.
They are then cooled, washed and inspected for quality.
They are strung together here in Australia – a fusion of traditional
design and contemporary fashion.
Leather shoulder bags
and danceparty bags are made from cow hide in the northern regions of
Ghana and are very durable. They are individually patterned by the
artisans, sometimes with cultural symbols, but often in their own
unique designs.
Mud cloth from Mali makes great wall hangings or lounge throwovers,
although they can be used as a wrap for both winter warmth and exotic
style. These are handloomed in narrow strips, sewn together, then
worked on with natural dyes in traditional designs. These exquisite
pieces are usually 1.9 mts x 1.25 mts. No two are exactly the same -
they are all unique.
The baskets are made from straw obtained from
tropical grass, locally called elephant grass, which grows along the
banks of rivers, streams and swampy areas towards the Burkina Faso
border. Each basket is coloured with natural dyes made from native
plants and do not stain or run. Size, shape and colour will vary, as
these baskets are made one by one. Handles are reinforced with leather
for extra durability. Say goodbye to plastic bags forever! |
