A lovely set of 12 hand carved wooden blocks stored in a hand made paper box measuring 21cm x 15cm.
The Sea Horse block is 11.5cm tall, the fish is 10.5cms from nose to tail and the Seaweed block is 9cms x 6cms.
Undersea Delights
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Garden Treasures
A lovely set of 18 hand carved wooden blocks stored in a hand made paper box measuring 21cm x 15cm.
The snowdrop block is 9.5cm across, the bird is 8.5cms from beak to tail and the Feather is 13cms long.
Garden Treasures
Bird Patterns
A lovely set of 18 hand carved wooden blocks stored in a hand made paper box measuring 21cm x 15cm.
The square floral block is 5cm across, the Tree is 7.5cms tall and the Robin is 7cms from beak to tail.
Bird Patterns
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Jolly Jumbo Tablecloth Project
A wonderful set of large, detailed wooden blocks with a piece of white cotton measuring 40″ x 46″ which is perfect for your next tablecloth craft project.
Jolly Jumbo Tablecloth Project
Mixed Media Set 2
TCW Silver Gesso, TCW Black Modelling Paste, TCW Clear Modelling Paste plus a set of 4 Tando Creative Stencils
- TCW Silver Gesso
Gesso is the idea media for prepping your page with a solid, workable mass of colour or adding a thick splash of colour to your projects!
This Silver Gesso has a gentle “tooth” that allows you to add overlays of pencil, chalks and other similar media. This high quality product ensures your projects look fantastic and leaves a lasting radiance.
It’s easy to apply using a paint brush and its smooth creamy texture for a flawless finish.
- TCW Black Modelling Paste
Put your creativity to work with the Black Modelling Paste from the Crafter’s Workshop. Enhance your stencilling project with this black opaque and firm modelling paste. To use, simply apply to your mixed media project with a palette knife.
- TCW Clear Modelling Paste
A hazy/translucent, firm modelling paste.
Gives firm structure while not lightening colours or masking the iridescence of metallics. It allows the colour to shine through once blended.
Perfect for applying with a palette knife through our stencils.
Mixed Media Set 2
Friday, September 28, 2018
Friday, September 14, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Crafting Gift Set
A wonderful gift set for the crafter in your life. The wicker basket contains:
- A foam mat
- A paint tray
- 4 small bottles of fabric paint
- 4 sponges to apply the paint
- A scrubbing brush for cleaning your blocks
- A set of floral wooden printing blocks
- A 6″ round Gelli Plate
- A 6″ square Gelli Plate
- A medium brayer
Absolutely everything you would need to get started and all packaged up in a delightful white-washed wicker basket.
Crafting Gift Set
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Buy all 5 Stencils for the price of 3
Get all five of our lovely robust Mylar stencils sets for the price of three!
You will receive:
Buy all 5 Stencils for the price of 3
Friday, July 13, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Tea Towels
Four 100% pure cotton tea towels measuring 44cm x 68cm perfect for your block printing projects.
Tea Towels
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Tea for Two
This set has many possibilities to create stunning artwork.
This set is placed in a box measuring 28cm x 20cm.
The jug in the middle measures out as 10cm x 9cm.
The teapot at the bottom out as 11cm x 11cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
Tea for Two
Monday, June 25, 2018
Giant Shopping Bag
Is it a shopping bag? Is it a weekend away bag? Is it a sleepover bag? It is what you want it to be. This is.unique Colouricious giant shoulder bag made with dabu hand block printed cotton.
It is a whopping 68 cm wide and 42 cm high. As an added bonus the inside is lined with a collection of very useful bag. When you own this giant shopping bag, you will wonder how you ever managed without it! Enjoy this absolutely gorgeous bag.
cc
. 
Giant Shopping Bag
Two birds in paradise
Two birds in paradise:
This set is ideal to pull you into the bird life and create some fabulous artwork!
The box measures out as 27cm x 20cm.
The top birds measure out as: 11cm x 5cm.
The bottom bird. 7cm x 5cm.
The square block as 7cm x 8cm.
The bold flower is 5cm x 5cm.
Happy creating with Colouricious block printing!!!!
Two birds in paradise
It"s a Bug Ball
This bug set brings you into the village of small creatures.
Thuis set includes a FREE set of punchanella to make stunning backgrounds.
It is beautifully laid in a plastic storage box measuring: 30cmx 22cm.
The dragon fly measures out as: 9cmx 10cm.
The big beetle measures out as 10cm x 7cm.
The bee measured as; 8cmx 7cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
It"s a Bug Ball
Full bloom
Full Bloom
This set has many possibilities to create stunning artwork.
This set is placed in a box measuring 28cm x 20cm.
The tree in the middle measures out as 12cm x 9cm.
The big flowers at the top measures out as 17cm x 5cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
For more information and a visit to some fantastic scenery visit, KEW GARDENS
Full bloom
Butterfly Bliss
Butterfly Bliss
This set is elegantly designed to take you into nature.
These 20 blocks are set in a plastic box included: 30cm x22cm
This set includes a FREE packet of punchanella to create stunning backgrounds.
The tree on the right measures out: 12cm x 8cm.
The beautiful butterfly measures out on 8cm x 8cm.
The leaf at the bottom is measured out as 10cm x 8cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
If you would love to go to visit the NATURE RESERVE CLICK HERE!
Butterfly Bliss
excellent elephants
This excellent elephants set is elegantly designed to indicate a trip to the safari!
This set includes a FREE packet of punchanella to make stunning backgrounds.
The box included is 30cm x 22cm.
The flowers at the bottom are: 12cm x 11cm.
The elephant at the side is: 9cm x 7cm.
The leaf at the side is: 9cm x 5cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
If you would like to learn more about elephants then CLICK HERE
excellent elephants
By the Beach
Beach
This by the seaside set is beautifully designed with a total of 21 blocks inside.
The box included measures out to 28cm x 20 cm.
The lighthouse measures at: 18cm x 4cm.
The shell at the top left hand corner: 4cm x 4cm.
The house measures at: 9cm x 12cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
For more about keeping safe by the sea visit: LIFEBOATS
By the Beach
Happy Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs
This beautiful hedgehog family set is ideal to cater all of your crafting needs!
The box measure is: 24cm x 11cm.
The larger hedgehog measures in at: 4cm x 4cm.
The larger tree is measuring at 9cm x 10cm.
The bold flower situated at the top is measuring in at: 4cm x 4cm.
Happy creating with Colouricious block printing!!!
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print,CLICK HERE.
Discover more about Hedgehogs at TIGGYWINKLES
Happy Hedgehogs
Owl Family
Owls
This stunning owl family is perfect to tailer your crafting needs! The possibilities are endless!
This is stored in a plastic storage box measuring: 24cm x 10cm.
The big owl measuring in at: 5.5cm x 10cm.
The tree measuring in at 9cm x 10cm.
The leaf measuring in at 6cm x 3cm.
Happy creating with Colouricious block printing!!!
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
Learn more about owls on: RSPB!
Owl Family
Cheerful Chickens
This cheerful chicken set is ideal to create stunning artwork!
included for storage is a plastic box measuring in at 24cm x 11cm.
The centred chicken is measuring at: 5cm x 7cm.
The end leaf is 4cm x 7cm.
Happy creating with colouricious block printing!
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
Cheerful Chickens
christmas trees x 4
These stunning 4 Christmas trees are perfect for Christmas crafting!
This item is beautifully set out in a storage box with dimensions of: 24cm x 11cm.
The merry Christmas sign measures out as 6cm x 10cm.
The trees measure out as 5cm x x10cm.
Happy block printing with colouricious block printing!
colouricious block printing
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
christmas trees x 4
Bird of a feather
This stunning set will excel your crafting abilities!
This set includes a storage box measuring in at 24cm x 11cm.
The big block at the end measuring in at 10cm x 11cm.
The feather: 6cm x 12cm.
The bird: 6cm x 12cm.
Have a look at the wide range of Colouricious wooden printing blocks
Colouricious has the best quality fabric paints in the world!!!!
if you would like the Colouricious instruction sheet on how to block print, CLICK HERE.
Bird of a feather
Christmas trees x 3
happy crafting with Colouricious block printing
Colouricious block printing
This elegant set includes a storage box measuring out into a 24cm x 11cm.
Happy Christmas: 7cm x 10cm.
Left side Tree: 5cm x 9cm.
Christmas trees x 3
Patterned Paisleys
These patterned paisleys are ideal to excel your imagination to go wild!
This set includes a storage box that has dimensions of: 24cm x 11cm.
The hand measures out as 13cm x 6cm.
The Centre large paisley is measuring out as 9cm x 4cm.
Happy crafting with Colouricious block printing
Colouricious Block Printing.
Patterned Paisleys
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Delightful dragons
These delightful dragonfly are ideal to set your crafting mind and create stunning artwork!
This set includes a storage box that measures out as 24cm x 11cm.
The top corner dragonfly measures out as: 8cm x 6cm.
The tulip measures out as 7cm x 7cm.
Happy crafting with Colouricious block printing.
Delightful dragons
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Mixed Media Set
1 x Tub of Gel Medium
1 x Tub of White Gesso
1 x Tub of Shimmery Goodness
1 x Pack of six 6″ stencils
1 x Free pack of Embellishments (contents will vary with each order)
We had a very similar set about a year ago and that proved to be extremely popular. Take a look at the video we created for that set to give you some ideas for how you can use these fabulous products.
Mixed Media Set
Friday, April 20, 2018
Fabric Paints Delicious Set
Delicious Fabric Paints Set
Delicious Fabric Paint
This delightful set contains:
60ml Bottles of:
Golden Yellow
Rose
Violet
Turquoise
White
Black
Included in this plastic A5 presentation box you will also receive the foam mat that is needed to place under your fabric for a “bit of give” and 5 sponges with optimal density to achieve a good printed impression.
Remember to dab the paint onto your wooden printing blocks with the sponge. That way you will get an even layer of layer and the paint will be being used more economically.
Fabric Paints Delicious Set
Friday, April 13, 2018
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Fancy Feathers
This is stored in a storage box 25cm by 11cm.
The tree is 9cm.
The flower is 5cm.
The bird is 7cm.
Fancy Feathers
Songs Of Praise
This is stored in a storage box 25cm by 11cm.
The feathers are 8cm.
The flower is 7cm.
The bird is 9cm.
Songs Of Praise
Proud Peacock
This is stored in a storage box 25cm by 11cm.
the peacock is 8cm.
the leaf is 6cm.
the tree is 5cm.
Proud Peacock
Dancing Dolphin
This is presented in a storage box, 25cm by 11cm.
The Dolphin is 9cm.
The seaweed is 10cm.
The puffer fish is 4cm.
The lined fish is 2 cm.
Dancing Dolphin
Catch Of The Day
This is stored in a storage box, 25cm by 11cm.
the seashell is 7cm.
the worded block is 8cm.
the tropical fish is 4cm.
Catch Of The Day
Something Fishy
This set is presented in a storage box. 25cm by 11cm.
The large seaweed is 8cm.
The small fish is 4cm.
Fish bone is 4cm.
Something Fishy
Catch a Fish
This is presented in a storage box 25cm by 11cm.
The larger fish are 9cm.
The medium fish are 8cm.
The small fish are 6cm.
Catch a Fish
Run Rabbit Run
Presented in a plastic box. 25 cm long & 11cm wide
the rabbit is 10cm long.
the tree is 10cm high.
the small leaf is 5 cm long.
Run Rabbit Run
Koi Capers
presented in a plastic box size 25 cm long & 11 cm wide.
circular sun block 13 cm
koi 10 cm
smallest fish 5 cm
Koi Capers
Takes Two to Tango
Two beautiful bird blocks each 5 cm high
Tree 10 cm
3 feathers 7 cm each
presented in a clear plastic storage box 25 cm x 11 cm
Takes Two to Tango
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Textile Workshops
Textile Workshops
Whether you are looking for a textile course, class or textile ideas you will love Colouricious Holidays textile workshops. Ranging from block printing to embroidery you are sure to love the creative inspiration that awaits you in India! Colouricious Holidays specialise in creating bespoke craft tours from organising 5* hotels to the creative itinerary. Every workshop will be shared with you r workshops always lovely atmosphere with great teachers
Colouricious Holidays’ Golden Triangle Textile Treasure Hunt is less than a year away! No matter if you"ve been on many Colouricious Holidays or your a first timer, you will have a fantastic tour of India seeing the beautiful fabrics in the textile heartland.
[gallery size="large" ids="2796,2791,2784"]
The Golden Triangle is defined by the notional triangle drawn between the cities of Dehli, Agra and Jaipur, the triangle also includes a must-see locations such as the Taj Mahal,the silk factories of Varanasi, and the carpet weavers of Agra …to say nothing of the striking desert landscapes of Rajasthan. Here, the weaving and dying arts stretch back to their earliest incarnations, many of them developed by the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Golden Triangle boasts dozens of museums and study centres where the ancient arts of the region are still taught in their traditional forms, and preserved as cultural treasures.
A few of the workshops made as part of the Treasure Hunt include
Chikan Embroidery workshop
[gallery size="large" columns="4" ids="2745,2964,2751,2746"]
[gallery size="large" columns="4" ids="2798,2955,2956,2743"]
Chikan literally translates as ‘embroidery’. It is a style that developed in Lucknow, and the village of Chowk in that region produces a great deal of it. It involves white thread embroidered onto pastel-tined muslin and cotton garments.
Slightly ‘modernised’ versions of the Lucknawi chican style include coloured thread, bead, mirror work, and other embellishments adopted from related traditions. The base fabric palette has also been expanded to include chiffons, silks and other light, soft materials.
Hand Block Printing Experience
[gallery columns="4" size="large" ids="2738,2732,2733,2729"]
Northern India has long been famous for its continuing wooden block printing tradition. The ‘blocks’ are kind of hand-carved stamp which is dipped in dye and applied, again and again, to a silk, cotton or linen fabric to make a pattern. It can be very simple or extremely ornate, depending on the tastes and the exact tradition of the artisan.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn the technique from traditional craftspeople, and make it a part of your own work.
[gallery columns="4" size="large" ids="2728,2725,2726,2727"]
Weaving workshop in Sarai Mohanna village
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="2969,2970"]
Sarai Mohanna is a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi District, most famous for its silk weaving tradition. The Banarasi saris made here are considered to be among the finest and most desirable in India. Such a traditionally hand crafted sari can take as much as 6 months to create.
Of course, that is just a taste of what you’ll experience as part of the 2019 Golden Triangle Textile Treasure Hunt. Over the next few weeks we’ll highlight more of the one-of-a-kind events, locations and experiences you could visit.
If you would like to learn more about the Golden Triangle Treasure Hunt in particular, just visit the Colouricious Holiday website. But hurry, holidays like the Golden Triangle Treasure Hunt fill up quickly!
Learn, create and be happy!
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Graphic Circle Set
A beautiful circle and square grid set that all interlocks to create innovative and unique designs
Graphic Circle Set
Graphic Circle Set
A beautiful circle and square grid set that all interlocks to create innovative and unique designs
Graphic Circle Set
Flower Power
17 beautiful floral patterns that would be perfect as accent designs or as a background or border.
Flower Power
Graphic Octagon Set
A beautiful grid design set that incorporates squares, circles and octagons in a clever grid pattern.
Graphic Octagon Set
Graphic Octagon Set
A beautiful grid design set that incorporates squares, circles and octagons in a clever grid pattern.
Graphic Octagon Set
Doodleflowers
22 unique and quirky designed wooden printing blocks, perfect for that abstract creation.
Doodleflowers
Giant Paisleys
12 wonderful blocks, lovely big and beautiful, these paisley patterns will be perfect on any craft project.
Giant Paisleys
Friday, March 9, 2018
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Craft inspiration for your craft projects
Craft inspiration around every corner!
Creativity is a passion to create and you won"t stop creating on this craft tour. With a different and unique craft arranged for you throughout your travels, you will learn ancient techniques that has been kept alive through generations by the creativity of others. You can apply any of these crafting skills to your own art and craft projects. It refreshing to try new thongs that you would never think to try. Take a look at only a few of the destinations that await you on a craft tour to Kerala, India. Get creative and have fun!A Trip to the Vellar Craft Village
Vellar is a hamlet nestled into the rocky countryside of Thiruvananthapuram not far from Kovalam. It is one of the region’s newest craft tourism destinations, and boasts traditional handicraft stalls, modern shopping and recreational facilities and eateries of all kinds.
Having recently received an upgrade and remodelling costing more than 700 million Rs, one of its biggest draws is a large covered theatre where there is training in a variety of local handicrafts – including the use of local coconuts and coconut shells. Several governmental and government-related agencies and projects give their support in order to bring these traditional local crafts back into the public eye in the Craft Village.
Palm Leaf Weaving
Southern Kerala is known for its weaving and basket-making using palm leaves. Young, tender palm leaves are harvested and their ribs removed before being dried in the sun. They are used to make all manner of handicrafts, including bowls, shades, folding fans and many other ornamental and practical objects. You can learn the techniques of palm leaf weaving that have been handed down in distinct families for generations.
Mannar & Aranmula Bell metal crafting centres
Kerala has long been associated with traditional metalworking crafts, including iron, silver, gold and bronze, but also ‘bell metal’. Bell metal is akin to bronze, but it has a unique ratio of 78% copper to 22% tin, and is traditionally used in the region for temple bells, lamps and religious statuary.It is heavy yet extremely durable, and is particularly prized for its ability to withstand heat and fire, which is why it is also used for cooking pots and utensils. At the bell metal crafting centres of Mannar and Aranmula, you can learn how these items and more have been crafted for generations.
Kanjirappilly Plantation
The Kanjirappilly region, sometimes spelled Kanjirapally, is known for its gently rolling hills and warm, pleasant weather. Naturally, this is amazing agricultural land, and it has long been the site of many sprawling plantations. Located amidst this pastoral wonder are the Kanjirappilly Plantation Bungalows. These well-appointed homes away from home are just a few hours from Cochin, and also convenient to both Periyar and Kumarakom. While we’re there, you can even tour the plantation!
Ayurveda & Yoga
Ayurveda is the medical tradition of ancient India. It is said that the Hindu god Dhanvantari incarnated himself as the king of historical Varanasi to teach these arts to humans for the first time. However, modern scholars suggest that the core of Ayurvedic medicine and thought goes back much farther, possibly before the rise of the Indus Valley Civilisation which predated India.
Ayurvedic practices form the core of most modern day ‘complimentary’ or ‘alternative’ medical techniques, many of which are practiced in the UK. Here, you’ll get a chance to learn about Ayurveda from traditional practitioners directly.
To stay up to date with our creative holidays follow are newsfeed or visit our website to find the right holiday for you and book a place!
Friday, March 2, 2018
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Creative travel with craft workshops
Why Kerala?
Kerala is a beautiful state of India sandwiched between the emerald waters of the Lakshadweep Sea and the stunning mouthing ranges of the Western Ghats. It is noted for its famous works in metal and wood carvings and will be a focus on this craft tour. Here are some of the treats you can look forward to on this special trip.
Kutthampully handloom village
Kutthanpully (sometimes spelled Kuthanpully) is a traditional cotton weaving village in Thiruvilwamala Grama Panchayat, in Kerala. This is the source of the famous Kuthanpully Sarees, which feature such unique boarders. Almost entirely populated by the Devanga people, a Brahmin caste. Their oral history tells of weavers being assembled here 500 years ago at the behest of the Kochi Royal Family.
Kuthampully is noted for their use of the kasavu hand loom, with which they create the Kasavu Double Dhotis, Set Mundus and Veshti. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn to use this ancient weaving tool for yourselves, and learn a new (to you) way to weave.
Bee Keeping
Kerala is famous for many things, but one of the most interesting is apiculture, or bee keeping. Bees have been semi-domesticated for thousands of years, and Kerala is one of the ancient centres of this art. They even have a unique type of bee, the Trigona tripennis, AKA the Stingless Bee. Thes are not truly without a stinger, but the sting is poorly developed, and they are noticeably less aggressive than other varieties.Colouricious has arranged a workshop where you can learn how these unique bees are kept in Kerala State, and of course taste some of the honey that is only produced here, in small batches.
Screw Pine Weaving
Another of Kerala’s traditional basket weaving techniques uses the leaves of the screw pine plant. This is traditionally a women’s craft, and has a history of at least 800 years in the region. The most common item woven from screw pine leaves is an ornate mat, such as might be offered to an honoured guest for sitting, or larger mats for sleeping. Other artisans specialise in making fine wall hangings with the all-natural material.Coir Making
Coir (also known as ‘cocos’) is a fine, natural golden fibre which is woven into hundreds of textile and handicraft products. However, few who wear these materials outside of the region know that the soft, lustrous material they are wearing is derived from coconut husk. You will get the chance to learn how this lovely and amazingly ecologically friendly fibre is made, and just how many different things can be made from it!Colouricious Holidays
Colouricious Holidays offer a organised crafting trip with crafting destinations, hotels, coaches and guides all arranged ready for your arrival. Now running for several years, many of our guests have met creative friends for life and have come back year after year! Relaxation is a key part of any holiday. We always find creative people need space to let their mind wonder. This wonderful but gentle adventure also offers yoga as a way to calm the body and mind learning from those who know it best.
To stay up to date with our creative holidays follow are newsfeed or visit our website to book a place!
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Colouricious holidays craft tour
Come on a craft tour to Kerala
Colouricious Holidays offer you the opportunity to travel the Kerala region of India and delve into the wonderful craft culture that has been thriving there for centuries. On this craft tour you will visit crafting centres participating in a a range of creative workshops all organised for your enjoyment. You won"t have to worry about a thing! Here are a few of the crafts you can expect to experience, ready to takeaway new skills for your own creative home projects.TASARA Centre for Creative Weaving
The TASARA Centre is located in the Beypore village of Kerala,along India’s west coast. ‘Tasara’ means ‘weaver’s shuttle’ in Sanskrit. The centre works to bring together both contemporary and traditional weavers and other textile artists to encourage both a respect for traditional forms and real innovation. The TASRA centre’s Artist in Residence programme has given studio space and facilities to support to artists and artisans throughout India for more than 25 years. And has jump-started the careers of many successful textile artists and painters.TASRA also provides extensive training opportunities in weaving and both traditional and batik dyeing, using natural dyes and pigments as well as modern chemical colours. Its annual textile workshops have become a gathering place for weavers and textile artists throughout India to meet, network and collaborate.
Pottery Making
Kolenchery is a small town in Kerala State, specifically a few kilometres east of Cocin in Ernakulam district, near India’s west coast. One of its most important features, as far as Colouricious Holidays is concerned, is the Pottery Making Unit which focuses on the traditional terra cotta pottery techniques of Kerala State. Not only is this an opportunity to see the works of some of India’s premier workers in terra cotta pottery, it is a chance to gain insight into the way this traditional crafting material (and a mixture of traditional and modern techniques) can be used to create art that is both thoroughly modern yet truly timeless.
Toddy Tapping
Throughout Kerala, toddy tapping is conducted in the same way it has been for hundreds if not thousands of years. The ‘palm toddy’ or simply ‘toddy’, is harvested from coconut palms without cutting down the coconuts – if they are instead carefully ‘tapped’, the milk inside will refill over time. In this way, a single tree can produce hundreds of litres of coconut milk each day. You’ll learn how this is accomplished, and also how to make a delicious palm toddy – even with purchased coconuts at home.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is one of India’s oldest martial arts, and one of the oldest continuously practiced martial arts in the world. ‘Kalari’ means battle or battlefield, and ‘Kalaripayattu’ means ‘Practice in the Arts of the Battlefield’. Its written history is more than 2300 years old, but it is believed that many of the practices go back much further. It involves the use of what we would call mideval weapons, especially shields, spears, bows, swords and the more obscure silambam.
To stay up to date with our creative holidays follow are newsfeed or visit our website to book a place!
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Textile techniques of Gujarat
Colouricious Holidays - learn new textile techniques!
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="2572,2580"]
Following our adventures on a Colouricious Holiday to Gujarat, we take a look into the textile techniques that have kept Gujarat a recognised focal point of the textile industry. You will visit local communities to witness craft like never before. Most of the artisans have practiced these skills their whole lives from a young child till the elder years. With conservation at the heart of what we do, visiting these remote places help keeps these skills in circulation today. Take a look at our website to find the right the Colouricious Holiday adventure for you at www.colouriciousholidays.com
What is Batik?
Batik is wonderful technique for designing textiles. It’s uses a resist method to dye silk, cotton and other pure fabrics traditionally with geometric patterns. It requires a tool called the ‘cap’ which is a copper head on a wooden block. The copper rods are around 1.5 cm in width are used to apply a dye proof substance to create the design.
[gallery size="large" ids="1560,1565,1562"]
The fabric is then dyed and the areas remaining covered with the hot wax retain its colour but the uncovered parts obtain the chosen colour of dye. This process can be repeated several times on the same fabric to create beautiful and unique textile designs. Once finished the hotwax is removed the cloth is ready to be sold.
Batik is a great design method due to the varying materials you can use to create a bespoke piece from different wax and dyes to fabrics. Different wax blends tend to crack allowing dark dye lines to enter/penetrate the resisted spaces, another design strength. Batik fabrics are also known for their durability with colours less likely to fade as they have a higher resistance to wear compared to painted fabrics. On textile treasure of Gujarat you will participate in a Batik workshop and learn this fabulous textile technique from these skilled craftsman.
Mandvi tie-and-dye centre
The tie-dyed fabrics of Gujarat, also known as bandhej, are famous for their intricate designs and patterns, which are used in wedding outfits and are considered the best produced in India. The process begins with the fabric being folded to create a rectangle. Designs are printed on with a wooden block and these areas are pinched and pushed into points, then tied into tiny knots with 2 or 3 twists of thread. The fabric is then dyed in the lightest shade first with the knotted parts remaining uncoloured. The fabric is then retied and dyed in the darker colour. The hues of deeper shades are used over the previous ones to form the coloured background of the cloth. This can continue for several rotations depending on the number shades in the final fabric design. The completion of this fabric takes around 8 hours.
[gallery size="large" ids="1943,1947,1948"]
Tie-dyed fabrics are available to purchase all over Gujarat normally being sold tied up to ensure the cloth has not been printed. The price of these textiles not only depends on the intricacy of the design and the type of fabric but the number of times it’s been tied and dyed. Special fabrics will often be brocaded with fine gold thread.
Rabari embroidery
The Dasada village is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Kutch is famous for embroidery with 16 different styles being practiced all over the region. The most well known is Rabari embroidery with its incredibly vibrant colours, chain stitches and use of mirrors in a variety of shapes. It gets its name from the nomadic Rabari community who embroider in circular huts, known as Bhunga.
[gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="2005,2001,1996,1901"]
The fabric is usually a plain cloth occasionally lightly quilted for better durability. Cotton or silk threads in an assortment of vibrant colours are worked onto the fabric using fine accent stitches, stitch, satin stitch, running stitches, herringbone and decorative back stitching to name a few. Rabaris outline patterns in chain stitch. Mirror fragments are finely embedded with tiny buttonhole stitches for extra embellishments displaying the artist’s creativity. Beads, shells, tassels and buttons can be added for individual effect and authenticity. The complex designs often depict the changing world in the eyes of the Rabari women and therefore always evolving.
[gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="2587,2588,2589,2590"]
The different style of embellished garments and intricacy of embroidered work not only define the Rabaris socio-economic stature in the community but also clearly distinguishes the person’s identity. For instance the placement of embroidery on their veils will tell you what community they are from. Embroidered borders are usually Wagadia Rabari method whereas the Kachela Rabaris have designs in the centre of their veils.
[gallery size="large" ids="1972,2021,2018"]
Another amazing tradition is the preparation of the dowry for a Rabari wedding. The girl must finish all textile pieces for the wedding before she can get married. This includes embroidering clothes, bags, bedcovers and even the decorative camel cover which can take up to 3 years to complete. This tradition enables the girl to learn these textile techniques and helps these skills be passed through generations. It’s incredible to see these wonderfully vivid colours and textures against the backdrop of the stark landscape of Kutch with its thorny babool and keekar bushes.
Take a look at our news feed to read other textile inspired blogs!
Learn, create, be happy!
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Textile design inspiration in Gujarat
Find textile inspiration with Colouricious Holidays
[gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="2571,2575"]
Colouricious Holidays brings you all you need to know about Gujarat"s textiles. We encourage you to unleash your creativity and gather all the textile design inspiration you can! Offered as one of our tour destinations, Gujarat is full to the brim with incredible fabrics embellished with vibrant and colourful textures. Each day is planned to inspire your creativity with craft activities awaiting round every corner. We find the hidden gems of India to really show you wonderful hidden arts of this beautiful country. Visit out website www.colouriciousholidays.com to find out more.
Workshop on Kalamkari and hand block printing
Kalamkari art is an incredibly intricate craft and requires great skill. With Kalam meaning pen and kari translating to craft, these wonderful illustrations are hand-painted. Traditionally this textile technique was used to depict the accounts of villagers on their travels using large bolts of canvas and dyes extracted from plants.There are 2 styles of Kalamkari, Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. Srikalahasti is distinctive in that the pen is used to draw freehand typically onto cotton textiles filling in the colours afterwards only with natural dyes. This is the most traditional of the Kalamkari techniques with hindu mythology being its main influence in design. Machilipatnam Kalamkari incorporate wooden printing blocks into their sketches with lotus motifs being the most common print design.
[gallery size="large" ids="1668,1659,1669"]
Kalkamrai is being increasingly popular for textile craft today as it’s process doesn’t include harmful chemicals but still produces incredibly vibrant fabrics. This is a wonderful technique to try your hand at in workshops lead by skilled artists in the villages the country it was first created.
[gallery size="large" ids="1667,1673,1655"]
You will take part in an organised workshop where this technique has been passed down through generations. These will be in remote villages but not to worry, you will have a guide and private coach to transport you from our selected hotels to these incredible authentic workshops where you can learn from the craftsman themselves.
The Calico Museum of Textiles
This premiere textile museum is the most celebrated institutions of its kind in the world for its diverse collection of beautiful Indian textiles. It has played an important role in establishing the curriculum taught at the prestigious National Institute of Design for the textile designing courses. There are 2 wings known as ‘Haveli’ and ‘Chauk’. Haveli houses the religious fabrics along with south Indian bronzes and sculptures, temple hangings, miniature paintings and Jaina art whereas ‘Chauk’, is home to royal tents carpets, furnishings and costumes of the Mughal and regional courts. There are also textile techniques galleries and a library.Naulakha palace
[gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="2035,2553"]
Naulakha palace is an incredible destination to visit. It is the oldest and arguably the most beautiful palace in Gondal. It possesses exclusive architectural features such as unique spiral staircases, incredible carved arches, impressive balconies and gorgeous courtyards. The palace is located along the river bed offering the most majestic views from the balconies. The onsite museum houses a rich variety of artefacts such as huge weighing scales used on special celebrations when he used to be weighed in gold equivalent which would then be donated to the poor. The interior decoration inside the palace is also something to be marvelled at from stuffed panthers to antique Belgian mirrors and luxurious chandeliers. Another interesting scene noted near a bridge over the river is the reflected image of the palace. There are many other structures within the complex such as the Huzoor Palace where the royal family currently reside.Take a look at our other blogs to for textile design inspiration and keep up date with all our holiday offers!
Learn, create, be happy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)