Well I have been so uninspired lately. I think I have hit another brick wall. I have been so tired and feel like I have lack of sleep when in fact every night I go to bed early. I don't know whats going on. Maybe we do really need a new bed. M has been complaning about the bed ever since we moved in to the apartment. The bed came with the house and we wanted to buy another bed but we didnt know where to put the one that came with the house. *sigh*
Anyway, I have figured out a way to get me inspired, Traditional Beading. Well Traditional Iban Beading that is. I remember making a book mark when I was in high school in art class but never paid attention to what I was doing. I think I never paid attention to any craft work that I did in Art class and I am now paying for it. OK. So anyways, with the help of the Internet, I am now trying to find out how they do it if not, then I will use the so called Modern way of beading. I have found an article here about traditional beading back. It was interesting. Now, when I go home for the holidays I will definately asked around to see if they can teach me the art of beading like that. Ok I am ranting. Here are some pictures for you guys to enjoy and hopefully I will work towards.
Picture taken from World of Stock
See the neck piece that she is wearing, girl picture on the left with the hat? I have one of those given by my aunt. She made the whole thing. I think every Iban girl will have something like this as part of their heirloom. I even have the woven skirt that she is wearing also hand woven by my aunt. As for the 3 girls pictured take a look at their head piece. Isn't it gorgeous?
I also have found other reading material such as this book called the Beads of Borneo by Heidi Munan. Heidi is the Curator of Beads at the Sarawak Museum. Interesting how you think that things like these are boring when you lived at home and when you are not living there anymore you discover how valueable they are. Anyway I am ranting again. So this weekend, if I can get my hands on the computer at home, my mission is to search all of these beaded treasures and share with you guys out there.
Here are some interesting reads that I found:-
- Crafting a better life - How a beading project gives hope to communities in Sabah
- The Bead Site - Take a look traditional beads from Borneo
No I did not draw this. I am trying to replicate it and make my own changes. This is a drawing of an Iban Tattoo. Its symbolises a scorpion or "kala" as we call them. I am currently in the middle of trying to design a logo that identifies me and my background. There are a few more options that I am considering. I am also trying to see if I can carve the drawing onto Lino and carve my own stamp. We will see how it goes. 
