Saddle up! ARTE is this Friday in Times Square Center

ARTE artisans are not horsing around. Like Winston Churchill said: “no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle”. Our vendors have worked really hard on their latest creations to offer you the widest selection of unique handmade arts and crafts. Visit the only market in town that offers you these pure handcrafted items with heart and soul. You have free reign to find everything to decorate, delight and indulge. See our ranges of products, from décor ideas for home & garden, to a myriad of accessories to adorn each family member. ARTE is this Friday, 27^th March, inside Times Square Center from 12 – 7 pm.

 

 

Hold your horses!

Before we share our amazing products with you, here is a reminder of who we are:

‘Handmade in the UAE’ is our motto. ‘We make what we sell’ is our tag line. What this means is that our vendors come up with their own original ideas. ARTE artisans are inspired and influenced by many things, even each other, but we use our creative spirits and souls to make each item with our own bare hands (of course with a little help of needles, sewing machines, saws, drills, ovens …). Have a look at such artisan’s work in progress. This is Lin from The Linz Jewelry’s creative process:

 

 

At the post…

By now, you may have guessed the theme for this blog: the Dubai World Cup horse racing event is this weekend. Have you ever heard the expression ‘never look a gift horse in the mouth’? Well, with our amazing merchandise on offer there will be no re-gifting happening… ever! Look at how creative our artisans have been getting with the popular Dubai event calendar themes:

 

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Kathy Hyde works with a blacksmith to create unique custom made gifts from reclaimed horse shoes. Visit her table at the ARTE markets!

Finnish crafters Sanna and Viivi from Loop Love make crocheted home accessories ‘with big hearts and big hooks’, like these horse bridle baskets.

Jocelyn Lewisham is a versatile artist. Her beautiful white horse painting is called “Majestic” for all apparent reasons.

Watching the races from your couch? Cuddle up with these comfy horsey cushions by Hector’s Handmade.

The Linz artisan Lin created this hand hammered sterling silver horse shoe pendant for good luck.

 

For last minute fashion ideas for Race Day, see our previous blog suggestions:

https://artedxb.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/find-your-fashion-accessories-at-arte-this-friday-13th-march-in-times-square-center/

 

Sneak peek into next week:

Being in the homestretch towards Easter, here is a reminder that ARTE offers many delicious alternative treats for those egg hunts! Mario’s Macaroons are marvelously manic and comes in a rainbow of flavours and colours.

 

 

Thank you!

ARTE would like to thank our loyal supporters for not changing horses in the middle of the stream. We are happy to welcome you at every market in Dubai and RAK on three Fridays each month (see bookmarks below for dates), and at various special events we hold. Remember to follow us on all our social media to keep up to date with our developments.

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Animal Planet comes to ARTE

Hats off to the Milliner

 

 

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Heartfelt Art by Prerna Unlimited

Prerna Goel describes her work as heartfelt work, driven by inspirations of good thoughts and catchy, witty slogans. She likes to use whatever raw material she lays her hands on, that can be used or moulded into an art form. Having said that, she loves to use wood and clay as her favourite ingredients. She also loves to personalise gifts and mold them into clay, something that she has learnt from her artistic parents since childhood.. “It’s fun to give shape to what we dream and change into reality while working with clay.”

Prerna has been a part of ARTE since September 2012 and takes part in both the Dubai Festival Mall and the Times Square mall souqs. Being a part of ARTE is an honour for her. “It is my power dose,” she says. “Also, my husband,  who is a great photographer, is a great supporter of my art activities.”

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Like many artisans, Prerna thrives on creating customized pieces of work. “I was asked by one of the customers to customize a desktop utility piece for her, keeping in mind the profession of the person she was gifting it to – a software engineer. The table top included a pen stand, visiting card holder and stand for a mobile or ipad. This was a challenge for me as I had to fit so many requirements into one, keeping in mind the space constraints on the office desk. After giving some thought, I came up with the idea of using a miniature easel to hold the mobile or ipad and it held it just right. We came up with what words that would inspire the engineer each time he read it. Now it was part to create a playful work environment with clay which suits the write up as well as the profession. And I created a little key board and mouse which sat perfectly on the wooden base and below the easel making the piece complete and clutter free. The immense satisfaction I got after completing this piece of art is the greatest reward of creativity.”

Like Prerna Unlimited on facebook.

Canvassing for Sarah’s painted shoes

Famous American singer Nancy Sinatra may croon away that ‘These Boots are made for walking,’ but in Sarah Bhatti’s world, these shoes are made for painting.  She has found her metier in painting on canvas shoes with fabric and acyrlic paints.  The best part of it is that the shoes are 100% washable.

Sarah is a great believer in custom made work, where she can combine her love for art and fashion. “Since the beginning, I have always enjoyed painting and sketching, but I wanted to work in a different and unique medium. I came across the idea of making custom painted shoes. What attracted me to it was how detailed the designs were and so I decided to make my own (and first!) pair of custom shoes. Much to my surprise, everyone else loved it and orders started to come in.”

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Originally from Pakistan, but raised in Dubai, Sarah finds her inspiration through nature and people around her, as well as famous artists like Van Gogh. “We shouldn’t be restricted in how we express art,” she says. “That’s why like many artists I have first tried a lot of handcrafted techniques before I set my heart on custom made shoes.”

You can find Sarah’s Art on facebook. She takes part at ARTE’s Times Square.

All photos sourced from Sarah, unless otherwise stated.

MarjanBaharKnits – Knitting for Success

MarjanBaharKnitting is a sister duo whose hearts are set on knitting toys.  Both of them got addicted to this craft whilst pouring over knitting related books as children.  Though they are from Iran, Dubai is home to them, and ARTE is where they get the great opportunity to showcase their knitted toys (having been part of ARTE community since 2008).  Making dolls is such a joy to both of them and this joy is evident in the eyes of each doll they knit, which in turn transmits to the customers when they buy the dolls.  When both sisters decided to work on their hobbies, they thought it best to become each other’s support system and work together. That’s how MarjanBaharKnits was born.

The MarjanBaharKnits Stand at ARTE!

Marjan shares, “My son is a special needs child. When we found out, after his birth, I discontinued everything that I loved doing, including knitting. I just couldn’t think about anything else but him. Once he reached his teens, I felt the need to do something as a hobby, something just for me, something that I could fit in whilst tending to his needs. As, most of the time I had to be at home with him, returning to knitting seemed to be the easiest thing to do.”

Cute Owls by MarjanBaharKnits

As for Baharak, knitting has a calming effect on her. Mind you, Baharak is also a manga and anime artist and her paintings follow the impressionist style.  Check out her work at Deviant Art.

MarjanBaharKnits knitted dolls may take up to a day, whilst some of them take up to a week depending on how much work goes into the doll.  Also the size of the doll is very important. “The bigger the doll, the more time we have to spend on it! Custom made dolls is also one of our favorite things to knit.”

MarjanBaharKnits can customise dolls for you. They can make knitted boy dolls too!

What about the unique quality of the knitting wool that they use? Baharak is tasked with going to Iran to buy the special yarns that make the dolls, while Marjan stays back to look after her son. Marjan says, “Most of the yarns that we use are quite hard to find in Dubai; we may buy some of our basic yarns from Dubai, from time to time.”

Ballerinas by MarjanBaharKnits

This story shows how two people united with the same hobby can work together, support each other, and help each other grow and enjoy crafting together. No competition, just co-operation and crafting in unison.

Like MarjanBaharKnits on facebook.

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Photos are sourced from and are copyright MarjanBaharKnits.

Used with permission.

Mai Charles – stitch ‘n art bags

When an artisan decides to combine her fine art talent with that of stitching, you have Mai Charles painted handbags.

Mai Charles identifies herself as a fine artist who has taken to stitching her fine artwork into fine handbags.

Fine artwork by Mai Charles – doesn’t the bird look so real?

Mai Charles stitching away a handpainted fabric into a handbag

As as result, you can only expect one-of-a-kind bags with Mai Charles. No wonder, then, that her work is commissioned on a regular basis.

Handpainted and stitched into lovely handbags

The products are not only for women and kids, even men can enjoy some of Mai Charles work, such as the boat collection below.

The Boat collection, linen and cotton, messenger bag, laptop sleeve and purse.

Mai Charles, as seen at ARTE

Visit Mai Charles website.

Like Mai Charles on facebook.

El Qady handmade – an Arabic love story

There’s something about El Qady handcrafted work that makes you want to visit Egypt and/or belt out soulful songs by legendary Egyptian singers.

Consider the beautifully decoupaged work on the wooden chair below featuring one of the most beloved music icons in the Arab world.

Musical chairs- literally!

A canvas with the Arabic iconic singer. Can almost hear her singing multifold

What about the night lamp studded with the music and movie icons of old?

Light up my life with music and movies

The wooden tray below is once again decoupaged to give the sense of mountains and movement while the houses are stuck in place, with the tall palm trees looking like they have been placed on stilts.

Love those tall palm trees

Keeping an ‘eye’ out for more wall hangings

El Qady stand as seen at ARTE

El Qady makes accessories that can dress your home, your garden or even your wrist (in the case of women), so hop on to their stand at ARTE and enjoy the best of this Arabic love story in person.

Like El Qady handmade on facebook.

Photos source: El Qady handmade

Meet our Soap-er Heroes

Handcrafted soap is a blend of both science and art. Whatever your needs, ARTE Markets features a number of soapmakers who offer natural chemical-free beauty & grooming options in a wide array of colours, scents, shapes, sizes and formulations designed for serious skin care. We asked a few of our regular soap-er heroes to share some secret skincare tips.

PAN Soaps by Nada Vukasovic

As one of the first soapmakers to join the ARTE fraternity, Nada Vukasovic is now fondly known at the ‘Papaya Lady’  – thanks to the amazing results reaped by customers who have regularly used her Papaya & Mango Papaya Soaps.

Why should we choose natural handmade soap?

Nada explains, “Long ago soap companies began removing glycerin and other great natural soap ingredients to increase profits. This required the need to add other less “skin-friendly” chemicals. (Just try reading the ingredients label on your store purchased bar of soap.) This process made “soap” more detergent than true soap. We believe that nature, in its purest form, contains everything the skin needs to be radiant and healthy. We use only fresh natural ingredients in our original recipes. Our handmade products are made of pure organic ingredients. That is why our first choices are products from reliable local and international sources. Not only will you love the feel, you’ll find that true soap lasts MUCH longer than other ‘soap’.”

Nada recommends Papaya Soap

“This soap bar is enriched with almond oil and fresh papaya juice. This soap is good for redness, acne, reduces and heals acne faster, reduces dark spots and gives a lighter tone to your skin. It is an all natural hand made soap free of artificial preservatives, colours and fragrances. It is miracle soap, our best one!”

Colibri Natural Beauty Care by Victoria Molnar

Victoria is one of the most recent soapmaker to join ARTE. It was her passion for solving health problem the way nature intended that she decided to create toxin-free, gentle & natural beauty products to make the skin feel soft and smooth while helping to retain it`s natural moisture.

Why should we choose natural handmade soap?

Victoria explains, “Our skin is our largest organ and it will most definitely respond to the toxins we ingest from chemically overloaded commercially manufactured beauty care products. Our skin is not only the largest organ but the thinnest as well, which in turn, makes it the most permeable. What you put on your skin will be directly absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your health dramatically. My products heal and nourish and leave skin feeling smooth, soft, supple and looking great.”

Victoria recommends Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Body Butter

“Lavender and tea tree oil are a power couple when it comes to healing problem, acne-prone, oily, and aging skin. Lavender oil is the one of the gentlest essential oils making it great to use for children and on sensitive skin. Combined with tea tree oil, they heal, protect and soothe the skin, regenerate and restore elasticity. Both these oils are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing. For skin problems like acne, eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites, this clean and fresh smelling body butter can be your best friend. No chemicals. No preservatives. No artificial colors. No fragrances.”

Desert Rose Handmade Soaps by Firuza Wragg

Firuza’s began creating bars of soap for a fun project to do with her children, but soon got addicted to the soapmaking process. When her recipes began building a demand, she jumped into the deep end and started my own business – that recently debuted at ARTE.

Why should we choose natural handmade soap?

Firuza says, “Commercial soap manufacturers make it a practice to remove the glycerine that is produced during the saponification (soap-making) process. The glycerine is a highly profitable substance, often sold to other companies who use it to make lotions and moisturizers, which your skin, now dried out from the harsh detergent ‘soap,’ desperately needs. On the other hand, my handmade soaps are made with all natural ingredients which premium natural vegetable and essential oils. There is no water or filler. This makes for a very dense, longer lasting bar of soap. It feels as good in your hand as it does on your skin.”

Firuza recommends Beer & Coconut Milk Gourmet Soap

“Seabuckthorn seed oil and fruit oil contain healing and softening fatty acids that nourish and replenish the skin. These oils improve skin conditions as rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis; heal burns and reduce the associated pain; shrink small capillaries, even skin tone, reduce the effects of sun damage and provide minor UV protection. 100% Vegan, 100% Natural. Free of artificial colours.”