Shabby Chic Furniture Workshop

Dorothy Boyer has 30 years experience of carrying out specialist faux finishes including, gilding, distressing, old plaster, stencil and trompe l´oeil effects. She has taught in London and Jeddah, and will be conducting this 2-day workshop.

Tired of the same old furniture?

Would you like to learn how to give your old fashioned frames or furniture a quick aged look? Shabby Chic is the term given to the kind of antiquing that will fit in with any type of interior. It can look Mediterranean, Italian, French, Swedish or English Country House. You can make it look as old as you like, and have it in the colour you like.

Call Kawther on 6571030 at the Darat Binzagr for details and to register. Take along a SMALL item to work on, either a chair, small table, frames etc. They provide all the materials and sample boards. Dorothy will demonstrate on carved pieces of picture frame—-you might like to try that!

“This Victorian desk of mine was destroyed in a devastating flood two years ago. I repainted and distressed it , fitting a new leather top. It is now a very useful dressing table!” – Dorothy Boyer

CREAM – Meet the Style Specialists

As irresistible and luscious as its name, CREAM is a pleasure that is hard to resist. This exclusive outlet has well-established itself among fashionistas as a concept store – a  very selective, high-end lifestyle boutique that focuses on modernity and femininity.

CREAM specializes in style and is constantly in touch with the very latest catwalk designs. They are trendsetters, rather than followers of fashion. Jeddah Blog was lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with Dana Malhas, the driving force behind CREAM and we were able to delve a little into the idea behind setting up her own boutique, and what it is that inspires her.

What was the inspiration behind CREAM? Can you describe your journey towards setting up your own boutique?

When I graduated from the American University in Beirut and moved back to Jeddah, I noticed that there was a huge gap in the market for “up and coming designers”, the market was saturated with either high end brands like Gucci, Burberry, Armani..etc or low-end Brands like Zara, Bershka, Top Shop & so on. There was nothing in-between. I was 22 years old at that time, and like most girls, I was obsessed with fashion and everything related to it, especially styling & buying! So I decided to turn my passion into a business. I wanted to open a boutique where I can buy everything I like as I travel the world, style it the way I want, and fill in this gap in the market. I wanted to bring to Jeddah a lifestyle store where up and coming designers from all around the world meet, a boutique that has everything a girl needs, a place that has talented designers regardless of their age or nationality.. and CREAM Boutique in Beirut was the best candidate for that as it was my personal favourite boutique to shop in when I travel. So I brought it to Jeddah, expanded it majorly, started discovering new designers, and turned it into my fashion heaven. The best part is that I buy for my store, like I buy for my closet!

Vibrant Green mini-Clutch

Amal Al-Sultan’s Handmade Accessories

 

Amal Al-Sultan‘s handcrafted accessories are the perfect addition to any home. She designs pieces especially for their owners. From custom-made baby towels, to pillows, quilts and coasters, there is plenty to choose from. Every piece is handmade and can be crafted for that special person or occasion in your life.

Jeddah Blog got in touch with Amal Al-Sultan to find out more about her successful home-based business.

Amal, how long have you been living in Jeddah? Tell us about your family.

Amal:  I am Saudi and I’ve been living in Jeddah almost all of my life. I’ve lived in Riyadh, Bahrain and the US. I am married with 3 children and my children are all married with kids of their own !

Have you always loved stitching? How and when did you get the idea of starting up your own enterprise?

Amal: I started cross-stitching when I was young and I loved sewing too. I made lots of stuff for my house, my kids and grand-kids. When people saw my work they asked me to make things for them. That was when I thought of making it my business. It started 8 or 9 years ago.

         

 

Have you had any formal training in this field?

Amal: Yes, I took classes in quilting in NYC, then added cross stitching to them. Everything I make is one of a kind, and mainly for babies and little ones. Due to the time I spend on each quilt they are quite expensive. That is why I don’t make big quilts. All my work is handmade by myself. I don’t have help because I sign my name on it.

What is the price range of the quilts you make?

Amal: The quilt prices vary depending on the cross stitch they have, They start from SR1,500 upto maybe SR3,800 or even SR4,000 . I bring all the materials I use for babies from USA.

    

 

 

What other items do you make other than quilts?

Amal: I make diaper bags, pockets for toys, towels, things to carry babies in (like wraps ) when they get out of hospitals, bibs, gift bags, framed pictures, names on anything. cards I cross stitch on T shirts and PJs. I also make coasters which are quite popular. I try to do different things to keep my business going, but If I think there is anything requested of me and I can’t do it, I will say so upfront.

How long does a typical quilt take to make, let’s say from order to delivery?

Amal: A quilt will take up to four weeks. All other items maybe one to two weeks.

Do you get individual orders only or do you invite people to view your products?

Amal: I have had three exhibitions already, one of which was very successful.Now I’m trying to sell what I have made already.

For more information you can visit Amal’s website, or drop her an email.

 

Trabzony Furniture Design Competition

Trabzony invites participants to their First Annual Furniture Design Competition that could give contestants access to manufacturing and potential revenues.

Both designers and non-designers are encouraged to submit original works and have their works produced under the Trabzony brand. As a bonus all winners will be mentioned on the Trabzony website, in catalogues and other relevant communication of the brand.

There will be various categories, ranging from a complete home collection in an Arabian themed design, for which the prize will be SR 50,000 to the design of a single chair, for which the prize is SR 10,000.

All entries must contain:

1. Drawings or photographs of all 6 sides of each piece.
2. Dimensions & materials suggested.
3. A short bio or text about your passion for furniture design.
4. Your e-mail & mobile numbers

The deadline to enter is 30 April, 2011.

To enter, email contest@trabzony.com. For details on how to enter and conditions of the competition, click on the Trabzony Competition website or email info@trabzony.com