In today’s industrialized world, handmade goods made by artisans have lost their significance and have been replaced by cheaper machine-made mass-produced goods. Luckily there’s a growing movement towards handmade products that celebrate the art of craftsmanship. I myself prefer to use handmade objects in my home. They are more unique and by purchasing handmade items you help keep artisans and craftspeople employed. A craft that I love is the heritage art of wood-block printing.
A company that celebrates this art is Saffron Marigold, a fair trade textile company that produces beautiful, boho-chic home decor and accessories. They offer a wide range of unique linens, including bedding, curtains, tablecloths, napkins, and more, as well as clothing and accessories. Their beautiful designs are created in California (USA) and brought to life by skilled artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using chiseled wood blocks, the artisans transform fabric into works of art that celebrate color and pattern.
Everything is made on demand and in small batches, ensuring they don’t create excess or waste. And important to know, Saffron Marigold works in fair trade partnership with artisans in India who utilize eco-friendly materials from local sources and adopt low-energy production techniques, mainly handcrafted methods. Natural fibers like cotton are preferred, alongside reclaimed or upcycled materials, as well as low-impact and natural dyes.
Block printing refers to the printing technique of pressing and stamping fabric with carved wooden blocks filled with color. However, the block printing process goes beyond pressing blocks onto fabric. There are so many steps involved, from carving each wooden block to preparing fabric, mixing dyes, and applying final touches. Each block printing technique requires artistry, skill, and patience. It is the sum of these tasks that produces the beautiful block printed fabrics. Today’s Indian block printing studios cater to niche markets and textile mavens worldwide. Thanks to the slow cloth movement and an interest in handcrafted goods, Indian wood block printing is still alive–but barely. Saffron Marigold steps in to ensure the survival of this craft for the next generation. “At our studio, we encourage young people to apprentice with us, and we pay above market rates. We operate in the spirit of fair trade, believing this legacy keeps us connected, beautiful, and soulful.”
More detailed information on the art of block printing can be found here.
This article has been created in collaboration with Saffron Marigold.
