Monday, February 4, 2013

Block Shop













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Gorgeous process shots from Block Shop. Natural dyes and artisan techniques are used to create stunning prints by master Indian craftspeople. Go check out their process immediately and ask yourself why everything isn't created with such love and care.

Seeing companies like this gives me another reason to think twice about buying that scarf for $29.99 at Urban Outfitters. These scarves may be about 5 times the price but when you think about the minimal impact they make on the earth, and how purchasing them supports artists and their families who use techniques have been passed down for centuries, it may be worth the investment. Just another reason to choose quality over quantity! Text from their website:

"Block Shop is an Indian textile company founded by sisters Lily and Hopie Stockman. We work with the Chhipa family of master printers based in Bagru, India, who have been hand block printing with natural dyes for over 350 years. Our textiles are printed one at a time with carved wooden blocks and non-toxic vegetable dyes on the finest Indian silk-cotton blend.
Modeled after the textiles that are a vital part of daily life in the desert state of Rajasthan, our scarves are as versatile as they are elegant. By purchasing Block Shop scarves not only are you directly supporting the entire Bagru community of block carvers, dye mixers, master printers, seamstresses, and dhobi wallahs, but you are also ensuring the environmentally-sustainable future of an ancient textile tradition."

1 comment:

  1. Your beautiful post just popped up in our google alert and my sister Hopie and I were so delighted to read your thoughtful words. You NAILED IT. Thank you so much for your support, and we're delighted you love our scarves!

    Yours,
    Lily Stockman, co-founder of Block Shop Textiles

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