Cultured Expressions

CE’s Spring 2012 workshop series kicks off on Saturday, April 28, with the popular Kuba Raffian Handbag class, followed in May and June by two new workshops: Try Jacquard Batik Strip Quilting and the Wood Mask Wall Accent. Register for all three by APRIL 23, 2012 and get a free book, plus 10% off the total workshop fees! All events take place at the CE studio in Rahway, NJ…

And, as if playing with African fabrics all day in the company of like-minded friends and all-day refhments isn’t enough, word is getting around that when he’s available, my multi-talented husband Glen plays live piano during the lunch breaks — and no cover charge! So, come and hang out with us ; )

New! Register for CE events online!

Fabrigasm™ is Cultured Expressions’ new online publication. We call it the Magazine for Lovers of African Textiles, and we hope you’ll enjoy this premiere issue. It’s got project ideas, inspiration, interviews, news, events save-the-date info for our Ghana 2013 tour (!!) and a little retail therapy! (Did we mention the fabric centerfold???) Check it out, then let us know what you think!

NOTE: Please allow a moment for the publication to load fully – the time might vary depending on your connection speed, but it’s worth the wait ; ) — lisa

Check out this video clip from our Ghana 2011 trip, featuring a short interview with Kwasi Asare, a master weaver based in Accra, and Lisa on TV-3 news.    The clip discusses the role of kente production in today’s economy and efforts to garner government support of the industry.  It took place during our kente presentation and workshop.  Join us next time – our Textile and Craft Tour of Ghana takes place in Fall of 2013!

Note: At the beginning you will see the old school network color test appear ; ) — stay tuned and the video will begin in a moment! ; )

Thanks to Dento Mills for arranging media coverage for our event!

Congratulations to Toni Campbell for winning a set of CE books in the Vogue Patterns 2011 Holiday Giveaway! Toni, your books are on the way – have a happy and creative New Year!  (did you miss your chance at the Giveaway?  Check out our deal on the CE Library and get ready for a more creative 2012!

Just received the current newsletter from the United Way in Ghana, who helped to arrange our visit to the Manya Krobo Queenmothers Association.  The article outlines our visit and the hope that we’ll be able to connect with these women in creative and meaningful ways in the future.  The Association helps children who have become orphaned because of HIV/AIDS, and assists young women in enterprises such as batiking and beadmaking.  The Krobo region is known worldwide for its beadmaking tradition.

Move over, beads, my new fiber art embellishment of choice is WOOD!  Woods and natural fiber fabrics blend beautifully, whether you use a select tree branch as a unique hanging rod, incorporate small twigs, or attach a wood mask made in Ghana for added depth and dimension.  So I was thrilled to find an artist during our recent Ghana tour to create a batch of masks for all of my Cultured Expressions friends to experiment with, too… Available in four styles, just $8.95 each! Enjoy, and be sure to send us a picture!