I get gobs of messages from people all over the world who stumble on my blog. Most are asking me about coconut oil, others are asking me for parenting suggestions, and still others have health issues that they would like some direction on. Every once in a while, I will get a message that does not fall into the typical theme. Most of the time they are spammy but sometimes there is a real gem in their midst!
Nadia from Sameheart Designs is a textile artist who contacted me about partnering for a giveaway. I checked out her Etsy shop and was giddy with excitement! I just love it when the stars align like this!
Nadia’s talents are incredibly unique. You can tell by her works that she has a deep love of Earth and everything on and in it. Her offerings are made with care and warmth. She invests herself in everything she makes. You can feel that from the pictures.
Sameheart Designs is filled with colorful, handwoven scarfs, blankets, baby items, and pouches plus a few other goodies. Everything looks inviting…delicious if you will. I imagine that putting on one of Nadia’s scarves would feel like a warm hug from a dear friend.
Nadia is generously offering something VERY special to one of you. But before I tell you what that is, please take a moment to learn more about this incredible artist!
Your shop is full of gorgeous handwoven pieces. Your scarfs are a feast for the eyes! Tell us a little bit about what we can find in your shop.
I handweave natural scarves, blankets and I sometimes feature other inspirations like lavender pillows and coin purses that feature my weaving or braids. I love to play with color and arrangement and I haven’t ever seen anybody else design like I do. It really comes from inside and I am glad to have found my unique way of expression. I use natural fibers such as cotton, organic cotton, bamboo blended with wool or cotton, pima tencel, nettles, hemp cotton blends, and I have even used sugar cane fiber! I use natural fibers because they continue to be alive in a magical way unlike synthetics which I see as dead plastic.
I also starting to make baby blankets thanks to the arrival of my daughter, Lotus. I didn’t know I would start selling them but per request of a few friends, I started to sell them and they have been very popular!
Tell me more about how you weave. I am intrigued by the traditional wooden floor loom. I will venture a guess and say not many people use a floor loom.
You are right. The number of weavers in the world has decreased due to the competition with fast weaving machines. And in a way that is why I choose to weave. When I started, I really felt like I was holding an ancient art alive simply by weaving. And it really is that simple. I have a resistance to machines and cars in the sense that they have disconnected humanity from the basic feeling of our natural life. It is my opinion that the more machines we use, the more we lose our connection to the Earth and each other. I also love having a craft that I can use a a barter tool. I feel our current economic system is destroying lives and the environment. Weaving is peaceful and productive, I feel connected to every piece I make and love when the perfect match receives what I have made.
Weaving involves several main steps; planning the colors and design, warping the fiber on the board, cutting the measured fiber off and placing it on the loom, threading the loom, tying it on and weaving! Once it is done, I do a special knot stitch along the ends and wash it in cold water. Once it is dry, I make the fringes and make photographs!
Weaving is so natural for me. When I first was learning 11 years ago, I actually knew how to do it with very little information. I weave for my own well being, but also love to represent a slow, beautiful ancient art so as to remind us all of our basic, humble ways of living.
What inspires you when it comes to creating works for your shop? How did you get started doing all of this.
There is something magical which inspires my work. It really just flows through me. My only task is to stay clear and present for the creativity to be able to make its way through my hands. I started by taking a weaving class in Prescott Arizona, where I was going to College. I took it up immediately and spent most of my year in the weaving studio. There was something so empowering about making my own material. I just kept going with it and friends and then friends of friends, starting buying my work. For 11 years, I have evolved my own style and found the fibers I love to work with, which are both durable and soft.
What are your favorite items to create?
I only create what I am inspired in the moment to create. In that way, every item is my favorite item! My baby blankets take up to 2 weeks to create so I would say there is something special about making those and seeing the final result.
Have you ever tackled an adult sized woven blanket? I adore the baby blankets in your shop and am dreaming of surrounding myself in one at bedtime!
I have not! I am limited by the size of the hemp organic cotton blend I have access to. If I find a bigger piece of material, I’ll let you know. I do love throwing ours over me. The special thing about my blankets is that you always see something new in it, the details are just so sweet.
Tell us a little bit about the scarf you are offering for the giveaway. What fibers did you use and out of curiosity, how much time did it take to make?
I am offering up this kids rasta inspired scarf. It is made from organic soft wool, merino silk blend and a tiny bit of bamboo. My scarves take from 5 to 9 hours to make but since this is a kids one with chunky fiber, it took just about 2 to 3 hours.
Nadia is a smart woman! A rasta scarf for a Hybrid Rasta Mama reader! Could that be any more perfect?????
This giveaway opens today, Saturday, October 6, 2012 and closes at 11:59pm on Friday, October 19, 2012. Enter using Rafflecopter! Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond before I select a new winner. Winner’s name is announced in this post.
Good luck to you! I am completely jealous of whomever wins this gorgeous children’s scarf!
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I love anything handmade. The color combinations used are outstanding.
what stunning work! My daughter would love this scarf–she is just at that age where she has begun to accessorize on her own, lol. . . .sometimes with a bucket as a hat, or pants as a scarf
I would love this scarf. I love all things Rasta and all things handmade.
Kathi
ReggaeRider@Verizon.net
perfect scarf for my little girl!
Beautiful scarf! Fun giveaway. Would love to gift this to my lil Olive.
I would love to have this scarf because I have a lung disease, am worried about the coming winter cold, and will need to bundle up to my nose in beautiful scarves! (and I have no beautiful scarves such as this one. lol)
This scarf would make such a lovely gift for my niece!
The scarves are beautiful! I love loomed fiberwork. I plan to wear the scarf lol.
The scarves are so beautiful and I love that they are handmade
the fact that she weaves on a floor loom–she’s of my heart! keep the old crafts alive, back to our roots, back to nature! Take time to weave yourself into your craft. I would love to be a part of her story, and wear a stylish scarf at the same time. <3
I’m in awe of anyone who can do cool things with their hands. Very nice!
This is beautiful!! I would love to win this for the upcoming cold weather plus I dont even have one!
amymccarty at hotmail dot com
The Organic Baby Blanket handwoven Rainbow- bordered and backed with Organic Cotton/ Hemp is AMAZING!!!!! I would LOVE to have it!!
amymccarty at hotmail dot com
I would like to win it for my daughter – it’s her style.
I love scarves and this one is gorgeous! The weather is turning cold in CO. Perfect timing to bundle up with a warm scarf!
All of SameheartDesigns items are gorgeous. I can’t pick just one item that I love, though the baby blanket is stunning! But, like I said, all of the items are beautiful!
when I think Rasta colors, I think sunshine and oceans- not bundling up to keep warm. LOL. I love the humor and the time/love that has gone into the scarf! (plus, we love handmade goods here at my house!)
I want to win this scarf because I want to teach my daughter to appreciate the beauty of handmade, natural products.
I also love the Textile Art Pouch With Braids and Organic Lace.
This scarf is beautiful and would make a lovely first winter scarf for my daughter this year
I have one of Nadia’s scarves from over 10 years ago. It is by far my favorite article of clothing. In my opinion, you couldn’t own a nicer scarf.
Love and Light,
Arock
I have one of Nadia’s scarves from over 10 years ago. It is by far my favorite article of clothing. In my opinion, you couldn’t own a nicer scarf.
Love and Light,
Arock
Because I need one to keep both me and “Little” nice and warm on our walks in the cold east coast winter
So beautiful, Would love to call it mine! Thanks for the opportunity! you Rock!
What a great giveaway! I love everything in her store.
Beautiful, green and HANDMADE! What is not to love
im a rasta at heart<3 Love your designs and love being warm and cozy! Looks so comfy I just wanna cuddle up with it!!! THANK YOU RASTA MAMA!
It’s lovely and my favorite color is GREEN!
The Robin Egg in Hay is a good combo!
This scarf is beautiful–the color and the material. I would love to have it and to try one of your products!
This scarf is a work of art! It’s breath taking!
I would love to wrap myself in its warmth and beauty.
I would like to win it because of its colour and its handmade-ness
and it will be perfect for the not-so-cold-slightly-warm days 
Congrats… Gilla M.