Here are a few photos from the studio of a new pineapple color-way experiment in progress. Whether or not this color will see the light of day we have yet to decide but we thought a glimpse into the studio might be interesting. We do most of the designing rough sketching on a notepad or on the computer so its not until we actually start the weaving process that we get to see the colors come alive. For this reason I have always looked forward to the visits to my family's handloom weaving studio where we continue this ancient art of intricate hand weaving that has been passed down from our ancestors.

We're constantly barraged with possibilities for new colors and new designs thanks to the innovative techniques and skills possessed by these artisans. It's amazing to be reminded of the great deal of care and skill that's involved in creating a finished piece. Doing things naturally is a highly involved process, from the gathering and preparing of the seeds, fruit, bark and leaves that we use to create the natural dyes to the actual dying process and preparing the silk thread for hand weaving. Our senses were over-stimulated by the beautiful colors achieved from our natural dyes and the variations of textures we are able to achieve using different grades of silk.

At Mai Handwoven we are very fortunate to be working with such skilled artisans who have apprenticed and taught for years at the studio. They are all so colorful, each of them so uniquely gifted and talented in their craft and yet so very humble, they are the true artists continuing to breathe life into and evolving this ancient art.