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Author: Elena

Corona Virus Shop Update CrafterElena

Corona Virus Shop Update

Mar 28 2020
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Categories: Crafts, Dreadlocks
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Well hello everyone,

And what a month is just leaving us! March 2020 has been definitely one of the most crazy times in years and I’m sure 2020 will continue to be. Corona Virus or Covid-19 is definitely shaking the grounds for everyone. So here is a little update about what’s going on from my end.

Crafter Elena Bali airport corona

I just got back from Bali on Monday after a mad trip and almost not coming due to countries closing borders, but an hour before we fly we managed to book another flight to come back to UK ✈ Otherwise we would get stuck there..

M️aybe you remember my stories from then.. ➡️

Definitely a place to visit again, not just Bali, but Indonesia in general. You know the fascination I have with culture… Well Indonesia is a place with a very reach one!

I found some great new products to style your homes and dreads that I can’t wait to share with you but it will be some time for that due to the situation at the moment.. I’ll definitely write about them on another blog post for you to read about the whole experience there 😊💻

Dreadock Appointments

For now as you already know if you are following my socials, Insta and Fb I’ve not been taking any dreadlock appointments since I came back due to the lock down of corona virus and until further notice and I’m contacting everyone personally for rearrangements of their appointments.. I’m preparing extensions at home though, and taking future appointment bookings for when the shop is open to the public again.

Online Shop:

The online shop is open so you can still make your orders online and I’ll send them to you along with a virtual hug 🤗to thank you for your support in this difficult times.

I hope you find ways to spend this time safe, give your self time to process what we are doing here on earth. At least now we’ve got the time more than ever! And the most important, if you can be creative, please do so. It helps our brains to be happier and to express.

Take this as a gift.

Change is hard but it’s one of the most beautiful things that can happen to the humanity because this is how we evolve.

And we will come out of this stronger!

Sending you loads of Love & Craft but for now stay at home and I’m hoping to see you all again soon. If you have any questions regarding your dreads, a craft project or you want ideas about how to make your space beautiful, give me a shout and I’ll try my best to help you 🙂

CrafterElena x

waxed cord roll colour pallet

Maybe try and make your own macrame jewellery with some waxed cord?

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Moroccan Carpet Rug Guid Cactus Kilim

Our Morrocan Rug Guide

Feb 25 2020
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Categories: Crafts
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In Morocco every carpet tells a story.

I loved finding out about the history behind one of Morocco’s most famous exports, the rug! Enjoy a detailed guid about each of the carpets I found there, their story’s, how they’ve been made, what special materials they’ve been used and how they are used in the Moroccan culture.

Akhnif Berber Carpets

Traditionally Berber rugs (also known as Kilims) were made solely by women for use within their own homes, to adorn the floors and be used as seating covers, bed-covers or blankets during the colder months. The rugs are filled with symbolism and often tell a story of the woman who created each piece. Each rug takes up to 30 days to be hand-woven and the design is always completely original.

The rugs were woven by the Berber tribes for their utility, due to Morocco’s distinctive climate. The snow-capped and windswept landscape of the Atlas Mountains called for heavy pile mats and the searing heat of the Sahara inspired lighter flat weave pieces. The tribe are semi-nomadic which has always meant that that the carpets needed to be transportable.

Morrocan Berber Colourful Carpet

The textile of plain weave is represented by a wide variety of stripes and geometrical patterns such as triangles and diamonds. Additional decorations such as sequins or fringes, are typical of Berber weave in Morocco.Berber carpet is highly durable and stain resistant. They will be a staple in your home for years and years to come.

Sabra Rugs or Cactus Carpets

  • Moroccan Cactus Rug Blue

This beautiful Sabra carpet (pictured above) is made from silk extracted from Moroccan Cacti. They are made from sabra silk, a natural fibre from the aloe Vera cactus plant. The fibres from the plant are woven and dyed into different colours.

The material is well known for having a lovely sheen and they are able to stay warm in the winter and cold in the Summer.

The whole range of styles and colours are now on the website so you can get you experience the wonder and the history of the Moroccan rug.

Moroccan rug made of camel wool

Camel Wool Carpets

Camel hair yarn, often spun from the wool of the weaver’s own camels are exceptionally soft and, like top quality sheep’s wool, it is very strong and resilient to wear.

Camel hair has been used for thousands of years, traditionally for tents, cloaks and carpets by the Berbers and in other areas where camels were kept. Its high thermostatic properties provide insulation and retains heat.

  • Moroccan Camel Wool Rug Kilim Black & White
  • Moroccan Camel Wool Rug Kilim-4

Watch this video to see a little live preview of our carpets

Find more available designs on our shop.

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Tuareg jewellery and feminism

Jan 17 2020
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Categories: Crafts
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Last month I was in Morocco on the look out for some of the beautiful Tuareg jewellery. Such jewellery originally comes from the Sahara desert, however can now be found in the Souks of the old cities of Morocco. So far I’ve found them in Marrakesh and Essaouira. Whilst talking with certain traders I have become quite curious to find out a bit more about them and the tribes they come from.

Tuaregs, the blue tribe are nomads in the Sahara dessert. Spreading around Mali, Algeria, Libya, Niger. The Tuaregs are of muslim origins and in this particular case it is the men who wear vails, not the women. This struck me as fascinating as it was unlike the majority of contemporary muslin culture where these roles are reversed.

Women seemed to have a greater social status than the men, also having more sexual freedom. The women are able to enjoy multiple sexual partners before marriage.

Tuareg women can also obtain a divorce very easily if she is not happy within a marriage. If she decides to do so she keeps the kids, house and animals and her now ex-husband must take his camel and goes back to his mother.

Watch this video which explains more:

There is around 40 families that make this jewellery. It is only worn by the women as its considered bad luck for men to wear it. Made out of silver, onyx and mixed metals.

It is believed that the Tuareg jewellery has powers within it which it obtains from the fire within which it is forged.

Watch this video about the making of Tuareg Jewellery:

Isn’t it fascinating how jewellery has a distinguishing meaning in this tribe and it’s culture? I’m a woman that considers herself to be a feminist and I believe that men and women should be equal.

What’s interesting here though is the different cultural possibilities put in to practice. Now living in a society where men have more power and social status than women, this made me think about how there are also different societies that live within an opposite reality, it’s possible. Isn’t it then possible to live in a world where both men and women can be equal, and embrace both their masculine and feminine side?

You can see my collection of Tuareg jewellery here:

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Moving Shop Premises

Because We Are Moving…

May 16 2019
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Categories: Crafts, Design, Dreadlocks
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Enjoy A little Something!

Hello my beauties, 

I hope you are all doing well and great! 

Today I’ve got some news to share with you that we are moving to a new location.

In the past 8 years I’ve seen my little business grow from beaches, to living rooms, to balconies, to craft fairs and then to the studio I am now in.. 

The time has come where I have to leave my little heaven at the Ropeworks. 
It’s been 5 years of a beautiful expansion which I’m really grateful of! I have to say I’ll miss my little cave but the wheel of fortune has now turned for me and I’m definitely ready to move on.

But don’t worry I’m not going far!! I’ll be just around the corner in “Houldsworth Mill Shopping Centre” building my new studio! 😉

I am excited and can’t wait for what new “Crafter” will bring. All I can promise is more and more Dreaded Crafty Adventure. 

  • Shop Moving Sale Notebooks

So For Now…

Enjoy a 15% OFF on all our products till the 28th of March (YaaaY) as the shop will be closed from the 29th of May – 5th of June.

Use the Code:   “HASTALAVISTA”

Or visit our Etsy Shop too! 

I’m looking forward to see you in my new heaven! 

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How To Do Dreadlock Fishtails

January 17, 2019
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Categories: Dreadlocks
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Enjoy This Video & Learn How To Do Dreadlock Fishtails ! 🧜‍♀️


Dreadlock fishtails are not just a hairstyle; they’re a canvas for creativity and self-expression. Elevate your dreadlocks with these two unique fishtail styles that will add flair to your look and spark inspiration in your styling routine. 🌻

Getting Started:

  1. Positioning: Begin at the front top of your head, where your natural part lies.
  2. Division: Select two dreadlocks from one side and cross them over to the opposite side, creating a foundational X-shape.
  3. Crossing Over: Choose two more dreadlocks from the other side and crisscross them on top of the initial pair, forming a fishtail pattern.
  4. Securing: As you hold the crossed dreadlocks in place, continue adding dreadlocks from each side towards the back of your head, maintaining the fishtail pattern.
  5. Finishing Touch: Once you’ve reached the back of your head, utilize the inside dreadlocks in the same manner as before. Finally, secure the end of the fishtail with a long dreadlock, tying it into a knot to complete the style.

Additional Tips:

  • Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to play around with different dreadlock sizes and textures to create a dynamic fishtail effect.
  • Personalization: Add beads, charms, or colored threads to your dreadlocks for a personalized touch that reflects your unique style.

Stay Connected:

If you found these techniques helpful or have any questions, drop a comment below, and I’ll be delighted to assist you! For more dreadlock inspiration and tutorials, follow me on Facebook & Instagram (@crafterelena) Youtube Pinterest

Conclusion:

With a little creativity and patience, you can master the art of dreadlock fishtails and transform your locks into captivating works of art. Stay tuned for more innovative dreadlock styles and unleash your inner crafter!

Love & Craft,

CrafterElena 🌻❣️

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Halloween Dread Devil Up Do Tutorial

October 30, 2018
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Categories: Crafts, Dreadlocks
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Enjoy a Halloween Dread Devil Up Do Tutorial!

In this video I will be showing you how to give a Halloween twist to your dreads.

What you will need:

  1. A pair of Horns
  2. Small Elastic Bands
  3. Thread
  4. Dreadlock Beads
  5. Accessories

Follow the steps below and you can make this style happen on your dreads too:

1)  Dread Horns 👹

  • Let your dreads loose
  • Section the dreads and bring them forward
  • Install the Horns on your head
  • Start wrapping the dreads around the horns like you see in the video
  • You can tie them together to be steady
  • Add elastic bands to hold all the dreads in place

 

 

2) Add the scull beads to the dreads at the bottom 💀

You can find them on my shop through this link:

Skull Beads

3) Criss Cross Hair Wraps

  • Get a thread
  • Tie a knot at the middle of the thread and around the dread
  • Start wrapping the dread in crosses
  • Tie at the end
  • Repeat as many times as you want

 

4) Plat your dreads

  • Section them in 3 different parts, back and one on either side
  • Leave a few out and loose
  • Plat what’s left in each section

 

And your Halloween Dread Devil Up Do is ready 😈😈😈

Watch the video and get a full visual representation on how to recreate this style for Halloween.

Please feel free to comment bellow and tell us what you think and don’t forget to subscribe on our Channel 👆

Love & Craft,

CrafterElena
info@crafterelena.com
www.crafterelena.com
https://www.facebook.com/Crafterelena
https://instagram.com/crafterelena/
https://twitter.com/Crafterelena
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CrafterElena

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Competition Time

Competition Time! Guess our new destination!!

Sep 25 2018
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Categories: Crafts
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The new season begins and we are back on track! 🙌 It’s been a crazy crazy summer and we just got back from the last adventure in Ibiza☀️ and we’ve got a little competition/giveaway for you.🎁

Just to recap the whole year, we’ve been to India in the winter, Morocco in spring, Cyprus, Boomtown, Ibiza in the summer and we couldn’t but start planning our next adventure

The question of the competition to our followers is:

“Where do you think Crafter’s new adventure will be❓”

A little hint:

We are going to look for new products and the trip will be in November!

You have 48hours‼️ to like our page 👌& tell us in the comments bellow on Instagram or Facebook, in which country do you think it will be.
The winner will get a £50 voucher for our shop! 🤩🎉

First one to find it wins!
And don’t forget to visit CrafterElena.com 🧚‍♀️💕

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Dreadlock Headwrap Tutorial

HOW TO: Dreadlock Head Wrap Tutorial

Jun 21 2018
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Categories: Crafts, Dreadlocks
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HOW TO: Dreadlock Head Wrap Tutorial 

Watch how to wear your headscarf like a turban!

Transform your look with our easy-to-follow Dreadlock Head Wrap Tutorial! Finally, the tutorial you’ve all been asking for is here—learn how to style your headscarf into a chic turban effortlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned headwrap pro or just starting out, this tutorial is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of flair to their hairstyle.

Step by step, we’ll guide you through the process:

  1. Let your dreads flow freely, creating the perfect canvas for your headwrap.
  2. Gather your dreads into a bun and secure them in place with an elastic band for added convenience.
  3. Fold your scarf twice, creating a long strip that’s ready to wrap.
  4. Position the middle of the strip at the back of your head, ensuring a comfortable fit.
  5. Cross the two ends of the strip at the front and wrap them snugly around your head.
  6. Secure the ends at the back, tucking them neatly inside the wrap for a polished finish.

Voila! Your HeadWrap is ready to rock, adding a pop of style to any outfit. Get creative with different colours and patterns—our Head Scarf is available in 20 stunning shades on CrafterElena’s shop, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. 

Dreadscarf colour choice
Don’t forget to showcase your fabulous creation on Instagram and tag us @crafterelena! We love seeing how you put your own spin on our tutorials and embrace your unique style. Share your headwrap masterpiece with the world and inspire others to get creative. Happy wrapping and don’t forget to spread the love! ♥️

Love & Craft! xx

If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to explore our other tutorials and resources for more inspiration. Happy wrapping!

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CrafterElena Handmade Marakech

A touch of Morocco

Jun 04 2018
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Categories: Crafts
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A Touch of Morocco

So a few months ago, April it was, that I’ve decided to finally visit the beautiful Marrakesh! Morocco was always on my list of places to go to and finally it happened! I had the Moroccan experience if I could call it. A friend called me one day and said, I’ve just booked flights for Morocco, same “V” and “C”. Are you up for it? And I couldn’t but just say yes!

 

The City of Marrakech:

The place amazed me by it’s beauty, the character, the people, the buildings. the food, the crafts, everything just shouts culture!! A culture that is embodied in everything that it’s created there. It’s a perfect place for inspiration.

Walking down the souks, inside the medina (old city if Marrakesh), I couldn’t but enjoy the smells, the sounds and the people, while wondering to discover more about this place. Every little street has something to tell, memories from past centuries, traders and travellers talking and arranging their new deals.

My purpose there, discover the culture, where things come from, the local traditions and their creations. I found that the Berbers are a tribe from the Atlas mountain that habit a big part of Morocco and Tuaregs are a nomad tribe from the Sahara Dessert. These 2 tribes have played a very important role in the artistries of Morocco.

What you can find there, is carpets/kilim’s, embroidery, ceramics, jewellery, metal, wood and leather. From these I’ve selected some beautiful pieces to show case in my shop in Manchester and on my online shop.

 

Carpets & Pillows:

A beautiful selection of beautiful Moroccan Kilim’s / carpets / rugs that mix the ethnic and urban character made from the Berber people in Morocco with a tassel detail at the end.

To mix and match there are pillows available in the same colour pattern. You can always choose a different colour though to adjust your living room or bedroom depending on the rest of the colours of the room.

  • rug kilim Moroccan wool
  • rug kilim Moroccan wool
  • rug kilim Moroccan wool
  • rug kilim Moroccan wool
  • rug kilim Moroccan wool
  • pillow kilim Moroccan wool

Lanterns:

I mean… Is there anyone here that doesn’t know how the Moroccan lanterns look like? It’s like, if someone told you think of a Moroccan room, what would you think first? The lanterns of course. 

Beautifully handcrafted, with the Islamic patterns poked on the thin sheet of metal, the glow beautifully through the holes.. 

Enjoy these lanterns now on our shop in white, to much a bohemian style room with a colour painted wall. 

  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp
  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp
  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp
  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp
  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp
  • morocco lantern ceiling lamp

Ceramics:

In the ceramics section we’ve discovered that the Moroccans like the handcrafted, hand painted ceramics. You can find some really funky colours and designs there in different bowls in plenty of sizes and shapes. I’ve decided to stock my shop with these funky ash treys that are super wind proof 😉

  • ceramic ashtray moroccan
  • ceramic ashtray moroccan
  • ceramic ashtray moroccan
  • ceramic ashtray moroccan
  • ceramic ashtray moroccan
  • ceramic ashtray moroccan

Silver oh Silver/Jewellery:

OK, so I have to say that the Tuaregs have really got some style here! A really cool tribal style that can live through centuries without going old school. It’s as if it will always stay in fashion, because it’s just cool!

And the best part that makes it more unique, is that at the back of the necklaces or inside the rings , the name of the family that made them is carved 😉

  • Tuareg Cleopatra Adjustable
  • Tuareg Carved Adjustable
  • Tuareg Ring
  • Tuareg Ring Range
  • Tuareg Ring
  • Tuareg Onyx Amulet Necklace
  • Tuareg Agate ring
  • Tuareg Bohemian Sculpted Ring
  • Tuareg Carved Adjustable
  • Tuareg Agate Talisman Necklace Pendant
  • Tuareg Ebony Spear Earrings

Leather:

And last but not least would be leather. Morocco is widely known for the leather craftsmanship with skin from goat or ship. Leather is a byproduct so don’t think we don’t love animals, but we believe in a balanced ecosystem and fare trade.

Leather is one of my favourite materials and this time I’ve added to the collection a very useful gadget for any festival goer and more.. The belt pouches which come in 4 different designs from my lovely friend and future husband Khalid (after he gets some camels gifted from my family, otherwise there is no deal😉).

  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade
  • Leather pouch, leather wallet, purse, handmade

Get more updates of CrafterElena on Instagram @crafterelena

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