The entries in this year African Folklore Embroidery $500 Challenge, were spectacular. Congratulations to first place winner, Roberta Peterson from Woodland, Washington. Roberta attended an African folklore Embroidery class that I taught at Monica’s quilt and bead shop in Palm Springs and she was hooked. She embroidered nine different kits and them compiled them into a magnificent quilt.

 I first met second place winner, Carol Cunningham- hutte at a workshop I gave to the Mountain View EGA Chapter. She beautifully embroidered the paisley flower and poppy design and stitched a handbag with a completed design on each side. 

Third place winner, Catherine Redford is from Naperville, Illinois. I first met Catherine at Road to California and then again in a class I taught in Illinois. Her sea life quilt consisting of the coral, shell and under the sea design is colorful and beautiful. Thank you to all who submitted entries; all the entries can be viewed on the African Folklore Embroidery facebook page at

Become a friend of African Folklore Embroidery by pressing Like.

 It was wonderful to see all the entries in the booth at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach. Over 20,000 people attended the show and all were impressed at the standard and quality of the quilts on display.

Summer has been a busy time with conferences, trade shows, lectures and of courses the classes for children at the Summer Art Academy, which my mom and I taught together.  I was so excited to see the article in the Los Angeles, Daily News and in the Long Beach Press Telegram about African Folklore Embroidery. http://www.dailynews.com/education/ci_18576364

I look forward to seeing you at the American Sewing Guild Conference/ Vendor Mall- Aug 19th- August 21^st –Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles, CA - 404 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

 .  You can register for the vendor mall.   I will be teaching the following classes at the conference. You can register onsite at the American Sewing Guild Conference.

·      Fri, Aug 19^th 10.30 AM introduction to African Folklore Embroidery,

·      Fri Aug 19^th 2pm Fabric Appliqué with beading the African Folklore Embroidery way.

·      Sat, Aug 20^th 2pm- 5pm Safari through African Folklore Embroidery Registration/ details maria@asg.org

For those in the San Diego area who would like to experience Safari through African Folklore Embroidery, you can attend a lecture, Sept 1^st  or workshop , Sept 3^rd . Details: Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92088 Registration: jeg8s@verizon.net or Linda Smith 951-295-6252

 I am looking forward to being in Monterey to lecture and give workshops

Sun, Sept 11th Workshop hosted by Monterey Peninsula Quilters,10am- 4pm :515 Junipero Street 
Pacific Grove, CA  (831) 484- 1467 Stan2Rita@sbcglobal.net.

 Sept 12^th Lecture hosted by Monterey Peninsula Quilters Guild 93950Monterey Peninsula College Family and Consumer Science Building, Monterey, CA

Don’t forget to view our new kit designs and beautiful thread colors. We are offering 15% off everything till Aug 31^st. www.aflembroidery.com

To schedule a lecture, workshop or class, call/email Leora Raikin info@aflembroidery.com or (818) 999-6094

The past four weeks of summer have flown.  For the sixth year in a row I have been teaching children African Folklore Embroidery at a summer art camp. The children from ages 7-11 have from over thirty different arts related classes from which to choose. It is an honor that African Folklore Embroidery is sufficiently regarded as a textile art and mixed media art form to be included in the curricula.

 It has been a real delight to see how each of them have flourished and how much they have enjoyed learning African Folklore Embroidery. From learning to thread a needle do the quilters knot, basic running and chain stitch, progressing onto chain stitch and the stitching on beads and buttons.. While the children have been stitching they have been learning, singing, and humming African songs, which tomorrow they will perform for their parents and other campers.  Each child is so proud of their artwork and cannot wait to show their parents how to stitch. It is these kinds of programs fostering a love of needle arts and motivates a new generation of stitchers. Like riding a bicycle, stitching and needle art are something that one never forgets.  Since all kits include needle, thread and easy to follow instructions these make for great summer projects. It is amazing how easy conversation flows, confidences exchanged and feelings shared when stitching.  
 

Kits can be purchased at AnnTheGran.com here or www.aflembroidery.com

 The next few weeks are very busy at the African Folklore Embroidery studio.  July 25^th is the deadline for entries into the $500 African Folklore Embroidery Challenge. The winner will be announced at the Long Beach International Quilt Festival, July 29^th- July 31^st and all entries will be on display at the quilt show and again at the American Sewing Guild Conference, Aug 18^th- Aug 21^st in Los Angeles. Over forty nationally renowned speakers will be teaching and lecturing at the conference along with a wide selection of vendors in the mall. For more details and registration contact: maria@asg.org

 The whole year we tend to rush around from one chore to the next, summer is the time to take time out to be creative, where it is a new hobby or interest you acquire or exposure to a new art form such as African Folklore Embroidery. Creativity is in each of, we just have to give it permission to flourish.

 To see the selection of the entries for the $500 Challenge, email info@aflembroidery.com

USING CREATIVITY TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

In the next few weeks many cities are enacting a law that will allow grocery stores to charge for plastic bags. Some of you have already been using reusable tote bags; some purchase these bland reusable bags from the store at which they are shopping. However there is no reason these bags need to be boring. In fact they can become real conversation openers and stunning creative inspirations. Our African Folklore Embroidery designs are perfect to stitch onto reusable tote bags.  You do not need a sewing machine, only a needle and cotton to stitch them onto the bag, either with a basic running stitch or chain stitch. 

 Whether it is a wildlife life design featuring a giraffe, elephant or lion or a scrumptious looking cupcake design or even a beautiful flower., your tote bag will become something of which you are really proud.  Summer is the perfect time to start your African Folklore Embroidery design and stitch it onto a tote bag.  

 There are still a few more weeks to submit and enter your completed African Folklore Embroidery in the African Folklore Embroidery Challenge. The first place winner receives $500 cash. Even if you decided not to enter, I would still love to see a picture of your completed African Folklore Embroidery Design, so email me at info@aflembroidery.com.

Calling all quilters, fiber, embroidery and beading enthusiasts – WIN $500 Cash in the AFRICAN FOLKLORE EMBROIDERY CHALLENGE

Entry forms for the 2011 African Folklore Embroidery Challenge are now online at www.aflembroidery.com THE GRAND PRIZE is  $500 cash, 2^nd prize $50 and 3^rd prize $25.00. All entrants will receive certificate of participation and be considered for inclusion in a new book. All entries will be on display at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, July 29^th – 31^st and at the American Sewing Guild Conference in Los Angeles, CA Aug 19^th-21^st 2011. Westin Bonaventure
404 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071

 The deadline for entries is July 15^th 2011

 All entries will be able to be viewed by the public at the International Quilt Show in Long Beach, July 29^th-31 and the American Sewing Guild Conference in Los Angeles, CA Aug 19^th- 22^nd. I look forward to seeing you there.

 Last year’s 1^st place winner was Madeline Reyes from the Coachella Valley Quilt guild. EGA members Judy Dymond and Carol Cunnignham -Hutte form the Mountain View EGA Chapter in California  won 2^nd and 3^rd place in 2010. Entries from the 2010 African Folklore Embroidery Challenge can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=234386778169&ref=ts

For more information, contact: Leora Raikin, info@aflembroidery.com  (818) 999-6094

Special Summer offer

For parents and grandparents looking for fun creative projects to do with the kids over the summer, we have a special offer, when you purchase two or more kits, you will receive a FREE copy of my book, Safari through  African Folklore Embroidery, which explains and illustrates teaching techniques to children, with bright colorful pictues along with ideas for completing your African Folklore Embroidery project.

African Folklore Embroidery has a selection or reusable African inspired tote bags for purchase. Visit our website at www.aflembroidery.com or CLICK HERE at AnnTheGran to view our designs.

To see a selection of our NEW SUMMER DESIGNS email me at info@aflembroidery.com

Would you like to win $500 Cash?

YOU are invited to enter your completed African Folklore Embroidery in the upcoming challenge. Entry forms are on online at www.aflembroidery.com.

THE GRAND PRIZE is $500 cash, 2nd prize $50 and 3rd prize $25.00.

All entrants will receive certificate of participation and be considered for inclusion in a new book. Entries will be on display at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, July 29th – 31st at the African Folklore Embroidery Booth, Long Beach Convention Center, CA and at the American Sewing Guild Conference at The Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, CA Aug 19th-21st 2011.The deadline for entries is July 15th 2011

 
By the way, it is not too late to purchase an African Folklore Embroidery kit and start stitching. Kits include easy to follow instructions, needle and threads and the chain stitch is wonderful rhythmical and easy to do.

Thank you for your business, please enjoy TWENTY PERCENT OFF IN MAY. Take 20% off everything in the month of May including threads, kits and Ndebele beaded dolls.

 Summer Events-

 Return to South Africa- Anaheim Hotel - Sat, June 25th –

Mini and Full Safari hosted by Mountain View Embroidery Guild @ Howard Johnson Hotel, 222 West Houston Ave, Fullerton, CA.

For reservations: Sandi Cormaci Boles 714- 814-6935 cormaciheirlooms@att.net. Includes lectures, lunch, Workshops, Exhibition and Door prizes

 International Quilt Festival- Long Beach July 29th-31st, - Long Beach

Last year over 20,000 visited the quilt show and thousands viewed the entrants and winners in the African Folklore Embroidery Challenge.,

Visit our booth and come see the entries and WINNER of the 2011 $500 Challenge at the Long Beach International Quilt Show @ long Beach Convention Center, CA'

 American Sewing Guild Conference, August 19th- August 21^st, Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles, CA 404 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

I am honored to have been selected to be on the teaching faculty at the ASG.

My classes will be held on:

Fri, Aug 19th 10.30 AM "Introduction to African Folklore Embroidery"

Fri Aug 19th 2pm "Fabric Appliqué with beading the African Folklore Embroidery way"

Sat, Aug 20th 2pm- 5pm "Safari through African Folklore Embroidery"

For registration and additional details e-mail maria@asg.org.

There is also a vendor mall which is open to the public. For a beautiful catalog with classes Registration/ details Maria Trevino, maria@asg.org (713) 729 3000 ext 114

 JUNK IN MY TRUNK and the African Folklore Embroidery Elephants

One of my favorite animals to observe while on safari is the elephants. I love watching the baby elephant walk in between his mom and dad and seeing how protective the moms are toward their babies. The elephant is the largest and heaviest land animal. These beasts can weigh up to 13,000lbs and grow eleven feet in height. Elephants eat grass, leaves and fruit. They have powerful trunks that can smash down trees, branches and other vegetation such as grass, roots, reeds, fruit, bark and flowers in their path.  Since elephants do not have sweat glands, water plays an important role in their lives in helping them cool down; hence they need sources of permanent water and abundant vegetation. Elephants have a total of twenty-four teeth.

Elephants are highly social animals. They live in herds, made up of the matriarch (the oldest animal in the group), her female calves and the youngsters. The herd can comprise between six and thirty animals, after which they split to form new herds, always maintaining contact with each other at watering holes and feeding spots.

At fourteen years of age, males leave the herd and associate with other bulls of the same age or older. Male elephants are much larger than female elephants with longer, heavier tusks. Elephants live for fifty to sixty years of age.

Female elephants are mature enough to mate from twelve years of age. Pregnancy/gestation is twenty-two months and a calf can weigh up to 260lbs. The calf will nurse for approximately three years.There are so many different ways one can stitch the elephant design. Threads colors do not need to be authentic, though you are welcome to use, but if you choose to stitch your elephant pink or blue go for it and remember while chain stitch is the dominant stitch, stitches do not have to be perfect to create a piece of art. If you live in California and would like to experience an African Folklore Embroidery . If you live in California and would like to go on a visual safari through African Folklore Embroidery THE MOUNTAINVIEW CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD OF AMERICA  will be presenting “RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA”

Featuring, Leora Raikin of African Folklore Embroidery, fiber artist, author and teacher,SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011, HOWARD JOHNSON’S (formerly ANAHEIM PARK HOTEL),222 West Houston Avenue, Fullerton, California,714-992-1700

MINI SAFARI:  9:00 am to 11:00 am - Coffee, Lecture, Exhibit and Opportunities - $10 ticket

MEDIUM SAFARI:  9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Coffee, Lecture Exhibit, Opportunities and Lunch - $25 ticket

FULL SAFARI:  9:00 am to 2:30 pm - Coffee, Lecture, Exhibit, Opportunities, Teaching for Beginner to Advanced Levels of African Folklore Embroidery, Complete Kit and Lunch - $69 ticket

9:00 am to 9:30 am – Registration and Coffee

9:30 am to 10:00 am - Lecture and Slide Show

10:00 am to 11:00 am – Exhibit, Shopping and Opportunity Drawings

11:00 am to 12:00 noon – Hands on Workshop Session 1

12:00 noon to 1:00 pm - Lunch

1:00 to 2:30 pm - Hands on Workshop Session 2 

Registration and Questions – Please Contact:  Sandie Cormaci-Boles 714-814-6935 or cormaciheirlooms@att.net

I look forward to meeting you and teaching the techniques to complete an African Folklore Embroidery Design. 

You can view the elephant and other African inspired kit designs at www.aflembroidery.com

Click here to view our products

 Teaching an African Folklore Embroidery class is one of my favorite things to do. In the last few weeks, I have taught workshops at quilt guilds in Washington, Visalia, Long Beach and Covina. I have had all types of people in my classes, from people who have been quilting for many years, but never done any hand work, to sophisticated stitchers , who have been doing all types of needle work, such as red-work, hard anger, Brazilian embroidery and needlepoint for many years and each time students express words such as fun, invigorating, out the box, creative and inspiring when they are complete with the class and see the results of their work. But the truth is that my students inspire me.  Last week, I had a women in my class who had purchased several of our kits over the years and had only been doing the chain stitch, which looked great, but when she learnt how to do the Mola Barbara technique and the doubles sided Interweaving technique on top of the chain stitch, she was so excited.  These techniques, illustrated in my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery, take the ordinary to the extraordinary, making the African Folklore Embroidery into both a surface embroidery as well as a fiber art when you start adding silk ribbon, raffia and metallic thread to the embroidery using the Mola Barbara Interweaving Technique!

 Two weeks ago, I had a women in my class, we will call her “pink lady” as she was dressed head to toe in pink, she came into the class convinced that this African Folklore Embroidery  “ was not something she would be able to master as her grandmother had always told her that her stitches were not neat and consistent enough. Well one of the most important rules of African Folklore Embroidery is that like life, your stitches do not need to be perfect. There are no needle art police who are going to come to your house in the middle of the night and inspect the back of your embroidery or the fineness of your stitches.  Well, Pink Lady, had so much fun she stopped worrying about her stitches and enjoyed herself so much, she is complete with one kit design and already on the next, loving every minute of it. 

 One of the most treasured  moments, was last weekend, I had given a lecture on the Thursday, titled Safari through African Folklore Embroidery in the evening on how tea drinking is such an important daily ritual and part of life n South Africa and how it is always drunk from a cup and a saucer, well one of the women in the class, a complete stranger that I had never met before, brought a beautiful tea service, fabric napkins, china and silver spoons and served the most wonderful tea. It was such a treat and so thoughtful. It is this kind of thoughtfulness that one often encounters amongst women who do needle arts and quilting, for this I am truly grateful.

  We have had two competitions in recent blogs. The first to win a set of four of the geometric Ndebele inspired kit designs, which was won by Karen Trott and the second prize for the Ndebele doll went to Catherine Gredjus

 http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=234386778169&ref=ts

    

Doll Making and the Ndebele Tribe- a special African Art form

 The Ndebele, one of the smallest tribes in South Africa, are easily the most colorful and distinctive. Artistic beadwork is one of the oldest and most elemental of the decorative arts, which among the Ndebele tell stories of life from infancy to death. Beadwork worn during different life stages indicates the individual’s status within the community. Hand-beaded dolls made by Ndebele women symbolize the different life stages. You can view and purchase any of these Ndebele dolls, made by the Ndebele women on our website at www.aflembroidery.com. The art of beaded doll making, like all African craft traditions are passed down from mother to daughter, one generation to the next.

Ndebele Initiation Doll  

This doll is made in the traditional dress of a married woman. The style of the apron signifies that she has borne a child within wedlock and symbolizes her status as a parent.

Ndebele Maiden Doll

The style of the beaded apron on this doll signifies that the girl has undergone her puberty rites and is now of marriageable age. A beaded black hoop around the waist indicates that she is engaged to be married.

 Ndebele Sangoma Doll

Among the Nguni people the Sangoma is an important specialist, a diviner who claims contact with ancestral spirits. It is believed that she receives the will of the spirits. The Sangoma is referred to as the protector of society and her opinion and judgment are highly valued.  

Ndebele Fertility Doll

Fertility is of major importance to the Ndebele people. A fertility doll is made (in secret) for the bride by the maternal grandmother and is ritually presented to her when she enters her new hut after the wedding ceremony. According to custom, after the birth of the third child, the fertility doll must be given away or destroyed because it is considered unlucky to keep it any longer.

 Ndebele Ceremonial Doll

During courtship, a suitor would place a doll outside a young woman’s hut indicating his intention to propose marriage to her.

Ndebele Bride Doll

This doll is in the traditional dress of an Ndebele bride. The panels of her apron are symbolic of the deposit of five heads of cattle toward the lobola (bride price). She wears a beaded train (inyoga), which hangs from her shoulders. Her face is covered by a beaded veil called a siyaya.  

Ndebele Linga Kobe Doll

Every four years, hundreds of Ndebele boys spend two winter months in a secret place in the mountains undergoing the wela, their initiation from boyhood to manhood. During this time the mothers of the initiates wear linga kobe, strips of beadwork that stretch from their headdresses to the ground, to show that their sons are away in the mountains. Linga koba translated means ‘long tears’—tears of sadness at losing a boy and tears of joy at gaining a man.

If you like to win a hand- beaded Ndebee doll, please email info@aflembroidery.com, subject line- competition. 

Congratulations Karen on winning last months competition. Karen won a set of four geoemetric Ndebele inspired kits. Well done!

Thread colors and names inspired by African Savanah

 From The COLORFUL world of African Folklore Embroidery we bring you a complete selection of multi-colored hand dyed variegated threads from House of Embroidery, South Africa.

 Our exquisite hand-dyed threads are suitable for all types of embroidery ranging from hard anger to stump work and will magnificently enhance any design. Quilters love our threads for embellishment, crazy quilting and art quilts. With exciting names like Flame: 43, Peacock, 38, Fern,4 Sri Lanka 53,, Mango24 , Christmas Red,40, Berry, 20, Freesia 48 , Holly 56, iris 54, Hellebore, 62, harvest, 64 Grape,39, Wildlife; 88, apple , autumn, 13, Camellia35, Coppertone,33 Oak, 10, gold 26, maple 65, forest 54  and many more, your world will be filled with color and vibrancy. For the following week only we are giving you 30% off all threads. Hand- dyed threads, create accent and effect , giving your work an extra creative and color boost. You can view the full thread catalog at www.aflembroidery.com  under threads

 There is a very big difference in the quality of hand-dyed verses  other threads. All our hand-dyed threads are cotton and initially gray. They are then washed, boiled and rewashed. Thereafter with a teaspoon a different color is poured on the thread every two inches. The threads are then washed and fan dried to ensure they are light, color and wash fast. The purchase of these threads assists in creating valuable employment opportunities for women in South Africa. Many of the women involved in the thread-dyeing and packaging process have been able to move from informal shack housing to formal housing with running water and electricity. There are over 300 variegated colors and each color is taken through all the thread fibers. So for example the same variegated shade of green can be found in pearl 5 cotton, pearl 8 cotton, stranded floss, silk ribbon (2mm, 4mm and 7mm), rayon and raw and fine silk. For a full color chart visit www.aflembroidery.com.

Our most popular threads for African Folklore Embroidery are the pearl 8 cards. These cards, come with three colors of 9.7 yards  on a card. Each card retails for $5.50 and you can receive 30%  till Feb 9^th .  For silk ribbon enthusiasts, you will adore our gorgeous vaerigated silk ribbon colors, available in 2mm, 4mm and 7mm.  we have over 70 colors available in our silk ribbon.  Silk ribbon is wonderful for couching as well as for the “Mola Barbara Interweaving technique.”

 House of Embroidery African  threads can serve as an accent to other threads or can be the dominant feature in your embroidery.  For incredible effect we suggest combining two different hand-dyed threads or one hand –dyed thread with solid color floss, metallic or silk thread. All hand dyed threads work well with just about any fiber. Do not be afraid to experiment. Be creative. If you really want to indulge, order the full collection of all colors and receive an added gift in addition to your 30% off.

 For those who enjoy Brazilian Embroidery, try our beautiful rayon threads.  If your hobby is needlepoint,  try experimenting with our pearl 5 threads ( we have  over 300 colors)

. Nature is the inspiration for the subtle changes in our thread colors. All our threads are color co-coordinated and can serve as an accent to other threads or can be the dominant feature.

Quilters love our threads for embellishing. Hardanger and Hungarian embroiderers delight in the quality and color of our Pearl multi-colored threads. Cross Stitchers and all who love needle arts adore our stranded variegated threads. Those who love canvas and drawn thread work enjoy the vibrancy and variety of all the exciting colors we have to offer. Those who specialize in Brazilian embroidery favor our variegated Rayon Threads.

Experience has shown that the hand-dyed threads work well with just about any fiber. The colors are so exciting you just have to experiment and creativity will flow. Keep checking our website for new products and together we will bring color to your world.

February Classes, Lectures and Workshops , for registration and more information  email info@aflembroidery.com

Feb-10^th  7pm, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery Lecture  open to all $5.00 fee for non guild members

6-hour workshop Saturday Feb 12^th Orange County Area-  9.00Am-4.00 PM

, First Baptist Church of Lakewood

5336 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA 90808 registration required contact info@aflembroidery.com

Visalia, Bakersfeld, Fresno Area - Feb 24^h – Lecture Orange Blossom Guild to host lecture and workshop- Safari through African Folklore Embroidery, Parkside Chapel, 3200 E. Seb 26^th Walnut Ave, Visalia, CA 6:00 pm

Sat, Feb 26^th  6-hour workshop- Safari through African Folklore Embroidery Meeting Location: 
Parkside Chapel
3200 E. Walnut, Visalia, CA 93292

For studio tours or private classes, contact Leora at 818-999-6094 or info@aflembroidery.com

NEW LECTURE SERIES

I am now scheduling lectures and workshop for 2012 and 2013, - I have a New LECTURE, slide and trunk show- called Fiber art & Embellishment with African Folklore Embroidery, which features some of the award winners in recent challenges and competitions.

Mural Painting- The Ndebele women-Creative Inspiration- Enter to win 4 African Folklore Embroidery kits

 While there are many tribes in Africa, the magnificent beadwork, doll- making and wall mural painting of the Ndebele tribe are a constant source of inspiration.

The houses of the Ndebele are traditionally painted with eye-catching designs, geometric shapes in various shades of black, gray, white, brown, yellow and red. For the women whose job it is to paint the house, these colors were naturally available in the natural pigments of their environment. In the present day, however Western influence is evident not only in the painting materials, which have encouraged the use of bright primary colors, but also modern motifs incorporated into this traditional art form.  Each spring the Ndebele women repaint the walls of their huts. It is generally the tradition of the young girls about to be married to paint the houses.

 Art forms such as the painting, dolls making and bead crafts are passed down from mother to daughter. There are several types of Ndebele beaded dolls and each one has different symbolic meaning.  Each of these hand-beaded African dolls is available at www.aflembroidery.com

 The Ndebele people were originally an offshoot of the Nguni people of KwaZulu-Natal.  Around the 1600’s the Ndebele tribe lived in Pretoria (north of Johannesburg, in South Africa.

Even though they are one of the smallest tribes, the Ndebele tribe has survived because of their adherence to tribal customs and lore such as men’s initiation rites, girl’s puberty seclusion, first fruits ceremony, marriage ceremony and lobolo (dowry) feasts.

 The initiation ceremony is a celebration of manhood. Men between the ages of 18-22 are sent away to attend schools also known as “Wella”. These schools are temporary grass shelters on hilltops. They are attended by an average of ten initiates and two elders appointed by the chief discipline the initiates and teach them tribal lore. The young men learn their responsibilities towards their families and their tribe and the means of dealing with forces that threaten tribal existence. They also receive instruction in the traditional beaded dresses worn by women. 

 During the three -month seclusion, the young men are painted with white clay- for purity, but also to make them unrecognizable. They are smeared with animal fat and wear hide skirts, softened and stitched by their families to protect them from subzero winter cold. Painful whip fights harden then and songs of praise give them courage. These events create a strong bond among the men.

 Before the young men leave for “Wela”, the young women re-plaster the outside walls of their home and reconstruct the entrance ways. They then paint and repaint each year their impressions of every day life interspersed with geometrical designs on the wall surfaces. While the young men are away at “wela” the young women throw their homes open to the visitors and relatives who travel from far away places. A white flag hoisted on a pole outside the front entrance signifies that the mother has a son at “Wela”.

 The new 8- inch kit designs are inspired by the wall and mural -painting of the Ndebele women. If would like to enter to win a set of Four Ndebele kit designs, please submit your name and email to info@aflembroidery.com. Subject line: Enter to win.

 The winner will be announced in my February blog. All the new designs can be viewed at www.aflembroidery.com

  In our classes and workshops, students learn about the history and culture of the Ndebele Tribe in South Africa through African Folklore Embroidery. Students use colorful African threads and beads against a black background. Using the chain stitch, student’s embroidery images of the Ndebele lifestyles and customs of particular focus is the roles of the Ndebele women who are known for their artistry and use of bright colors in their beadwork and painting.  For a schedule of upcoming lectures, classes and workshops around the country, please email me at info@aflembroidery.com

Click here to view some of my products sold here at AnnTheGran

Exciting New Holiday Designs from African Folklore Embroidery

We have several new designs just in time for the Holidays. Some of these include the new Hanukkah designs (this year Hanukkah starts December 1^st.) Two special designs that celebrate this holiday include the Hanukah Menorah; it is customary to light a candle on the menorah for eight days. The second kit design is the Hanukkah Dreidel. The tradition on Hanukkah is for children to play games spinning dreidels.  The kits come packaged with easy to follow instructions and you get to choose or use which ever threads you would like.  We have an amazing selection of hand-dyed and variegated African threads, which can be viewed at www.aflembroidery.com. While chain stitch is the dominant stitch, you can also use other stitches and embellishments such as beading to complete your design.  Completed kit designs can be made into Holiday cards, framed or made into the center of a quilt.  Kits are also great to give as gifts for adults and children eight years and older.

 You are going to love our new Christmas tree designs. Which includes four Christmas trees. These can be stitched and embellished and can also be cut into four areas and each tree made into a Christmas card. One of my students did this and the results were magnificent- you would want to be on her Holiday card list this year.

For those in search of warmth from the cold weather and happen to be in Palm Springs, CA over the Thanksgiving weekend, you can feast your eyes on the winners of the $500 African Folklore Embroidery Challenge.  The exhibition will be on display at MONICA’S QUILT & BEAD CREATIONS, 77780 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92211-6254,  (760) 772-2400 Winners include Madeline Reyes, Judy Dymond and Carol Cunningham Hutte.  There will be a trunk show of our kits, threads and books during this time. Monica’s has an amazing selection of fabric and beads and her store is like Disneyland for the quilter.

In total there are 22 new African Folklore Embroidery kit designs, which we have just been released for the holidays. We invite you to view these designs online at www.aflembroidery.com as a special holiday gift, I am giving you $10.00 off when you purchase $50.00 or more online. If you would like a catalog with all the designs and threads, email info@aflembroidery.com -subject catalog. Oh and if you want to give someone a great gift for the Holidays, a signed copy of my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery is on sale for $19.00.  The book and many of the kits can be purchased here at AnnTheGran as well.  Complete Kits and the holiday special are also available on AnnTheGran.

Two of my favorite new designs are the SNAIL and The Under The Sea Kits.  There is something magical about the shell of a snail. Have you ever looked closely to see all the different shades of brown, the lines and shapes. So intricate and delicate, yet for the snail it is home. 

WASHINGTON STATE JAN 2011- Safari through African Folklore Embroidery

I will be in Washington State - Jan 13, 14^th & 15^th   2011 teaching and lecturing on African Folklore Embroidery for the Clark County quilt guilds.

9019 NE 86th Street, Vancouver, WA Details and registration cwspalding@aol.com or ccquilters@yahoo.com

NEW COMPETITION – WIN $500 cash in the 2011 African Folklore Embroidery challenge at the International Quilt Show in Long Beach. So start stitching and finishing your pieces. Deadline June 30^th 2011.

For a list of upcoming lectures/ workshops for 2011 and 2012 or to schedule a program for your guild, contact, Leora Raikin, info@aflembroidery.com or (818) 999-6094 

And The Winner is………

Over twenty thousand people viewed the African Folklore Embroidery entries at the International Quilt Show in Long Beach.  As many of my readers know I travel around the country lecturing and teaching African Folklore Embroidery. I am always amazed by the incredible work my students create and each year we have a competition where anyone who has worked on and completed an African Folklore Embroidery design can enter it to win a $500 cash prize. The rules are simple. You can stitch with any color or fiber and can make the completed design into anything from a bag, quilt, wall hanging, jacket, pillow, vest or tea cozy.

 It was extremely difficult deciding on a winner as the entries were truly spectacular.

First place was awarded to Madeleine Reyes, who is a quilter and stitcher. Madeline was in a class I first taught in Palm Springs and she embroidered three pieces, the village ladies, basket and the paisley flower. She then incorporated all three pieces into a quilt, the fabric for which she found at home after searching everywhere for the “right” piece.  Madeline then hand-beaded tiny black beads all around the edges of the quilt. Viewer’s reaction to the quilt was incredible with many stunned by the beauty of the embroidery and the way in which it had been quilted.

Second Place winner was awarded to Judy Dymond for her PAISLEY flower entry. Judy’s intricate beadwork, color and stitching were magnificent. I first met Judy in a workshop I was teaching called a “ Day in South Africa, through African Folklore Embroidery.”

 Carol- Cunningham-Hutte, received third place for her stunning embroidered Rose design, which included a buttoned border and delicate beadwork.

 It was truly an honor to view such beautiful work, by such talented women.

 For a special viewing of the entries you can click here.

Fall Specials

 My favorite Fall Threads which are all hand dyed and variegated are:  Maple, 65, Autumn ,13, Harvest 64, Thatch 54, Flame and Forest, 54. All colors and fibers are available in pearl 8, pearl 5, stranded floss, rayon and silk. I encourage you to view all our threads at www.aflembroidery.com. You receive a FREE color card of your choice when you purchase 6 or more cards of threads. You will love using the African House of Embroidery threads that are light, wash and color fast.

 Since the Holidays are coming up soon, all the Halloween as well as cupcake designs are less 20%. Be sure to take advantage of this offer till October 31^st.  These 8 –inch designs are great take-along projects and can be completed in an afternoon. Kits include needle and threads so all you need to do is start stitching. Easy to follow instructions with how to do the chain stitch is included in the package.

 Many of the entries will be featured in my new book, Beading, Embellishment and Appliqué the African Folklore Embroidery Way.

 If you would like to receive our catalog , please email me your address.

 To view all the entries and more African Folklore Embroidery pictures, you can become a FRIEND of African Folklore  Embroidery  on FACEBOOK.

A schedule of lectures and workshops in African Folklore Embroidery is posted on our website at www.aflembroidery.com. If you are in a guild and are interested in finding out more about scheduling a lecture or workshop, email Leora Raikin at info@aflembroidery.com

It was such an honor being invited by the South African consulate to exhibit my art-quilt, BEADED AFRICAN VILLAGE, for the hosting of the final game of the world cup soccer.  I got to meet and spent time with the delightful Vice Consul general as well as other African consulate members who were thrilled with the lectures, workshops and classes that are taking place to educate people about South Africa through the fiber and needle art, African Folklore Embroidery.

 July is a busy month for quilt, craft and beads trade shows and African Folklore Embroidery will be a vendor at the International Quilt show in Long Beach, July 22-July 25^th at the Long Beach Convention Center.

 Over 500 vendors and hundreds of quilts will be on display. Last year over twenty-five thousand people attended the show, hosted by the same company that sponsor the Houston Quilt show in the fall.

A few days later I will be teaching and vending at the Pasadena Bead and design show at the Pasadena Hilton. http://www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com.  
Two new classes we will be offering are at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show are – Beaded Safari through African Folklore Embroidery and the second class, Appliqué and Embellishment with African Folklore Embroidery.

 For those visiting California during the summer, these shows are creative, exciting and inspiring. 

 If you do attend these shows, our booth number is 1729 and we are offering a 15% discount off when you spend $30 or more.

For those not able to attend these wonderful shows, you can receive the same discounted offer by placing an order on AnntheGran.com between July 26^th-July 29^th . 
African Folklore Embroidery kits are  perfect to take-along with you where ever you go, easy to follow and no experience is necessary. Completed craft kits can be made into purses, pillows, quilts or wearable art. You DO NOT need a hoop and your stitches do not need to be perfect to make this beautiful!


Wishing you a safe, happy and creative summer, Leora Raikin

In the next few weeks’ world attention will be focused on South Africa as a million visitors arrive for the FIFA 2010 world cup soccer. Not since the release of Nelson Mandela in February 1990 has so much attention been given to this country of forty-eight million people at the southern tip of Africa.

While many dream of going on an African safari the twenty-six-hour flight and cost of an air ticket can make such a trip prohibitive.  Through my African Folklore Embroidery lectures and workshops people will be able to experience the wonder of an African Safari, learn about African tribal traditions and wildlife through a creative and culture needle art called African Folklore Embroidery.

In the past few weeks I have had a wonderful time teaching workshops in all parts of the country, Naperville, IL, Anaheim, Esconido and Tehachapi, California. I am always amazed at the spirit  of people who quilt, embroider and do other hand crafts.  There is no such thing as a generic quilter, but what they do share is a love and appreciation of their craft and passion. 

In this blog, I will be sharing some pictures of some our workshops. There are many workshops and classes scheduled for the summer and if you would lke my schedule please do not hesitate contact me.  The only thing you need for an African Folklore Embroidery workshop is a pair of scissors and if you can not attend one, buy a kit (they come with a needle, African threads and easy to follow instructions) which mean you can take them with you on a road or plane trip, beach, RV  and you DO NOT NEED a Hoop. Even if you have never held a needle or stitched a stitch you will be stunned at how easy it to do and how quickly the chain stitch flows and goes ( chain stitch is the dominant stitch)

For the past eight weeks I have been teaching thirty home schooled Children the art of African Folklore Embroidery. A reporter and photographer from the Ventura County Reporter came to interview the kids and take pictures. I thought you may find the article interesting, how craft and education can be combined in a fun manner.  Click here to read about these kids. 

In celebration of the world cup soccer taking place in South Africa, and in celebrating America's birthday - 4th of July,  we are offering  a FREE kit of your choice with every three kits you purchase. In addition when you purchase three or more kits, you will receive a FREE copy of my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery. Is that a great offer or what?

There are a few more weeks to enter your completed African Folklore Embroidery designs in the $500 challenge.  Entry forms and details are online and the closing date is July 17th, 2010.  Entries will be on display at the African Folklore Embroidery booth at the Long Beach International Quilt Festival, Long Beach Conventrion Center, July 22-25th, and the Pasadena Bead and Design show, July 20 - Aug 1st at the Pasadena Hilton in California.  I am teaching several classes at the show and I look forward to seeing you there.  For class details and registration email info@aflembroidery.com or call for questions, (818) 999-6094.

Hope you all had a great July 4th, Leora Raikin, www.aflembroidery.com 

Any one up for a Bird Safari... introducing the SANUFU BIRD,Roosters and chickens... Bring your binoculars....

South Africa has a large and varied bird population. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries

 While many of African Folklore Embroidery bird designs are of a folkloric nature, the largest population of ostriches in the world can be found in a tiny city in South Africa called Oudtshoorn.

 The Ostrich is the largest living bird on earth. Few people can say they've ridden an Ostrich? In South Africa, if you dare, you can ride an ostrich in one of the over 400 ostrich farms. The ostrich industry sells and promotes their ostrich meat, ostrich leather, ostrich eggs and general tourism. Ostrich eggs ornately decorated and painted are collectable items and displayed in peoples home as ornaments. The ostrich is the only bird that cannot fly.  When fully grown an ostrich weighs over 240 pounds. The male ostrich is easy to recognize with soft black feathers on its back and white feathers on its wings and tail. Females and young ostriches have brown feathers instead of black to camouflage them. Both males and females have bare necks and thighs. Ostrich are distinguishable by their have long necks, small heads, large eyes, long, powerful legs, and two toes on each foot. One ostrich egg is equivalent to sixteen regular eggs. That's quite an omelet you can make!

 In celebration of the world cup soccer-taking place in South Africa, we are offering a FREE kit of your choice with every three African Folklore Embroidery kits you purchase. All kits include needle, magnificent African variegated threads, the design and easy to follow instructions. You do not need a hoop so you can carry the kit around with you and stitch with you whenever you are waiting, or on a road trip. In addition when you purchase three or more African Folklore kits, you will receive a FREE copy of my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery.  The book has beautiful pictures and ideas for completing your designs as well as instructions for embellishment and enhancement. Is that a great offer or what?

 Remember I LOVE seeing pictures of your completed designs, so please email me a picture and who knows you could be featured in my next book, out in 2011!

 PENGUINS & other South African attractions

 If you are feeling hot from time spent outside while on safari, and in need of some time at the beach to cool off, Boulders Beach is the perfect place.  It is also one of my favorite places to spend time while in South Africa, swimming and frolicking with penguins. Boulders Beach in Simon's Town is home to over 2500 penguins. Boulders Beach is the only place in the world where one can actually swim amongst the penguins. Boulders is located near Cape Point, about 20 minutes drive from Cape Town. Boulder's Beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins (also known as the Jackass Penguin). These penguins are not bothered or afraid of people, however one should avoid harassing them by getting too close or chasing them. These penguins are very happy to be quietly observed from a close distance.

These African penguins are tame and comfortable with humans. They can be seen playing and sunning themselves in between people sun bathing and swimming on the beach. They are not bothered or scared of people, however one should avoid harassing them by getting too close or chasing them. Beware!! They can bite

Penguins cannot fly, however they are excellent divers and can remain underwater for up to 20 minutes!

While there are many species of penguins, the African, Jackass Penguin is the only one to inhabit the African continent.

 African penguins can be recognized by a black stripe curving across the top of the chest.  African penguins are known to be clumsy on land, however in the sea they are extremely skilful and graceful swimmer and can swim up to fifteen miles per hour.

 African penguins inhabit twenty-seven sites in Africa. Most are on inshore islands, of which the best known is Robben Island, along the South African coastline. Three of the other main penguin sites in South Africa include the largest existing colony is on St Croix island near Port Elizabeth, with about 50 000 birds. Dassen Island off Yzerfontein, once home to over a million penguins, now has about 30 000, while Dyer Island near Gansbaai has about 20 000.

 African penguins feed mainly on small pelagic fish (fish which swim on the upper layers of the open ocean) like pilchards, anchovies, horse mackerel and herrings. Competition with commercial fishing has forced them to adapt their diet. They also eat squid and small crustaceans. . Male penguins are slightly larger than female penguins. Penguins are usually about 4 years old when they begin breeding. African penguins will remain with a single partner for many years, producing one or two eggs a year. The boulders penguin population tends to breed in March to May. The incubation period lasts forty days, and the fledging period from 60 to 130 days.

 The penguin's nest in crude shallow burrows dug out of the sand or under beach vegetation. The main reason for digging burrows is to protect the eggs and chicks from the heat of the sun. Penguins prefer to return to the same nesting site each year.

 Other birds that are plentiful in South Africa are the rooster, hen and chickens.  In rural areas you will see rooster wondering around the road and outside people's houses. One of my favorite South African based books I called " my best friend is a chicken. This booked written by the famous American author, Maya Angelow describes with beautiful and colorful pictures the friendship and daily routine of a little Ndebele girl and her best friend, a chicken.

  If you are interested in more information on South Africa, you can purchase my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery.

Home can mean different things to different people. To many of us home implies the house we live in, with solid walls and floors.  To many in Africa, home is a hut with thatched roof, known as a “rondavel’

South Africa, the country in which I was born and grew up, is a country rich in beauty and diverse in cultures. Each tribe in South Africa has its own language, customs and traditions. Many of the African Folklore Embroidery kit designs are inspired by the customs and traditions of various tribes and cultural art in South Africa.

Before entering a Zulu village it is customary to shout out the greeting “Uku-Khuleka “. This identifies the guest and indicates that they come in friendship. In Zulu culture, wealth is measured in cattle. Cattle are also used for “Ilobola”, the dowry or bride price. The dowry is usually more than eleven heads of cattle. The Zulu custom when setting out to travel on a long journey is to spit on a stone and then to throw it away. This is to ward off any evil spirits that may be tempted to come on the journey and to evoke good luck and good fortune on the journey.

In a traditional Zulu village, the house or bee-hived shaped hut of the grandmother is known as the “INdlu-Nkulu”.  This hut is the most important in the homestead. The Zulus emphasize tremendous respect to the grandmothers in their tribe and families. The bee-hive huts are hand woven.   The bee hive huts are usually built in a circle, surrounding their cattle (which is their main asset).

In Xhosa villages, individual homes are built in the shape of conical roofed huts with mud walls. The inside of the huts is smeared with cow dung and traditionally men sit to the left and women sit on the right of the fireplace. Corn, also known as maize or “mielies”, is crushed in the middle in a hole in the ground. Crushed corn is used to make a staple meal called “pap”.

In the Ndebele tribe, it is customary for the young women of the tribe to re-plaster the outside walls of their home and reconstruct the entranceways. They then paint and repaint each year their impressions of every day life interspersed with geometrical designs on the wall surfaces. While the young men are away at “wella”, the young women throw their homes open to the visitors and relatives who travel from far away places. A white flag hoisted on a pole outside the front entrance signifies that the mother has a son at “Wella”.

Our embroidery kits feature houses and village scenes that  are inspired by traditional African houses.  You will see that all our kits include African Threads. The manufacture and dying of these beautiful threads create employment and income for women in South Africa. We carry over three- hundred variegated thread colors in stranded floss, rayon, silks and ribbons. You can visit our thread room online or print out our catalog with all our kit designs at www.aflembroidery.com

To learn more about South African art and culture, you can read my book, Safari through African Folklore Embroidery, which will take you on a visual safari through South African using African Folklore Embroidery as the medium to educate about life in South Africa.

Between June and July, nearly half a million people will visit South Africa for the World Cup Soccer. Most of these will be Americans, visiting South Africa and the African continent for the first time. To  celebrate the world cup soccer taking place in South Africa, we are offering  20% discount during the month of June on all orders over $30.00 You can order online at www.aflembroidery.com or by phone 818 999-6094.

 If you would like s schedule of classes, lectures and workshops, please email me at info@aflembroidery.com and I will be happy to send you’ my summer schedule.  If you  are a member of a quilt, embroidery or fiber art guild and  are interested in expanding your guilds members  creative journeys or and would  like to see my teaching information and availability, please contact me.