Anything artistic or crafty (or just downright quirky) usually
catches my eye. I oftentimes dream
of creating some whimsical item for myself or as a gift to loved ones (unlike
those “creative” pieces I used to draw in Kindergarten). When I met Aveles Niyrenda at the Dutch
Reformed Church’s Saturday crafts market, her chitenge1 crafts display not only
triggered my chitenge addiction (more on that later) but also made me curious
to know how she created her unique items.
After a firing off a series of questions, I jokingly told her I was
coming to her house to witness the steps firsthand. Surprisingly,
she welcomed me.
Welcome to Aveles’ workshop. This narrow corridor in front of Aveles’ house allows her
chitenge visions to unfold.
The following are steps to creating her works of art.
