Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
East World Market method of Ajrak &Block printing:
East World Market method of Ajrak &Block printing:
There is more and less same method use to create the Ajrak of olden days except in olden days the making steps are more and done in open space and near water resource like river or tank but now Ajrak or block printing can be done at home with less recourses.
Block printing
The chemicals used are:
UD binder
Sodium Alginate powder (make a paste with water)
G3 Binder (if you are making glittery effects to your block printing)
Alco (combination of blinders ,kerosene oil )
White paste
Natural Dyes can be used for block printing like
Black: This is take by mixing acidic solution of iron i.e. put rusted nails/horse shoes etc. with jiggery (country sugar) allowed to rot for about 10-15 days.
Many other natural substances used for producing dyes are pomegranate skins, bark of mango tree, vinegar, slaked lime etc.
Red: red dye is obtained by combining a source material such as alizarin with alum, the results of this dye is pink to deep red.
Indigo Blue: Blue is obtained from the indigo bush found throughout Pakistan &India.
Yellow was the color of spring, many blossoms flowers are filled with yellow color (my mother use to dye her scarf with small flower stem ) and we can use saffron or haldi and henna.
Or
Use pigment colors in block printing .Make a paste with binder mix in kerosene oil; this is called Alco and then adds drops of pigment colors. While mixing take care to get correct consistency of paste, for if it is too thick it gives a raised effect on the material also check the color tones if too dark it will spoils the design. Always start with lighter tones and then increase the dye ratio. Once the paste is mixed stored in small bottles .you can mix two or three colors together and make a new color. These colors are visible as one prints and do not change after processing.
East World Market provide all the printing material like
Readymade white paste
Carved block for printing
Alco
Pigments in primary color & secondary colors
Pure Cotton by meter
Pure Silk by meter
Natural Dyes Powder
Mordents
Common mordents used in block printing are: Tin, Chrome, Iron, Copper, Alum, Cream of Tartar, Oxalic Acid, Soda Ash, Chalk, and Tartaric Acid
Tools: The main tools of the printer are the wooden blocks in different shapes and sizes called bunta. The blocks are made of seasoned teak wood is being preferred because of its light weight. The blocks are prepared by craftsmen trained in this art. The underside of the block is kept flat, and the design etched on it. Two or three cylindrical holes are drilled into its thickness connecting the upper side of the block to the carved lower surface. The holes help in freeing air bubbles and excess of printing paste if any while printing. Each block has a wooden handle carved on top. Each block has its distinguished design style and can be used with low toned colors. Delicate lines, creating fine designs as poppy, rose or lotus background can be white or light beige. Or you can use block as big and bold and use technique (resist-printing) and the dyeing process produce a reddish black shade. Wild flowers, buds and foliage have provided inspiration to printer also wax resists can be used then creates a dramatic in red and black.
Block Making Process:
The block carving process is tedious and demands an exceptional degree of skilled craftsmanship is required. The most skilled part of the block making process is the making of the outline block. The outline block is often the costliest of all the blocks in a design set. It is the skeleton around which the rest of the design is fleshed out.
Let see how the blocks are design by craftsman or you can try making your own block, I had made few my own designs blocks although a lot of labor and hard work required. It’s better to buy a professional made blocks for better result. Now let see how the blocks are made, work on the block begins with an accurate freehand drawing of the design's outline on tracing paper. Using the outline drawing as a map, a drawing for each color in the design i.e. the color fill blocks are traced out. A block starts out as a planed slice of shesham wood or any soft wood. The design is traced on to the wood's planed surface. The wood is then chiseled to the depth of a third of an inch. Tiny holes are drilled in areas intended for the application of flat color. These holes are stuffed with cotton at the time of printing to ensure an even application of color. The precision that a master block maker achieves with his hammer and chisel is truly extraordinary. Generally the size of a block is between five to eight square inches. However in instances where the design requires it, blocks of up to fourteen inches may be carved. It’s always advisable the size constraint of the blocks to a large extent defines the parameters of viable design. Hence small motifs and repetition, characterize block printed designs. The number of blocks required for a design can range from 3 to 35 depending on the complexity of the design. Once the blocks are carved they are left to stand in large trays of mustard oil, for a couple of days. This is done to prevent attract & absorb moisture from liquid dyes during printing. Then drained the excess oil from the blocks by leaving them to stand on layers of fabric for a couple of days.
Type of blocks
There are three types of set of blocks
1. Outer block or the gad is carved in intaglio and print large background figures
2. Middle block or rekh are carved in relief, it also mark the outlines of the motif and used in conjunction with gad blocks
3. Inner block or data are also carved bold relief and compliments the designs of gad and rekh blocks
Each of these blocks is used separately or together to produce endless patterns & designs.
How to plan a design using blocks
1. Choose set of blocks for creating a pattern.
2. The number of colors used, since each color will have its own block.
3. the different components of the design, i.e. the presence of a border in addition to the main design. The borders will always consist of a separate set of blocks (outline plus color fills), distinct from the block set used for the main design. Depending on the complexity of the border, its size and the sequence in which it is to be printed, the border itself may consist of several sets (outline plus color fills) of blocks. Prior to printing the tiny holes drilled into the blocks, are stuffed with cotton.
How to preparation the fabric for printing:
The fabric (usually cotton) is first bleached by immersion in a gentle bleaching solution. The fabric is left to dry in the hot sun. After drying the fabric is pressed and now the printing process starts with different dyeing technique best suited to the design .select the type of dyes and mixed them then prepare the dye pad. The dye pad consists of a rectangular wooden tray into which a metal frame is fitted. The frame has several yards of nylon rope tautly wound around it. The taut rope mesh provides a spring effect during printing. The body of the pad consists of several layers of coarse sacking or jute material piled on top of the rope mesh. The final layer however, is a piece of finer fabric: like silk, chiffon or voile. The choice of the top fabric depends on the dye saturation required for printing. Once the trays are prepared an appropriate quantity of dye is poured into them. The surface of the dye pad is evened out with a piece of wood after which it is placed on wheeled wooden carts and put color on a different cart. The carved blocks are distributed color wise, amongst the carts, and organized in the order of printing, on the racks below. But if you are working in home studio then take small plastic trays cover with sponge or thick layer of towels then lay a thin fabric like silk mesh or nylon mesh. This is going to be your dye pad.
Then fabric is measured, cut and pinned tautly on to well padded 6 meter long tables. If you are printing three and four sided borders round a yardage it’s impossible to printing then it’s better to cut each piece separately and printed individually. If you are making a textural element in the design then stamped all over with the texture block.
Always first print the outline of the design. You dip the outline block into the dye pad and moves down the length of the table, stamping the fabric by carefully placing the block on the fabric and striking it with the heel of your hand. Also use a blank paper to correct overlapping specially on the corners.
Washing: after printing the fabric is thoroughly washed. Pigments are washed thoroughly by multiple immersions followed by vigorous hand beating to wash out all traces of gum and fixing agents.
There is more and less same method use to create the Ajrak of olden days except in olden days the making steps are more and done in open space and near water resource like river or tank but now Ajrak or block printing can be done at home with less recourses.
Block printing
The chemicals used are:
UD binder
Sodium Alginate powder (make a paste with water)
G3 Binder (if you are making glittery effects to your block printing)
Alco (combination of blinders ,kerosene oil )
White paste
Natural Dyes can be used for block printing like
Black: This is take by mixing acidic solution of iron i.e. put rusted nails/horse shoes etc. with jiggery (country sugar) allowed to rot for about 10-15 days.
Many other natural substances used for producing dyes are pomegranate skins, bark of mango tree, vinegar, slaked lime etc.
Red: red dye is obtained by combining a source material such as alizarin with alum, the results of this dye is pink to deep red.
Indigo Blue: Blue is obtained from the indigo bush found throughout Pakistan &India.
Yellow was the color of spring, many blossoms flowers are filled with yellow color (my mother use to dye her scarf with small flower stem ) and we can use saffron or haldi and henna.
Or
Use pigment colors in block printing .Make a paste with binder mix in kerosene oil; this is called Alco and then adds drops of pigment colors. While mixing take care to get correct consistency of paste, for if it is too thick it gives a raised effect on the material also check the color tones if too dark it will spoils the design. Always start with lighter tones and then increase the dye ratio. Once the paste is mixed stored in small bottles .you can mix two or three colors together and make a new color. These colors are visible as one prints and do not change after processing.
East World Market provide all the printing material like
Readymade white paste
Carved block for printing
Alco
Pigments in primary color & secondary colors
Pure Cotton by meter
Pure Silk by meter
Natural Dyes Powder
Mordents
Common mordents used in block printing are: Tin, Chrome, Iron, Copper, Alum, Cream of Tartar, Oxalic Acid, Soda Ash, Chalk, and Tartaric Acid
Tools: The main tools of the printer are the wooden blocks in different shapes and sizes called bunta. The blocks are made of seasoned teak wood is being preferred because of its light weight. The blocks are prepared by craftsmen trained in this art. The underside of the block is kept flat, and the design etched on it. Two or three cylindrical holes are drilled into its thickness connecting the upper side of the block to the carved lower surface. The holes help in freeing air bubbles and excess of printing paste if any while printing. Each block has a wooden handle carved on top. Each block has its distinguished design style and can be used with low toned colors. Delicate lines, creating fine designs as poppy, rose or lotus background can be white or light beige. Or you can use block as big and bold and use technique (resist-printing) and the dyeing process produce a reddish black shade. Wild flowers, buds and foliage have provided inspiration to printer also wax resists can be used then creates a dramatic in red and black.
Block Making Process:
The block carving process is tedious and demands an exceptional degree of skilled craftsmanship is required. The most skilled part of the block making process is the making of the outline block. The outline block is often the costliest of all the blocks in a design set. It is the skeleton around which the rest of the design is fleshed out.
Let see how the blocks are design by craftsman or you can try making your own block, I had made few my own designs blocks although a lot of labor and hard work required. It’s better to buy a professional made blocks for better result. Now let see how the blocks are made, work on the block begins with an accurate freehand drawing of the design's outline on tracing paper. Using the outline drawing as a map, a drawing for each color in the design i.e. the color fill blocks are traced out. A block starts out as a planed slice of shesham wood or any soft wood. The design is traced on to the wood's planed surface. The wood is then chiseled to the depth of a third of an inch. Tiny holes are drilled in areas intended for the application of flat color. These holes are stuffed with cotton at the time of printing to ensure an even application of color. The precision that a master block maker achieves with his hammer and chisel is truly extraordinary. Generally the size of a block is between five to eight square inches. However in instances where the design requires it, blocks of up to fourteen inches may be carved. It’s always advisable the size constraint of the blocks to a large extent defines the parameters of viable design. Hence small motifs and repetition, characterize block printed designs. The number of blocks required for a design can range from 3 to 35 depending on the complexity of the design. Once the blocks are carved they are left to stand in large trays of mustard oil, for a couple of days. This is done to prevent attract & absorb moisture from liquid dyes during printing. Then drained the excess oil from the blocks by leaving them to stand on layers of fabric for a couple of days.
Type of blocks
There are three types of set of blocks
1. Outer block or the gad is carved in intaglio and print large background figures
2. Middle block or rekh are carved in relief, it also mark the outlines of the motif and used in conjunction with gad blocks
3. Inner block or data are also carved bold relief and compliments the designs of gad and rekh blocks
Each of these blocks is used separately or together to produce endless patterns & designs.
How to plan a design using blocks
1. Choose set of blocks for creating a pattern.
2. The number of colors used, since each color will have its own block.
3. the different components of the design, i.e. the presence of a border in addition to the main design. The borders will always consist of a separate set of blocks (outline plus color fills), distinct from the block set used for the main design. Depending on the complexity of the border, its size and the sequence in which it is to be printed, the border itself may consist of several sets (outline plus color fills) of blocks. Prior to printing the tiny holes drilled into the blocks, are stuffed with cotton.
How to preparation the fabric for printing:
The fabric (usually cotton) is first bleached by immersion in a gentle bleaching solution. The fabric is left to dry in the hot sun. After drying the fabric is pressed and now the printing process starts with different dyeing technique best suited to the design .select the type of dyes and mixed them then prepare the dye pad. The dye pad consists of a rectangular wooden tray into which a metal frame is fitted. The frame has several yards of nylon rope tautly wound around it. The taut rope mesh provides a spring effect during printing. The body of the pad consists of several layers of coarse sacking or jute material piled on top of the rope mesh. The final layer however, is a piece of finer fabric: like silk, chiffon or voile. The choice of the top fabric depends on the dye saturation required for printing. Once the trays are prepared an appropriate quantity of dye is poured into them. The surface of the dye pad is evened out with a piece of wood after which it is placed on wheeled wooden carts and put color on a different cart. The carved blocks are distributed color wise, amongst the carts, and organized in the order of printing, on the racks below. But if you are working in home studio then take small plastic trays cover with sponge or thick layer of towels then lay a thin fabric like silk mesh or nylon mesh. This is going to be your dye pad.
Then fabric is measured, cut and pinned tautly on to well padded 6 meter long tables. If you are printing three and four sided borders round a yardage it’s impossible to printing then it’s better to cut each piece separately and printed individually. If you are making a textural element in the design then stamped all over with the texture block.
Always first print the outline of the design. You dip the outline block into the dye pad and moves down the length of the table, stamping the fabric by carefully placing the block on the fabric and striking it with the heel of your hand. Also use a blank paper to correct overlapping specially on the corners.
Washing: after printing the fabric is thoroughly washed. Pigments are washed thoroughly by multiple immersions followed by vigorous hand beating to wash out all traces of gum and fixing agents.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
CdCrafts a plateform for crafters to grown into big group.
The demand of modern living has increasded our stress levels and craft is one way to get way of counting the stree since this is therapeatic yet fun as well..cdcrafts trys to make crafts accesseible to all.by displaying the best of what is made .our crafts experts will be writing about their achivements and passing on tips which will enable you to apply simple technique to lasting good effects in your home decration and gifts.Our regular feature will enable our members to keep in touch with each other and enjoy our craft activities as a group. so please do send your contribution in a form of tips,a feature on any interesting topic related to crafts or ladies to cdcrafts@yahoo.com.
the aims of our club
* to stimutate and develop interest in different crafts
*to provide information of the world through newsletters.
*to share ideas and creativity in crafts
* organize annual crafts exhibitons in different cities of Pakistan and at the internatinal level (USA/UK etc ).
*specail discounts ,rebates and substantial cuts in crafting expenditures.
*work on crafts activities as a group.
*earn a living out of crafts and eventually form a bussiness,
*easy access to crafting material through our mail order service.
the aims of our club
* to stimutate and develop interest in different crafts
*to provide information of the world through newsletters.
*to share ideas and creativity in crafts
* organize annual crafts exhibitons in different cities of Pakistan and at the internatinal level (USA/UK etc ).
*specail discounts ,rebates and substantial cuts in crafting expenditures.
*work on crafts activities as a group.
*earn a living out of crafts and eventually form a bussiness,
*easy access to crafting material through our mail order service.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Trichem Paints
Trichem paints is a globally recognized company that conducts art workshops in 55 countries around the world.these workshop are conducted by qualified instructors.its also called friendship paints.the paint quality is very good and last very long.I am trichem instructor since 1990 and trained hundred of ladies across Pakistan.trichem has different techniques and can be used on fabric,glass,wood and same paint.......its very interesting.and surpricly no brush is required.coming months I will also add more techniques of trichem paints.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Arts and crafts in Pakistan
Pakistan handicrafts have been popular throughout the world. These handicrafts are found from the time of Indus civilization they shown the same tradition and customs. Modern handicrafts evolved after much alteration .the invasions during ancient period led to culture exchanges that in turn flourished. The Indus civilization showed a remarkable artistic skill in all handicrafts of Pakistan.
TOUR PACKAGE ON CRAFTS AND HERITAGES available with Trav3l.net.com
HERE IS A LIST OF VARIOUS CRAFTS OF PAKISTAN
• Textile
• pottery
• straw basketry
• Carpet & floor covering
• camel skin crafts
• metal crafts
• costume jewelry of white metal
• glass beads and bangles
• leather jewelry
• doll making
• wood crafts
• camel bone crafts
• the rock salts lamps
• wood crafts
Textile crafts
Rally, Ajrak, Block Printed articles, silk and cotton and zari thread embroidery, mirror work embroidery, hand woven fabrics and khes (bed spreads). Textile crafts one of the oldest crafts in the subcontinent. These crafts are learning from generations and a whole family works on these crafts. The range of designs employed on to these articles is enormous and the media of weaving, printing, embroidery and appliqué numerous. Patchwork or appliqué work rally (bed spread) is a popular rural crafts of Sindh. Carefully cut pieces of cloth in desired shape are hand stitched on the base of material in geometrically arranged pattern merging the skill of crafter with spirit of tradition. Ajrak is a technique of wooden block printing on cotton texture with a mixture of vegetable dyes involving some sixteen processes .in Ajrak both floral and geometrical Patterns are employed.
Hand Woven sussi fabrics and khes ( bed spread) are also traditional rural crafts of sindh.Sussi is the name given to hand woven cotton or silk fabric in striped pattern and khes is hand woven bed weave.
Sindh has distinct folk tradition in embroidery employing interlace stitches with silk, cotton; metallic threads. Sindh is also the home of mirror embroidery with its myriad reflection of light on bright colored base materials. Circular pieces of looking mirror are held together by the bottom hole stitches in the formal and exotic geometrical arrangement. Ladies in their home make these pieces and earn a little earning to support their family. Bold lines and bright colors are striking feature of rural embroider. Entire background is ornamented with thread and mirror work. Costume embroidered with such orientation becomes symbol of traditional and cultural festivity. This embroidery is used widely on dresses, caps, table cover, cushion cover and runners.
Tie and dye is one of the traditional dyeing styles in Pakistan one of traditional form of tie dying began some 5000 years ago. Called as bandhan .its techniques involve tying small dots with tread all over the fabric to create designs and motifs. After tying the fabric is dyed. then the ties are removed and a beautiful pattern form on the fabric.Leheria pattern is also very famous in tie-dye work. Leheria means waves. Each lehrai design is unique.
Straw basketry
The golden straw has for many years helped to rear the art of weaving decorative basketry. employing masterly skill and conforming happily to the theme of regional traditions, the straw weaver weaves the patterns of many a functional and decoration articles like trays ,plates, low rim baskets in round and oval shapes ,bread baskets with high rim and cover lid conventional hand fans and folk toys.
Glazed pottery
The glazed pottery of Sindh has traditional craft. And portrays influence and symbols of Indus valley Civilization of 3500B.C.The potter with age old skill turns out a wide range of functional and decorative articles .the forms of article s are elegant, bold and balance and the designs floral or geometrical and the glazes reflecting colors and shades of blue, golden, crimson and cinnamon brown and some times green also. The famous hala pottery is beautiful and unique.
Traditional floor coverings
Hand knotted carpets, farashi and namda
Pakistan has a place in the export trade of hand knotted woolen carpets in world markets. Hand knotted carpet is a product of the skill of designers and weavers mingled in the technique. Designs are harmoniously set in a formal array of floral or geometrical arrangements and knotted is done on the loom by skillful fingers of hereditary craftsmen. To watch them at work is very fascinating and interesting.
Daree is a hand woven product with harmonious Combination of cotton warp and woolen weft. Daree woven in exquisitely designed floral, geometrical or abstract patterns make an attractive floor covering with quality of durability and fancy of colorful setting.
Farashi is the traditional name of hand woven floor covering .it is an old rural craft of Sindh cleverly conceived with the combination of hand spun yarn of camel,goat hair in natural color and cotton yarn .designs employed in farashi are either simple striped or intricate geometrical. Farashi being strong in texture makes durable floor covering coupled with glitter of tradition.
Namda is cultural name of a felt carpet and has set a tradition as a floor covering. it is made of pressed rolled wool which makes the base for woolen yarn embroidery onto. Designs are generally styled depicting flowers and leaves, animal, figures, folk life and scenic views.
Camel skin crafts
The tedious technique of shaping the camel skin crafts and decorating them with indigenously prepared lacquer colors is a age old tradition. the camel skin is first cleared to become transparent clear and then stretched on clay moulds of the desired objects to attain the firm shape. the shaped articles are then merrily decorated with high degree of excellence in floral or intermingled geometrical patterns in bright colors. Decorative chronicles and miniature, natural land scape, royal hunting scene and animal figures and birds are also transformed in bright color onto camel skin objects with masterly skill to produce impact of realism and impressionism. Conventionally table lamp, hanging
Lamps, vases, bowls are produced. This crafts is mostly produce in Multan and Bahawalpur district.
Costume jewelry
White metal (German silver), glass beads, glass bangles and leather jewelry)
The tradition of jewelry in some form or other goes back to the first strings of civilization .it being their Devine right, the women in prehistorically period also used to adorn themselves with garlands, girdles, bangles, bracelets and ear-hanging made from fresh natural flowers or crafted with clay, semi precious stones, sea shell, fish bone or elephant tusk or made of alloy of metals.
With the advancement of cultural and traditional aesthetics and influenced with gold and silver, precious stones and diamonds and lately the white metal (German silver an alloy of copper, zinc and tin) the theme of costume jewelry under went harmonious changes. White metal wire when given shape by skilled figures of craftsmen to form lightweight costume jewelry in a variety of traditional designs and motifs is called filigree work.
Crafted by hand the simple colorful glass beads in countless shapes, shades and designs reflect both variety and perfection in form and treatment. Elegantly made glass beaded string necklaces and bracelets are in fancy and fashion for casual wear.
Glass bangle making is an art and we will see this in home factory where the young girls and ladies work on these high quality bangles with liquid gold and silver powder. Crafted by hand the simple, plain or decorated multicolored glass bangles are taken by womenfolk as joyful and festive way of adoration. Handcrafted colorful glass beads in countless shapes, shades and designs reflect both variety and perfection in form and treatment and master craft ship of these womenfolk.
Leather jewelry is a craft of recent origin. Prevalent indigenous talents introduced techniques of producing ornamentation items with leather intermixed with aesthetic harmony of shinning brass and anodized aluminum fittings and decorations. Leather jewelry has its own peculiar features and facets. Designs and shapes of components f leather jewelry are mostly modern conforming to tastes and trends of the young generation. Brown, light brown, black, red and blues shades of leather are used to produce a variety of necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and earring, finger rings.
Costume dolls
From age to age, people to people and from hand to hand, the art of doll making as a crafts has survived and flourished towards perfection. The villages folk have preserved the ancient medium of rag dolls .the rag dolls made by village women in their homes are primitive as well as exotic. Besides folk crafting of rag dolls, costume doll making has now been adopted commercially. Body of a doll is shaped with steel wire and stuffed with cotton and face moulds and facial features produced through techniques of painting. The clothes and apparels of these dolls reflect national and regional peculiarities. Again in home industry women and young ladies work to earn decent living for them.
Camel Bone Crafts
Crafting of artistic articles from ivory (elephant tusk) is an age-old tradition and backed by royal patronage it developed it developed to high esteem for the lovers of art. Ivory getting rare these days, the camel bone has been substituted. Laborious process is involved in curing, cutting and crafting small utility items of costume jewelry and accessories out of camel bone. work with extremely delicate and intricate carving, engraving, embossing and perforating in floral or geometrical designs and patterns with high degree of perfection.
Onyx Crafts
Pakistan has been bestowed by nature with multitude reserves of onyx in the mountains in the province of Baluchistan. Onyx comes from the family of marble but is distinctive for its beautiful colors and shades. The colors range from light green to medium and jade green, from copper brown to dark brown and within each color the varying effects of dark, medium and light shades interplay through the veins. Onyx has unique quality of being transparent against light. The technique of inlaying the delicately cut and shaped multicolored sea shells onto onyx crafts in floral or geometrical designs and patterns had historical linkage with century’s old art of inlaying diamonds and gems onto the object of marble. A variety of articles are produced like vases, flowerpots, lamps, bowls, plates, goblets &jars.
ROCK SALT
Salt is nature’s one of the most wonderful gifts having over 14000 known uses. Rock salt originated about 256 million years ago. Its mines in Pakistan are amongst one of the two biggest and oldest salt ranges in the world. Some sources claim that the rock salt was formed here before pre-Cambrian era. Salt is natural ionize, as such rock salt lamps are known to effectively improve the quality of air by producing negative ions(vitamin of the air)use of these lamp also offset the effects of positive. Ions produced by the modern day’s products and equipment. Pakistan has second largest mine of salt reserves at khewer salt mines there you can watch the rock lamp produce by artisans. Although not being a medical device. The salt crystal is known to help alleviate fatigue, stress, asthma, allergies, skin disorders, air moisture, and odor and also induce comfortable sleep. the wide range of soothing colors of the lamps help patients with blood pressure, emotional/psychological disorder.
Woodcrafts
A vast array of intricately hand carved, cut and embossed and skillfully brass inlaid and ingeniously lacquered articles both decorative and functional are produced with the fine standard of hereditary craftsmanship in the sector of woodcrafts. The hub for special wood work is in Hala, in Sindh and Chiniot, an ancient town with unique artistry. Different type of wood include Shish am, walnut and bhan. Modern shapes and styles embellished and ornamental with luster of traditional designs and motif afford the trends of functionalism and traditionalism and also the flexibility of being fit into contemporary way of life. Dark tone of Shesham wood provides a vivid contrast to brass inlay work ornamentation on to crafts. Multi colored and traditional ornamented lacquered wood furniture and crafts carry their own aesthetic values in cultural set up of Sindh. Embellished with floral carving, embossing or cut work, the walnut articles make a cozy and fascinating combination with the style of modern way of life.
TOUR PACKAGE ON CRAFTS AND HERITAGES available with Trav3l.net.com
HERE IS A LIST OF VARIOUS CRAFTS OF PAKISTAN
• Textile
• pottery
• straw basketry
• Carpet & floor covering
• camel skin crafts
• metal crafts
• costume jewelry of white metal
• glass beads and bangles
• leather jewelry
• doll making
• wood crafts
• camel bone crafts
• the rock salts lamps
• wood crafts
Textile crafts
Rally, Ajrak, Block Printed articles, silk and cotton and zari thread embroidery, mirror work embroidery, hand woven fabrics and khes (bed spreads). Textile crafts one of the oldest crafts in the subcontinent. These crafts are learning from generations and a whole family works on these crafts. The range of designs employed on to these articles is enormous and the media of weaving, printing, embroidery and appliqué numerous. Patchwork or appliqué work rally (bed spread) is a popular rural crafts of Sindh. Carefully cut pieces of cloth in desired shape are hand stitched on the base of material in geometrically arranged pattern merging the skill of crafter with spirit of tradition. Ajrak is a technique of wooden block printing on cotton texture with a mixture of vegetable dyes involving some sixteen processes .in Ajrak both floral and geometrical Patterns are employed.
Hand Woven sussi fabrics and khes ( bed spread) are also traditional rural crafts of sindh.Sussi is the name given to hand woven cotton or silk fabric in striped pattern and khes is hand woven bed weave.
Sindh has distinct folk tradition in embroidery employing interlace stitches with silk, cotton; metallic threads. Sindh is also the home of mirror embroidery with its myriad reflection of light on bright colored base materials. Circular pieces of looking mirror are held together by the bottom hole stitches in the formal and exotic geometrical arrangement. Ladies in their home make these pieces and earn a little earning to support their family. Bold lines and bright colors are striking feature of rural embroider. Entire background is ornamented with thread and mirror work. Costume embroidered with such orientation becomes symbol of traditional and cultural festivity. This embroidery is used widely on dresses, caps, table cover, cushion cover and runners.
Tie and dye is one of the traditional dyeing styles in Pakistan one of traditional form of tie dying began some 5000 years ago. Called as bandhan .its techniques involve tying small dots with tread all over the fabric to create designs and motifs. After tying the fabric is dyed. then the ties are removed and a beautiful pattern form on the fabric.Leheria pattern is also very famous in tie-dye work. Leheria means waves. Each lehrai design is unique.
Straw basketry
The golden straw has for many years helped to rear the art of weaving decorative basketry. employing masterly skill and conforming happily to the theme of regional traditions, the straw weaver weaves the patterns of many a functional and decoration articles like trays ,plates, low rim baskets in round and oval shapes ,bread baskets with high rim and cover lid conventional hand fans and folk toys.
Glazed pottery
The glazed pottery of Sindh has traditional craft. And portrays influence and symbols of Indus valley Civilization of 3500B.C.The potter with age old skill turns out a wide range of functional and decorative articles .the forms of article s are elegant, bold and balance and the designs floral or geometrical and the glazes reflecting colors and shades of blue, golden, crimson and cinnamon brown and some times green also. The famous hala pottery is beautiful and unique.
Traditional floor coverings
Hand knotted carpets, farashi and namda
Pakistan has a place in the export trade of hand knotted woolen carpets in world markets. Hand knotted carpet is a product of the skill of designers and weavers mingled in the technique. Designs are harmoniously set in a formal array of floral or geometrical arrangements and knotted is done on the loom by skillful fingers of hereditary craftsmen. To watch them at work is very fascinating and interesting.
Daree is a hand woven product with harmonious Combination of cotton warp and woolen weft. Daree woven in exquisitely designed floral, geometrical or abstract patterns make an attractive floor covering with quality of durability and fancy of colorful setting.
Farashi is the traditional name of hand woven floor covering .it is an old rural craft of Sindh cleverly conceived with the combination of hand spun yarn of camel,goat hair in natural color and cotton yarn .designs employed in farashi are either simple striped or intricate geometrical. Farashi being strong in texture makes durable floor covering coupled with glitter of tradition.
Namda is cultural name of a felt carpet and has set a tradition as a floor covering. it is made of pressed rolled wool which makes the base for woolen yarn embroidery onto. Designs are generally styled depicting flowers and leaves, animal, figures, folk life and scenic views.
Camel skin crafts
The tedious technique of shaping the camel skin crafts and decorating them with indigenously prepared lacquer colors is a age old tradition. the camel skin is first cleared to become transparent clear and then stretched on clay moulds of the desired objects to attain the firm shape. the shaped articles are then merrily decorated with high degree of excellence in floral or intermingled geometrical patterns in bright colors. Decorative chronicles and miniature, natural land scape, royal hunting scene and animal figures and birds are also transformed in bright color onto camel skin objects with masterly skill to produce impact of realism and impressionism. Conventionally table lamp, hanging
Lamps, vases, bowls are produced. This crafts is mostly produce in Multan and Bahawalpur district.
Costume jewelry
White metal (German silver), glass beads, glass bangles and leather jewelry)
The tradition of jewelry in some form or other goes back to the first strings of civilization .it being their Devine right, the women in prehistorically period also used to adorn themselves with garlands, girdles, bangles, bracelets and ear-hanging made from fresh natural flowers or crafted with clay, semi precious stones, sea shell, fish bone or elephant tusk or made of alloy of metals.
With the advancement of cultural and traditional aesthetics and influenced with gold and silver, precious stones and diamonds and lately the white metal (German silver an alloy of copper, zinc and tin) the theme of costume jewelry under went harmonious changes. White metal wire when given shape by skilled figures of craftsmen to form lightweight costume jewelry in a variety of traditional designs and motifs is called filigree work.
Crafted by hand the simple colorful glass beads in countless shapes, shades and designs reflect both variety and perfection in form and treatment. Elegantly made glass beaded string necklaces and bracelets are in fancy and fashion for casual wear.
Glass bangle making is an art and we will see this in home factory where the young girls and ladies work on these high quality bangles with liquid gold and silver powder. Crafted by hand the simple, plain or decorated multicolored glass bangles are taken by womenfolk as joyful and festive way of adoration. Handcrafted colorful glass beads in countless shapes, shades and designs reflect both variety and perfection in form and treatment and master craft ship of these womenfolk.
Leather jewelry is a craft of recent origin. Prevalent indigenous talents introduced techniques of producing ornamentation items with leather intermixed with aesthetic harmony of shinning brass and anodized aluminum fittings and decorations. Leather jewelry has its own peculiar features and facets. Designs and shapes of components f leather jewelry are mostly modern conforming to tastes and trends of the young generation. Brown, light brown, black, red and blues shades of leather are used to produce a variety of necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and earring, finger rings.
Costume dolls
From age to age, people to people and from hand to hand, the art of doll making as a crafts has survived and flourished towards perfection. The villages folk have preserved the ancient medium of rag dolls .the rag dolls made by village women in their homes are primitive as well as exotic. Besides folk crafting of rag dolls, costume doll making has now been adopted commercially. Body of a doll is shaped with steel wire and stuffed with cotton and face moulds and facial features produced through techniques of painting. The clothes and apparels of these dolls reflect national and regional peculiarities. Again in home industry women and young ladies work to earn decent living for them.
Camel Bone Crafts
Crafting of artistic articles from ivory (elephant tusk) is an age-old tradition and backed by royal patronage it developed it developed to high esteem for the lovers of art. Ivory getting rare these days, the camel bone has been substituted. Laborious process is involved in curing, cutting and crafting small utility items of costume jewelry and accessories out of camel bone. work with extremely delicate and intricate carving, engraving, embossing and perforating in floral or geometrical designs and patterns with high degree of perfection.
Onyx Crafts
Pakistan has been bestowed by nature with multitude reserves of onyx in the mountains in the province of Baluchistan. Onyx comes from the family of marble but is distinctive for its beautiful colors and shades. The colors range from light green to medium and jade green, from copper brown to dark brown and within each color the varying effects of dark, medium and light shades interplay through the veins. Onyx has unique quality of being transparent against light. The technique of inlaying the delicately cut and shaped multicolored sea shells onto onyx crafts in floral or geometrical designs and patterns had historical linkage with century’s old art of inlaying diamonds and gems onto the object of marble. A variety of articles are produced like vases, flowerpots, lamps, bowls, plates, goblets &jars.
ROCK SALT
Salt is nature’s one of the most wonderful gifts having over 14000 known uses. Rock salt originated about 256 million years ago. Its mines in Pakistan are amongst one of the two biggest and oldest salt ranges in the world. Some sources claim that the rock salt was formed here before pre-Cambrian era. Salt is natural ionize, as such rock salt lamps are known to effectively improve the quality of air by producing negative ions(vitamin of the air)use of these lamp also offset the effects of positive. Ions produced by the modern day’s products and equipment. Pakistan has second largest mine of salt reserves at khewer salt mines there you can watch the rock lamp produce by artisans. Although not being a medical device. The salt crystal is known to help alleviate fatigue, stress, asthma, allergies, skin disorders, air moisture, and odor and also induce comfortable sleep. the wide range of soothing colors of the lamps help patients with blood pressure, emotional/psychological disorder.
Woodcrafts
A vast array of intricately hand carved, cut and embossed and skillfully brass inlaid and ingeniously lacquered articles both decorative and functional are produced with the fine standard of hereditary craftsmanship in the sector of woodcrafts. The hub for special wood work is in Hala, in Sindh and Chiniot, an ancient town with unique artistry. Different type of wood include Shish am, walnut and bhan. Modern shapes and styles embellished and ornamental with luster of traditional designs and motif afford the trends of functionalism and traditionalism and also the flexibility of being fit into contemporary way of life. Dark tone of Shesham wood provides a vivid contrast to brass inlay work ornamentation on to crafts. Multi colored and traditional ornamented lacquered wood furniture and crafts carry their own aesthetic values in cultural set up of Sindh. Embellished with floral carving, embossing or cut work, the walnut articles make a cozy and fascinating combination with the style of modern way of life.
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