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HANDCRAFTED LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS DIRECT
FROM THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF NORTHERN INDIA
At the start of 2006, my best friend moved to North India to start a new, exciting life.
She had been successfully selling the local craft items for many years in the UK, and now she continues to supply me exclusively with the most lovely products sourced directly from the craftsmen and women who make them. We don’t buy via large wholesalers, but from local businesses and we pay the asking price so that all parties are happy. Many such trades and businesses are family run, meaning several generations are involved in the making process.
Both the leather bound and sari bound journals have the highest quality handmade paper which is suitable for all kinds of writing implements from biro, fountain pen, felt pen, pencil and even watercolours for art work. The journal making process is as follows:
Camels are revered amongst the desert peoples of north west India. When they die (of natural death) their usefulness extends beyond their lifetime and their hide is recycled. It is created entirely by hand and is a laborious process involving 4 main stages:
1. Raw hides are scrubbed, stained and polished
2. "Ghee" is spread on the under-surface of the hide, which is then left in the
desert sun for up to 20 days to cure and soften it.
3. Fine hand polishing follows.
4. Traditional tooled designs are applied with stylus and handmade metal blocks.
Finally they are bound with handmade natural papers and feature elegant detailing.
I can honestly say that these books won't be found in any high street store.
So if you want something special to keep and cherish or give as a gift then look no further.
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