Dia de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead", is a traditional celebration in Latin America whereby #sugarskulls are used to honor family ancestors. Sugar skulls are edible confections that are placed on altars as offerings to the deceased. They may also be given to the living as tokens of esteem. Artisans decorate the sugar skulls with brightly colored icing and embellishments. Rather than the frightfulness of a Halloween skeleton, sugar skulls are endearing or even humorous creations. Many are customized with specific details that represent characteristics of the deceased person being honored.
In homage to the spirit of #DiadelosMuertos, Joaquina Design Studio has produced a rendition of a sugar skull in the form of a textile wall hanging. This particular sugar skull bears symbols of one who loved family, cigars, and women (note the lipstick kiss on the brow!). Day of the Dead is celebrated on Nov. 2nd., and it's not strictly for Latin Americans. Anyone can partake in this folk tradition to commemorate meaningful people, both the living and those who have passed on.
Rebozo
Hand-woven Rebozo, circa 1910
Monday, October 14, 2019
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Fashion Revolution Week: Choose Well
#WhoMadeMyClothes, the call to action of this week's global Fashion Revolution celebration, is the question that represents a movement toward building sustainable wardrobes. This fashion revolution concept encourages the thoughtful choices of clothing, shoes, and accessories that are produced in a manner that is environmentally responsible. When making an investment in any fashion item, consider choosing items that are not only created by fair market means, but are also produced with eco-friendly practices. Garments that are durable, classic in styling, and beautiful, can be worn indefinitely, given proper care. Items made of vintage and/or reclaimed textiles are especially appropriate for the #FashRev ethic. Choosing well as a consumer brings long-term economic benefits and preserves precious resources; a win-win for consumers and our fragile planet. Joaquina Design Studio has always been on board the sustainability platform and welcomes all makers and designers to join the #FashionRevolution now!
Thursday, March 14, 2019
St. Brigid of Kildare Welcomes Spring
Saint Patrick is celebrated around the world each March 17, but in Ireland, Saint Brigid, who is held in equally high regard, predates Patrick by centuries. In fact, St. Brigid is credited with easing the conversion of the Celts to Christianity. St. Brigid is the patron saint of poetry, springtime, and fertility. Her feast day is celebrated on February 1, a day associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, heralding the return of spring.
Displaying her devotion to God and an altruistic nature from an early age, legend has it that Brigid, who was born into an affluent family, readily gave away her father's milk, butter, and meat to the needy. Her father attempted to arrange Brigid's marriage to the King of Leinster. But the attempt was thwarted by Brigid's donation of her father's bejeweled sword to a passing leper. King Leinster, having reservations about marriage to this rebellious and overly-generous young woman, agreed to allow Brigid to become a nun. When Brigid pressed the king to give her a piece of land upon which she could establish a monastery, the king told Brigid she could have a property in Kildare, the size to be equal to the spread of her cape. Brigid laid her cape upon the ground, and legend has it that her cape miraculously spread out and continued to spread until it covered a great acreage. She built her monastery for both monks and nuns, and this holy community promoted education, healing of the sick, and serving the needs of the poor.
A perpetual flame burns in Kildare to honor Saint Brigid. She continues to be a revered figure, exemplifying courage, wisdom, and the determination to follow one's heart. Inspired by the story of Saint Brigid, Joaquina created a #handstitched fabric collage depicting Brigid surrounded in spring's emerging flora. This March 17, when you raise a toast to St. Patty, don't forget the equally deserving Saint Brigid. Her spirit represents the season of renewal and the return of light to a dark, cold world.
Displaying her devotion to God and an altruistic nature from an early age, legend has it that Brigid, who was born into an affluent family, readily gave away her father's milk, butter, and meat to the needy. Her father attempted to arrange Brigid's marriage to the King of Leinster. But the attempt was thwarted by Brigid's donation of her father's bejeweled sword to a passing leper. King Leinster, having reservations about marriage to this rebellious and overly-generous young woman, agreed to allow Brigid to become a nun. When Brigid pressed the king to give her a piece of land upon which she could establish a monastery, the king told Brigid she could have a property in Kildare, the size to be equal to the spread of her cape. Brigid laid her cape upon the ground, and legend has it that her cape miraculously spread out and continued to spread until it covered a great acreage. She built her monastery for both monks and nuns, and this holy community promoted education, healing of the sick, and serving the needs of the poor.
A perpetual flame burns in Kildare to honor Saint Brigid. She continues to be a revered figure, exemplifying courage, wisdom, and the determination to follow one's heart. Inspired by the story of Saint Brigid, Joaquina created a #handstitched fabric collage depicting Brigid surrounded in spring's emerging flora. This March 17, when you raise a toast to St. Patty, don't forget the equally deserving Saint Brigid. Her spirit represents the season of renewal and the return of light to a dark, cold world.
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