The Wood Project

So... finally I started a project that has been in my thoughts and dreams for quite some time. Im happy to say I'm proud of the result. I just finished my first batch and soon will start working on the second, bolder, batch :)

I have been working with wood since I was a child. Having a dad as a carpenter gives you easy (and free) access to all kind of wood, nails, hammers, sandpaper... but most importantly those huge wood cutting machines. 

I haven't found a brand name for these yet. Perhaps it will be something on the lines of 'inspirational messages on wood' or simply 'wood signs'. I'm trying to brainstorm something more catchy to be honest :)

So first I started with text of my most adored quotes and simple designs.

Then I started putting in drawings. My favourite part is actually before I get to the drawing part. The wood treatment part. I wanted to give a vintage effect with prominent wood veins. It took a lot of sanding, both hand and machine, and colour application and drying waiting time. 

Then I did some mandalas and tried on some new background colours. 

Later I experimented with some photo transfer technique.
This technique opens up a new world of possibilities with these wood signs, as you can practically copy everything you want, as long as its printed on a piece of paper. The only downfall of the photo transfer is that it takes too long to dry.

One of the wood signs was made as an anniversary gift to my best friend Fiona and her husband James.
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And these are my absolute favourites.

The trick is always to do something that you love. And then work doesn't seem like work anymore, but a brilliant way to spend your time. You get immersed body, mind and soul into the thing you are doing and you tap into a zone where you are free of your daily worries and million thoughts... it's almost as if nothing else matters. 

Yes, I like it when I'm surrounded by a storm of ideas, strong winds of imagination and thunders of inspiration.

It definitely brings out the best of me <3

Stay tuned :)

Boho Dream Catchers

According to Konrad J. Kaweczynski, "Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through a dream catcher... Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day. While good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper."

This is a giant dream catcher - the circle is an actual hoola hoop. It has over 40 feathers, 30 beads and 20 charms. It is the very first dream catcher, handmade by Bohemia. It was done on commission for a customer and themed with his bedroom's colour scheme. 

But to pay due to the name Bohemia, we had to do some real Boho dream catchers.

Here are the first we made ... 

These are not the traditional, native american dream catchers. Instead of the net they have a mandala made of lace. Along with beads and feathers, they are also have string, lace and several charms. 

The entire embellishment is of organic material; wood, horn, coconut, feathers of non-endangered species and strings of hemp and organic cotton. 

They are 20cms in diameter and some are as 90cms long. 

If you would like to order your own dream catcher, contact Bohemia.

www.facebook.com/bohemiamalta

<3

Hand-made creations at Bohemia

Our little island is full of talented artists that create wonderful things with their hands. To create something hand-made is no easy job. You have to be patient, you have to be meticulous, you have to be disciplined and you have to be a strategists.

They participate in events such as the Artisan Market, where unfortunately many people don't appreciate the value of hand-made and feel that the items are over priced, when in reality, most artists are just trying to break even.

At BOHEMIA we have dedicated space for artists to showcase their creations:

1. Paint My Dream
Splendid clay decorations ideal for grown ups as well as kids. The imagination of Jelena has no limits and this is just a small idea of what she can do! Every day getting better and better :)

2. Berivan Serin Stone Painting
Amazing and colourful stones that can be used as a paper weight or just as is. Many of them have inspirational messages on them. Even for Beri the sky's the limit!

3. MANI Handmade
Annabelle and her beautiful art of Macrame', where she creates not just the common necklaces and bracelets, but intricate head bands, anklets and rings as well as lighter holders.

4. Kefa - Organic Coffee Soap
From a true coffee lover comes this refreshing idea of organic coffee soap, made with almond oil, olive oil and coconut oil.