There was a devastating fire that affected the “Old Town” district of Shangri-La, China late last week. I wanted to share this story with you, because The Rocking Yak calls Shangri-La home.
You can read more about it on The Rocking Yak’s blog. While you’re there, make sure to follow the blog. It’s the best way to stay up-to-date with what is happening at The Rocking Yak!
Yak milk is high in fat which is needed for survival through the harsh Himalayan winters. It is this yak milk that is used to make Yak Butter tea, and is a staple to the Tibetans’ diet.
Some of our friends on the Tibetan plateau have started using this fatty milk, along with local herbs and minerals to make handmade soap! The result is a rich, and moisturizing bar of soap. No synthetic ingredients are used in the production of the soap, making it a true natural soap that can be used for washing wool.
The Tibetan cooperative makes the soap in small batches using the cold process method. Once ready, each bar is cut by hand and packaged for sale.
You can purchase some in the shop!
To learn about AmdoCraft watch the video below and visit their website.
Yak milk is high in fat which is needed for survival through the harsh Himalayan winters. It is this yak milk that is used to make Yak Butter tea, and is a staple to the Tibetans’ diet.
Some of our friends on the Tibetan plateau have started using this fatty milk, along with local herbs and minerals to make handmade soap! The result is a rich, and moisturizing bar of soap. No synthetic ingredients are used in the production of the soap, making it a true natural soap that can be used for washing wool.
The Tibetan cooperative makes the soap in small batches using the cold process method. Once ready, each bar is cut by hand and packaged for sale.
You can purchase some in the shop!
To learn about AmdoCraft watch the video below and visit their website.
The lands of Tibet hold a special place in my heart, that inspire much of my work. This dream catcher is no exception. The silks remind me of the prayer flags found among the Himalayan foothills, and the metal bangle and amber bead reminds me of the traditional adornments the Tibetan women wear to the horse festivals.
For those who are interested, this dream catcher is available in my shop!
I was looking around on Etsy the other day, when I discovered MandalaArtByCloe. I was immediately drawn in by the bright colors, and contrasting designs of these mandalas.
The artist, Cloe lives in Amsterdam. Her hand woven mandalas are inspired by the ancient mandalas of Tibet and Mexico where mandalas have been used for their calming effects on the mind.
The icing on the cake for me, is the knowledge that a portion of every sale is given for the support of a Tibetan family and their guesthouse in Nepal.
Go check out her website Art by Cloe!
This summer when Bret was in the U.S. he brought me a teaser of the new colored yarns that The Rocking Yak is producing for 2013. They are fabulous! The green yarn has been dyed with local plants found on the mountains in the region that we work in, while indigo was used in dying the blue. I knew right away that I wanted to knit up something special for myself with the new yarns. I rarely knit for myself. Isn’t that how it always is with knitters. Anyway, as the weather began to get cooler, I started looking around Ravelry to find something to knit. I found this free fairisle hat pattern which inspired me to create a hat with my own design. I wanted the hat to have a Tibetan design. Here is some of the colorwork I’m working on. This is a sample swatch that I’m knitting up as I work out the designs.
Sometimes, pictures say it better than anything written.
Pictures grab our attention, and spur our imagination.
They cause our heart to swell, and they inspire our hands into action.
Wednesdays, are without written words.
artbycarriejoy.com 