Friday, March 27, 2009

Creative Estonia: Kihnu island

Photographer Urmas Luik, Original photo location

Kihnu is a small Estonian island situated not far from the place I live. Its population is approximately 500 and there are only 4 villages.

What makes the place so unique is their old culture and traditions kept alive for centuries. It’s a place where women wear folk costumes daily, people often sing folk songs while walking and unique handicraft is highly honored. The main attraction is the island itself, with scenery, people and way of life.
















The men of the Kihnu community have taken to sea to hunt seals and fish, while the women have remained on the islands to farm and to maintain the household. Kihnu women thus have become the principal custodians of the cultural traditions embodied in numerous songs, games, dances, wedding ceremonies and handicrafts.



The most visible emblem of Kihnu culture remains the woolen handicrafts worn by the women of the community. Working in their homes using traditional looms and local wool, the women weave and knit mittens, stockings, skirts and blouses, which often feature bright colors, vivid stripes and intricate embroidery. Many of the symbolic forms and colors adorning these striking garments are rooted in ancient legends.

Original photo location

Kihnu island is a part of UNESCO Intangible Heritage Lists.

I believe their handicrafts makes everyone jealous. Not many people can knit like women living in Kihnu. Enjoy the photos and search more from Google if interested!

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

Friday, March 20, 2009

Color therapy: green

I'm starting new series about colors and feature some of my favorite products on Etsy too.
Spring is coming and everything turns green around us. It's one of my favorite colors at the moment with it's thousands of different shades.

The word green is closely related to the Old English verb growan, 'to grow'. It is used to describe plants or the ocean.

Green is the color of the heart chakra. Green is the color of nature. Green is the most predominant color on the planet. It balances our energies, and it can be used to increase our sensitivity and compassion.
It represents purity and harmony. It has a calming effect, especially in inflamed conditions of the body. It is soothing to the nervous system. It is a great healer. It builds muscles, bones and other tissue cells. Its complement is magenta.

Featuring baby items this time is not coincidental. My brother and her wife are expecting their third child who will be with us in next few weeks :) And.... She is a girl!

nellybeanco, DebiBirkinDesigns, GraciousMary, littledaisydesigns, daisybows, RaspberryBaby, beeskneestudio, handmadebyjules, ahyingmui.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Shop Loca @Etsy: Europe






Sunday, March 15, 2009

Knits 2009: IN or OUT?

The world's best designers are prepared for fall 2009 and presented their ready-to-wear collections at Paris and Milan Fashion Week.
Bad news is that most of them don't have any knits, so knits seems to be OUT this fall! Wear something else, if you wish to be fashionable!
But...
Chanel has pink and green cardigans and those funky knitted hats! And Chanel is always IN! Here are some examples from www.style.com: Chanel fall 2009 ready-to-wear collection!