Cultured Expressions

African Mosaic Quilting – August 7!

It’s time to get back to basics at Cultured Expressions, so we’re offering our signature workshop, African Mosaic Quilting, on Saturday, August 7 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the CE Studio in Rahway, NJ!  Using 2″ squares of African fabric prints & batiks, you’ll create a unique art piece that can later be transformed into a wall hanging, pillow, handbag or other craft.  The workshop fee of $75 includes the African Mosaic kit, individualized instruction, and all-day refreshments.  To register, call 866-MUDCLOTH or email info@CulturedExpressions.com.

Check out Lisa’s Craft Videos – Online Now!

Looking for fresh ideas for decorating & creative living?  Check out our six just-posted video segments, originally aired on “Daily Connection”, a lifestyle program on satellite television station EBRU TV.  Cultured Expressions is thrilled to have been a part of the home decorating series on the show, as Lisa presents fun ideas that incorporate African fabrics and other world crafting techniques. Enjoy!

Quilt Retreat 2011 – SAVE THE DATE

Cultured Expressions has just announced that its signature Quilter’s Retreat in Negril, Jamaica will return in 2011, taking place June 2-6! 

The featured quilt project be the creation of your own landscape quilt in African fabrics, as we draw inspiration from the beautiful atmosphere at Jackie’s on the Reef, the Official Spa of Cultured Expressions!  Unique spa treatments and gourmet food round out this 5-day, 4-night experience.

Details will be available this August, so stay tuned! Better yet, join the Priority email list to be among the first to be notified when details are available. Contact info@CulturedExpresions.com.

Voting Time Again! Black Web Awards 2010!

Help CE to gain its 4th consecutive win, as the Best Site for Crafts, Decor & Creative Living, in the 2010 Black Web Awards!  Voting is open through August 7, and you can vote as often as you like.  Pass it on, and thanks as slways for your support! — lisa

May is Make a Hot Handbag Month!

African fabrics bring cultural excitement to even the simplest tote or carryall, so I’ve declared this moth as Make a Hot Handbag Month.  Check out Cultured Expressions’ May 2010 newsletter for details on our handbag-related events for May, our discharge dyeing workshop with N’ketiah on June 5, and other news.  And to make the most of your sewing inspiration for the month, we’re even offering 20% savings on On The GO! 

Handbag Seminar – May 1 in North Plainfield!

Handbag Trunk Show & Seminar
Saturday, May 1, 2010
10:30 am-12:30 pm   .   North Plainfield, NJ
Join author & designer Lisa Shepard Stewart for an inspiring Handbag Trunk Show & Seminar. She’ll show and discuss her own designs, including those from her book, On The Go! Designing Accessories with Cultural Style. Register for the seminar and enjoy special savings on Lisa’s book. $20 fee.  Samples using African fabrics and other textiles will be shown. Call the store at 908-755-4700 to register!

Save 20% on Books During National Decorating Month!

April is National Decorating Month, and if you’re looking for decorating ideas with cultural relevance, check out AFRICAN ACCENTS and GLOBAL EXPRESSIONS, by Lisa Shepard.   Transform your favorite African fabrics into wall hangings, table settings, bedroom accents, decor for the home office and more!

This month only, you’ll save 20% on these titles, for an extra bit of inspiration!  No coupon code is needed, just place your order online for automatic savings, now through April 30, 2010.

Mudcloth Inspires 2010 Color Trends

According to the paint experts at Sherwin-Williams, mudcloth and African beads are among the color influences for 2010 home decor, as part of a palette they call “Rooted.”   Of course, for the Afrocentric do-it-yourselfer, this is not news at all, but whenver mudcloth makes the mainstream fashion headlines, it’s a good thing  ; ) 

Read the entire forecast

We’re on FACEBOOK

A New Bogolan/Mudcloth Project

Coming soon!  A new project from Cultured Expressions – the BOGOLAN DRAWSTRING DUFFEL makes a great gift or first project for kids & beginning sewers.  Wear it as a casual backpack or one-sided shoulder tote. Measures approx. 14″ wide x 18″ long.  Stay tuned for Kit details!