Design Source Book 32: Aboriginal Designs (Design Source Books)

July 07

The first thing I noticed upon opening this book was that the author appeared very well versed in the subject of Aboriginal design - the amount of information she provided in the introduction made it very clear that she is passionate about this topic.

It was amazing to learn that Aboriginal design dates back 50,000 years and the oldest surviving art forms are rock paintings. It was fascinating to learn that because the Aboriginals were nomadic not that many of their drawings survived because most of their art was of a temporary nature. Art plays a huge part in the Aborigines' life, forging a link between their spiritual life and their everyday life. I was really intrigued to find out that most of their art represents certain legends and stories which feature heavily in their culture. So even something that might not look like it has any meaning, if you look a little closer you will see the hidden story. Intrigued by this information, I took a closer look at a few of the designs...

Here's what I learnt:

* Lots of turtles appeared in these designs representing how hard the journey is for the turtle that has to struggle from the water to lay her eggs in the sand, which represents how parenting and motherhood is often a difficult journey.

* Warrior drawings - which represented protection.

* Kangaroos are used as a symbol of warriors and represent the strength of the male.

* Lots of circle designs in the book which represents the life cycle.

That's just a small section of what I learnt but it would be fun to analyse the meaning of all these pictures, I love expanding my knowledge on other cultures. Besides that there's a lot of fun to be had with these designs as you can turn pots and other items in your home in to authentic looking Australian pieces.

I really enjoyed this book and it was made that much more enjoyable by the authors in-depth introduction. I've learnt so much and I am sure you will too.

Aug 07

Ethnic motifs are an invaluable resource for crafters, providing a ready-made stylized library that will add a new dimension to any project. Here is a compendium of one of the less often featured styles of folk art, the art of Australia's Aboriginal people. Calling it folk art is a misnomer, for it is central to the beliefs of one of the longest traditions in the world, dating back over 50,000 years. Here are representations of animals, seemingly abstract patterns (which tell a story to those who know how to read them), human figures and masks.

Adorn fabric or wooden projects, fire onto ceramics, or make a mosaic (use your imagination and supply the craft of your choice). Shrink them for smaller items such as greetings cards or jewelry, use elements for repeats and borders. These are not very detailed designs in the main and will still be usable when shrunk, and have a powerful emblematic appeal if enlarged. This title (#32 in a long running series) is one of my own favorites, and should have a wide appeal due to its stylized beauty and economy of line that allows for considerable reduction. As with all the titles in this series you are free to use the designs for your personal use or sell the items you make for charity BUT these are NOT public domain so no commercial use is permissible. Another attractive and user-friendly addition to the series.

Issue 50

Recently we have seen more and more Aboriginal designs in the UK particularly with companies like Aussie Dreams bringing us some fantastic Aboriginal styled fabrics. Number 32 in the Design Source Book Series, this is a great book with a super variety of Aboriginal designs which can be photocopied and used for applique, quilting designs, embroidery or fabric painting. The designs include animals, birds, figures and traditional Aboriginal symbols, ideal for creating an unusual quilt or wall hanging.

Winter 07

Another great source book from Search Press. There are plenty of very simple shapes as well as more detailed designs, together with suggestions for traditional colour schemes. I think this would be particularly useful for novice embroiderers of all ages and it would make a great companion book to Start to Embroider by Clare Buckley.

Jane Snowdon, Liskeard