Pendants: Betel Nut & Horn

Today's product uploads are these four pendant designs crafted by Atslan.

These unique pendants has been crafted from Areca nuts and one from buffalo horn. The Nepalese name for Areca nuts is 'Supari' although they are often erroneously called 'Betel nut' as it is usually wrapped in betel leaves and sold as 'Paan' to be chewed as a mild stimulant. All of the pendants are complemented by an ornate and fully adjustable macrame cord.

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

Dyeing With Supari (betel nut)

The Nepalese name for these large seeds is 'supari' although they are often erroneously called 'betel nut'. They are usually seen after meals as a breath freshener (pictured above) and also an important ingredient in 'paan'. The botanical name for the palm that produces these nuts is 'areca catechu'.

It is with the areca nut that we conducted our most recent dyeing experiment. Pictured above is powdered areca, powdering is necessary to obtain the maximum amount of colour. I used equal weights of alum (as a mordant), powdered areca and silk to be dyed (in this case a silk shawl). As you can see from the photo below, the resulting colour is a very pale brown. As with most natural dyes, the colour should be fast as long as care is taken with washing. A neutral detergent and just warm water is perfect for keeping this natural colour.

Another great use for the areca nut is in jewellery. Below you can see the beautiful colours of the nut's woody interior. This natural pattern of cream and brown patches varies from nut to nut, but a wide range of pendants and beads can be carved out.

The photo below shows a sample of some of the completed pendants. I will upload these and other accessories I have made in the coming week or two. If you are interested in other jewellery and leather work I have created for retail within Sorazora, please click here!

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

Gaunts House Summer Gathering

This year will be the first year for Sorazora to join this August's Summer Gathering at Gaunts House, held from the 11th to the 14th August.

This inspiring and fun event is for all ages and will have a wide variety of workshops and a great musical line-up.

Gaunts House is home to the Richard Glyn Charitable Foundation and hosts a year round calendar of events, training courses, day conferences, workshops and private retreats - all of which are selected on the basis of their ability to provide learning, inspiration and growth.

The Summer Gathering is Gaunts House's annual get-together for all spiritually minded, ecologically motivated and creatively-living people.

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

Lodestar 2011

This year will see the return of Sorazora at Lodestar Festival.

Lodestar is a family festival with a focus on showcasing up and coming talent. Held from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of September in the beautiful fenlands just outside the village of Lode, this young festival is sure to go from strength to strength.

The organiser, Doug, has long dreamt of staging a festival on the land that his family have worked on for generations. Now his dream is a reality.

For more information on this festival, please visit the website for Lodestar!

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

South Of England Show 2011

We are pleased to announce that Sorazora will be at this year's South Of England Show exhibiting within the EcoVillage.

The EcoVillage gives green and ethical organisations a distinct area to exhibit to huge audiences at big events. Being part of the  EcoVillage has enabled us to engage with a wide range of people, and educate them about our products and services - while also broadening people's awareness of the importance of building a sustainable future together.

The South Of England Show runs from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th June. This will be our second year to join the show in Ardingly and we are very much looking forward to exhibiting to such a diverse crowd and meeting up with the very friendly and helpful staff at EcoVillage.

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

Larmer Tree

A festival that is new to us this year is the Larmer Tree Festival. Held at the lush Larmer Tree Gardens, near Salisbury, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, it runs from the 13th to 17th July.

We are very excited that Sorazora will be joining this year's festival as it is a festival that we have heard many good things about.

It is a family festival that claims to be the perfect escape from it all. Tickets have sold out for the last 16 years and a quick look at what entertainment is on offer will explain why.

It will showcase over 80 diverse artists on 6 different stages, comedy club, 150 free workshops, street theatre and carnival procession. The number of festival customers is limited to an intimate crowd of 4000.

For more information on this great festival, please click here!

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/

WOMAD 2011

We are close to the start of 2011's UK festival season, which means another WOMAD is on the horizon!

We are very pleased to announce that Sorazora will be present at this year's WOMAD, our third consecutive year.

Held in Charlton Park, which is located just outside the historic abbey town of Malmesbury in North Wiltshire. WOMAD will hold a vast array of performances starting from the evening of Thursday 28th July through to late evening on Sunday 31st July.

Not only will you find a great selection of the best world music, but also world food, workshops, site art, world market and of course, the famous human library. With plenty of room for camping, this is a truly family affair and a firm favourite within our festival season. For more information about WOMAD, please click here!

Natural fibres, Natural dyes and Original designs http://www.sorazora.com/