The raffia we use in our studio originates from a palm tree native to Madagascar, the Raffia palms (Raphia) are known for their remarkably long leaves, the longest in the plant kingdom.  One species, R. regalis has leaves up to 25 meters long.  It is a sustainable crop and easy to work with in that [...]

We have done such a variety of weaving this month, almost all of our looms are busy and there is a veritable hum of activity in our weaving studio.   We have been dyeing colours we have not used for some time, in weaving a tufted carpet that must begin with  a beautiful light, dusky pink [...]

We recently asked our neighbouring potter (Monique Wilson) to design some buttons for our raffia cushion covers.  Although we are fond of our wooden buttons, something new and fresh and colourful is required.  We began with three plain colours – a teal, mustard and bright red.  These have worked well, but Monique decided to experiment with [...]