Tuesday, April 23, 2013

New Life of My Antique Brooch

I bought this antique brooch made from angel skin coral a while ago; I love Japanese style in art, and I love corals, so there was no chance for me to resist. 


Daisy of the ReadyMadeJewelry kindly reserved the brooch for me for a couple of days, and then shipped it quickly, and it was very well packaged, too. I am very happy with the transaction and I recommend this seller without a hesitation.

The brooch was lovely but it was difficult for me to wear, so I had it remade into a pendant. It took several months, as my jeweler needed to think and to wait for inspiration (and also she is very popular and has a lot of work to do), but finally I received the ready pendant and I am very happy with it.


It is made from sterling with gold and enamel accents and looks gorgeous on. I am afraid my photos do not do it justice, but I will show some photos on a model later.


So, once again, thank you Daisy - I am glad I found your shop, and I keep watching for your new finds.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Our Morning Walk Today: Sculptures and Dandelions

Owning a dog results in a number of obligations some of which are actually benefits; I believe dog walking to be one of them. No other power in the world would make me get up at 6 am for a walk.

At this time, Tashkent is beautiful, empty and silent; streets are wide and clean. It is a chilly morning despite the clear sky and bright sun. We go along several narrow streets and arrive at the small park close to the City Exhibition Hall. There are several nice sculptures which I remember since early childhood.

The little boy riding a horse is my favorite; as a child I believed them to be real. My mother showed them to me when I was very small... Where are they heading to? Most likely, to the land of dreams, some hidden realm so different from our routine life. It looks especially magical in the dim light; the joyous morning light today is too lively and happy for them. They belong to twilight and mist.



The wise man is counting stars, even when there is sun in the sky. For the one who has vision, time of the day does not matter; nor does the century.


As for these, I have no idea who they are. Age and moss make them look strange and noble.


This is my own sculpture - alive, breathing, smiling, wagging his tail - occupying someone's vacant pedestal. He copes with my whims in the most patient way; if I want to take photos today, he will keep company without complaints.


















Dandelions seem to emit their own light.


And Jager, wet and happy, steam breathing, amidst the grasses and flowers; there is still time to walk, run and enjoy life.


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Suzani Bags by Mulberry Whisper

We made several bags from vintage suzani, just to see how it goes. My mother acted as a model for the photo with the large suzani bag with flowers, leaves and vine.

These tote bags made from velvet Uzbek suzani are very basic; given the intricate embroidery, we decided to keep them simple. They are strong enough to serve as book bags or beach bags, or just shopping bags - you choose.



The smaller suzani bag  (we have two of those) bears symbols of sun and water and is also very nice.






















We shall keep looking for beautiful vintage suzani and ikats made in Uzbekistan to produce more pieces which are both practical and beautiful, being a part of ancient Uzbek history and culture. Please check our Mulberry Whisper shop now and then - we hope you find something to like.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Spring Colors of Uzbek Ikats: What Are Your Favorite Flowers?

Every spring, when Uzbekistan is bursting with bright flowers and new leaves, I am astonished to see the resemblance between this feast of colors and the pallette of traditional Uzbek ikat silk fabrics. These silks display an array of colors so similar to the colors of tulips, violets, dandelions, poppies and a legion of field flowers whose names are unknown to me.

I can feel where the inspiration of weavers came from when I look at the tulips in our Botanical garden in Tashkent. And then look at this ikat infinity scarf ($35 in our Etsy shop):
 
See how the colors are matched?  Ikat silk, hand dyed and hand loomed in Margilan, reflects the palette of our beautiful land. Our spring is so rich in colors and sounds that sometimes I become tired of it - bright sun, turquoise sky, emerald grass, so unbelievably green as if it were painted; flowers, bees, birds... and fragrances on top.


Another example of silk fabric which seems to be an abstract painting inspired by flowers. The silk of this endless scarf ($35 in our Etsy shop) is smooth as flower petals, too, and feels wonderful against bare skin.


Our ikat infinity scarves are on sale now; grasp them while they last. They will accompany you from spring through winter, brightening every day with the lively colors and traditional ethnic designs of Uzbekistan. The scarves are hand made and one of a kind.
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