Designist Dream » Textiles

Shop Israel Chanukah Gift Guide: Kitsch meets Contemporary at Barbara Shaw Gifts

Ziva — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:35:50 +0000

Discovering Barbara Shaw’s gift shop on Bezalel Street in Jerusalem was like finding the perfect present pitstop for friends and family in Israel or abroad. With graphics that combine kitchy fun with contemporary abstract, Barbara’s textiles, pottery and glassware offer a wide range of gift giving options for that special man, woman, baby, child, friend, coworker, dinner host, parent or family member in your life – yes, the gift options are just that good. And – AND! – they’re all reasonably priced, under $50!

Below are a few of my favorite selections from Barbara, favorites that Id love to give or receive this Chanukah, or click to her English site – complete with an online shop – to peruse her complete collection yourself (and make someone very happy this holiday season

This pillow will adorn my couch one day. I love the Jaffa Orange retro-meets-Warhol print/ pattern.

Budding artists, kids included, will enjoy this portable pencil roll up with patterned notebook. There wasn’t a good pic to download but on the site you can see the opened roll with all the pencil slots. From the Seven Species collection.

UPDATE: If you’re in Jerusalem, Barbara is hosting a pre-Chanukah party at her store, 2 Bezalel Street, on December 15th. Enjoy live music, drinks, nibbles and good cheer as you stock up on some Chanukah presents for friends in Israel or abroad (with enough time to send by post). Details here.

We Art the World: Ethnicware Home Accessories from Israel

Ziva — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:36:10 +0000

In preparation for visiting tomorrow’s HaSalon home furnishings designer sale in Tel Aviv, I’ve been taking stock of what I have around the house and what I’d love to add or change. For sure the easiest way to change a room’s look or feel is through accessories like pillows or cushions. And I’m thinking of breaking up some of the mid-century modern I have going on with a bit of the eclectic. So coming across these beautiful handmade Bedouin pillows and cushions, was like an interior design dream come true.

Ethnicware features a range of handmade crafts made by Israeli ethnic and minority groups from Bedouin and Druze to Ethipoian and Kavkazi including handwoven or embroidered textiles, ceramics, jewelry, handbags and more. Founded by Rachel Oren, Ethnicware strives to promote peace between disparate ethnic, religious or social groups through shared craft practices and interests: advancing women, strengthening their position in the family and in society, and preserving long-standing craft traditions.

I love the combination of ethnic patterns and embroidery with modern abstracted flower patterns in the top set. And the cushion above adds textural and colorful interest and more seating options to your living room. So if you’re like me and looking to de-neutralize some color and design palettes in your home, consider some ethnic instead of just eclectic and promote minority women and cultural craft traditions at the same time.