Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Age Old Art of Recycling Textiles

"The green or up-cycled trend isn’t a twenty-first century and politically correct development. In fact, throughout time and across cultures people have reconfigured threadbare or worn fabric because of their value and they were reused often for practical, aesthetic and even symbolic purposes. This month and until January 2012, The Textile Museum in Washington, DC explores and presents diverse examples of re-purposed textiles in "Second Lives: The Age-Old Art of Recycling Textiles." I am quoting a recent article from HandEye Magazine written by Rebeca Schiller. It references one of my favorite and more intimate settings for exhibiting textiles and validates what we textile junkies who travel the globe or those who are armchair travelers and collectors already know. During these tumultuous times, too many of these places have become difficult to travel to. Each time I travel I hear from locals how rare old pieces are to find.

Check out these new textile finds from my last trip that might call out to you! You know who you are.
Border from Laos tube skirt
(frame it or use is at a do it yourself project for pillows!)
Hmong Pillow, Northern Thailand
Wonderful Coverlets pieced together with Hmong weaving + batik+applique work
Vintage textiles from Vietnam + Hemp pillows
These fabulous extra large bags are all one of a kind with indigo batik + vintage Hmong embroidery
(pictures by the loaded trunk)

Monday, February 28, 2011

Personal Wall of Art

All week I have been seeing new art categories added to a few of my favorite websites .  Apartment Therapy  has a great post showcasing hot artwork and display ideas. Recently my daughter and one of her cousins have had a Facebook posting war showing whose wall of art is bigger and better. Here are the contestants:

If you want to get some affordable art to begin or add to your wall here are some new additions from a wonderful artist from Chiang Mai, Thailand to watch for at The Loaded Trunk. Hitting flea markets, garage or tag sales are a great way to find frames for your newly acquired art work.
(photos by the loaded trunk)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Beauty of the Streets: Vietnam + Thailand

I did not blog as much as I wanted. Traveling for one of my buying trips takes a toll on my time. I was lucky enough to have had the company of one of my children on my last couple of trips. Having someone to collaborate with helps document in a more timely manner!

I arrived back in the US last night and wanted to share some more of my experiences in Asia. Fewer words, more photos and videos of another memorable trip for The Loaded Trunk.
Hotel in Phuket, Thailand

Border check?
My lovely friend Flower, who owns an amazing Gallery called Tribal Arts in Hanoi. A must when shopping for Hill tribe art. Be prepared to dig.

Early morning fun at Chatuchak market.



Dinner with Mark Rapoport of 54 Traditions in Hanoi who co-owns this gallery in Hanoi, Vietnam. It focuses on the antiques, artifacts and art of Vietnam's 53 minority groups and the Kinh majority people. It is a fantastic place to begin your educational journey into this areas complex and quickly disappearing cultures that 54 traditions is helping preserve.


Hanoi corner.


A little Bangkok traffic.

View from the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok


Wat Arun

Old Hill tribe piece from Vietnam


Having necklaces made in Bangkok.

Having old glass bird necklaces made.

Wonderful hosts, plying me with almonds + tea.

Beautiful table surface.





Chao Phraya River



Wat Arun




Proof I was on this trip!

View from the top of Wat Arun.



Views from the top of Wat Arun ( favorite temple in Bangkok )




Thanks for coming along!
Roni