PROCESS TECHNIQUE - HOW IT'S MADE

We are pleased to preserve the traditional batik technique, indigenous to the Zimbabwean people, through our team comprising of batik artists, painters, and tailors.  Our model is simply to use the skills we've learned to establish further economic good through a talented community. The extraordinary, ingenious batik technique is rooted in the staple food of Zimbabwe, called sadza [basically cooked cornmeal]. So unique that each piece, though similar, is different in display. The unique crackle effect on our textiles allow for the "touch" of each artist to be "cooked" into the product.

A thin layer of porridge is applied to create the designs. As it hardens, it cracks, leaving room for some paint to penetrate the fabric once painted. The fabric (barkweave - which we create by weaving strands of cotton yarn together) is washed and the excess porridge scraped off the cloth, leaving some parts which resist the paint. The resulting effect is extraordinary with every fabric having its own crackle effect and identity. The cloth is dried (either in the sun, or in a custom built heater) before the tailors get to work in constructing the unique products you see in various stores and homes today - anything from cushion covers to bed spreads.

Click the "How We Create" link below to see our short video process.

These products can be found in many parts of Canada and USA in many different stores. Some carrying the traditional folk art. And others stemming towards the more contemporary feel. One thing remains standard, and that's our quality [both in people and products].