Studio Africa Happiness

A photo I took on my last trip to Mali, I love the advertising murals you find around the country, there is something very nostalgic about them. Hope you enjoy!

World Cup Fever: African Inspiration with Africa Atelier

As the world cup kicked off in South Africa this week Etsy's Storque gave me the opportunity to share my inspirations from the African continent with my fellow Etsians and showcase the some of the gorgeous African products you can find on Etsy. Have a look here!

Four Bangle Bracelet with African textile patterns bydesignforest. Nollywood Starlet Outfit by Lulunyeusi . A Handmade Tote Bag made with textiles from Ghana by DellaLA , and FunkyDada's African Print Throw Pillow Cover.

African treasures...

A treasure trove of trade beads...

Antique Bohemian trade beads

Antique African tear drop trade beads produced in Bohemia until the 1950s. These beads were traded in Africa and used as a means of currency. It is still one of the most popular beads in Mali, adopted by the Fulani and Peul women as traditional wedding jewelry. The bead can also be found in triangular shape but is much rarer. I photographed this necklace on a sisal baobab tree so the beads look like a papaya, ripe for the picking!

Inspiration of the week

Seydu Keita, one of the most celebrated West African photographers, portrays the society of his native Bamako, Mali during its transition from colony to independent state. Beautiful, no?

Win an Africa Atelier piece!

For a chance to win a piece from Africa Atelier's collection visit Luphia Loves blog by following this link:

http://luphia.blogspot.com/2010/04/weekly-giveaway-africa-atelier.html

The giveaway is open until Saturday 8th of May, hurry!

The summer Sorbet Fringe Collection has arrived!

Welcome to the official launch of Africa Atelier's Summer Sorbet Fringe Collection, a collection of fringed necklaces in super sweet sorbet colors!

Inspired by my time spent in Spain and the sudden burst of spring...

(ice cream photo from flikr by myfirstjobsecondshift)

... I created a design for a super light but really showy summer necklace...

... and made it into a collection...

... to be worn whatever your style!