From India

One of the goals for the upcoming trip to India will be to work on my new collection that will be debuting at the 2012 National Stationery Show. But I'll also be working with artists in several cities (block printers, weavers, and embroiders to start) and seeing the work they do. This was something I spent a lot of time doing on my last trip to India, and I began to collect handmade items from different cities I traveled to.

I will be selling many of these items (they are all new and unused, and were purchased to resell, so they are in perfect condition) at the Downtown Holiday Market in December, but wanted to give all of you blog readers a chance to see them first. There's a wide range of items, from textiles to jewelry, and everything was handmade in India.

If you would like to buy something you see here before it goes on sale at the Holiday Market, send me an email at katharinegwatson [at] gmail [dot] com to claim it, and I will ship it to you!

There will be so much more coming next year, but for now these are all one of a kind items, so get them while you can!

 

Embroidered pillow cover: $25
16" x 18"

Embroidered pillow cover: $25

16" x 18"

Embroidered pillow cover: $25
16" x 18" 

Embroidered pillow cover: $25
19" x 20"

Embroidered pillow cover: $25

16" x 18" 

Set of thirteen green and pink metal bangles: $8

2.5" wide

Ladli beaded necklace: $10 SOLD

18" long

Ladli is an organization based in Jaipur that teaches street children artistic skills like beading and sewing. I visited in 2007 and met some of the children, and it's an amazing organization. All money from the sale of their jewelery (and from the purchase of this necklace) go towards education programs and running the center for the children.

Nepali lokta notebook: $8

6" x 8"

Nepali lokta notebook: $8

5.5" x 5"

Nepali lokta notebook: $8 

5.5" x 5"

Nepali lokta notebook: $8 SOLD

5.5" x 5"

Wood block for block printing: $5

1.5" x 1"

Goddess print in antique Indian wood frame: $25 SOLD

7.5" x 11"

Large elephant wood block: $20 SOLD

7.5" x 6"

Embroidered door hanger: $25

41" x 12"

Turquoise silk Fabindia scarf: $30 SOLD

Purple silk Fabindia scarf: $30

Pink silk Fabindia scarf: $30 SOLD

Green silk Fabindia scarf: $30 SOLD

I always get requests for the tablecloths I use at shows, and I finally have three to sell. They are hand block printed tablecloths on woven khadi cloths, so the fabric is a thick woven cotton.

Block printed tablecloth: $45

53" x 87"

Block printed tablecloth: $45

53" x 87"

Block printed tablecloth: $45 SOLD

53" x 87"

See something you like? Send me an email at katharinegwatson [at] gmail [dot] com and it's yours! 

Custom Work

One of the things I spend a lot of time doing is custom work, but I rarely remember to take photos. I've had quite a few custom projects going in the last few weeks though, and thought I would share them all at the same time.

Usually, people will meet me at a craft fair or find my website, and ask for a different version of something I already have, or for a specific item for their home. Then there are projects that are almost totally unrelated to my work, but use similar techniques or materials. All of the following projects were commissioned, so someone will send me an idea and I will make that thing for them. Sometimes, the person knows exactly what they want, and other times there is a lot of artistic freedom. Take a look:

These pillows are an example of a project with total creative freedom; she asked for two pillows, and I decided to go for white patterns on navy. I love the way the white ink stands out, and might have to make one for my own couch.

I'm planning on adding a few of these to the shop for Christmas.

This fabric was for one of my favorite customers (my mom). While she was helping me at the National Stationery Show, she fell in love with the white flowers on blue, and she's going to use the fabric to reupholster a foot stool. Hopefully she will let me share pictures when it's finished.

This huge painting was a really fun project to work on: it is 40" x 60" and was commissioned to hang in a specific place in an apartment. She liked the smaller canvasses I have at craft shows (like this one) and wanted to turn it into a big statement piece. I love the way it turned out, and it was really nice to work on a large scale again.

I also worked on a series of monogrammed tote bags for a family that each got one in a different color. I started selling these at Arts on Foot in September, and have been making custom ones since then. I really like the look of the different letters printed all together:

This last project is completely different than something I would normally do, and was commissioned as part of Hoff's Harmonica Cases. This was the second harmonica case I have made for him, the first one was a block print on fabric, and this time he wanted to make a case out of the actual block. Hoff comes to all the craft shows in DC, so he updates me regularly on his Harmonica Case Project. I love the idea of commissioning hundreds of different artists to make the same thing, and seeing what different ideas they come up with.

Do you have an idea for a custom project? I won't be doing any custom work between Christmas and April, while we are traveling in Asia, so let me know now and it can be finished in time for the holidays! I would love to hear your ideas!

Block Printing Class

On Saturday, December 17th I will be teaching a block printing class at the Smithsonian Community Museum. I will be teaching students how to carve linoleum blocks and use them to print their own stationery and fabric, so it will be the perfect opportunity to make a few last minute Christmas gifts!

If you are in the DC area and would like to learn how to block print, you can call (202) 633 4844 to make a reservation. There are only a limited number of spots, so reserve your place soon. The class is free, and all materials will be provided, so you won't find a better opportunity!