Dubai, UAE:  Two weeks ago, we wrote a short, introductory article on the famous Bastakiya based Majlis Gallery. We were privileged to attend one of the Majlis Gallery markets and this is what we saw.  A jewelry maker, a fashion designer, a crochet jewelry maker and more. Some of our long time artisan friends were present, Sue Tyson of Kaleidoscope, Namali Weerasinghe, Melanie Gissing and her lovely kiddie and ladies fashion lines, Patty Gay of Good Ideas and the Drop It bag organiser, and Carla Bygrave’s jute bags.  We also met for the first time, crochet designer Jocelyn Pennington.

Do enjoy this photo-essay.

Sue Tyson

Sue Tyson, jewelry maker and designer, is one artisan whose work never seems to amaze me.  I met her six years ago, when art and craft fairs just started to mushroom in the UAE.

This talented jewelry maker works with Italian murano glass and silver.  Each murano piece is conceptualized by her before she incorporates it into one of a kind pieces. Her jewelry line is aptly called Kaleidoscope designs, thanks to the whimsical murano pieces.  At the Majlis Gallery, she showcased jewelry where silver birds were designed into pendants in a shape of a heart.  Some of Tyson’s new designs have mixed media and some stunning silver pieces.

Sue Tyon, Kaleidoscope Designer Jewelry,Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Namali Weerasinghe

When I first met Namali Weerasinghe a few years ago, she was making cute embroidered work, one craft that I am amazed by but stands for too much of intricate work.  Weerasinghe has since evolved her line into lovely fashion for adorable kids – known as the Little Princess Collection.   If you would like your little princess to be dressed in one of a kind work, Weerasinghe’s work is for you. I also love her stuffed animal collection, such as elephants and the deadly snake.

 

Namali Weerasinghe and her cute polka dot children dress. © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Melanie Gissing

Behind Maddy&Eva children’s clothes is a talented artist, textiles and fashion designer, Melanie Gissing. When we first interviewed Gissing for the Gulf News Friday magazine in 2009, Gissing specialised in paintings inspired by Bahrain carpets. That was a natural, with her textiles background. Soon, her diversification led her to open doors. One of them is the Maddy&Eva clothes line for children, named after her twins. The other is a silk glam collection for ladies called Melanie Gissing Design.  Gissing has come with the unique concept of silver and chiffon neckscarves as part of this collection. Just fab!

Maddy&Eva kids collection, by Melanie Gessing. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Here are some more photos taken of the other artisans and handcrafters’ work. The next Majlis Gallery Market happens in September 2011. Thanks Sue Tyson for the info.

 

Patty Gay's drop it Bags. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 



 

Jocelyn Pennington with her one of a kind crochet jewelry and handbags. A must have!


 

 

Vandana Pandey's magnificent Indian themed jewelry. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Amanda Elizabeth Spriggs and her delicious handcrafted cards! Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Javed getting ready to demonstrate painting a TShirt. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

Carla Bygrave and her Party Bunting banner. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

We totally dig Carla Bygrave's notice board. Does away with pins. Photo © Preethi Janice D'Sa

 

And here questions of type such if honestly strike me not much as I wrote everything higher. It is visible you simply you don’t want to read all this. As my parrot does.