Desert Traditions

Desert Traditions Desert Traditions offers in-depth journeys into the traditional heart of North Western India.
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Owner, Carole Douglas, specialises in the arts and culture of the region and works closely with local communities to deliver unique travel experiences.

This is for you Nigelle de Visme and all lovers of orange dogs who choose their backdrops! This is in Mandvi, Kutch!
26/06/2024

This is for you Nigelle de Visme and all lovers of orange dogs who choose their backdrops! This is in Mandvi, Kutch!

From the sparkling Great Rann of Kutch to the alluring Arabian Sea join me on an odyssey that will take you into one of ...
23/06/2024

From the sparkling Great Rann of Kutch to the alluring Arabian Sea join me on an odyssey that will take you into one of the world’s greatest textile hubs. Learn from the masters of stitch, dye and print and try your own hands under their guidance. Savour aromatic cuisine, inhale the aroma of honey fermented indigo, touch the surface of richly embroidered cloth, listen to temple bells and the call to prayer and above all immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of traditional culture second to none.

Timeless Traditions
with Carole Douglas and her team of guides, artisans and community leaders March 7th to 28th 2025.
Message me for details.

Evening light. Umina Beach.
08/06/2024

Evening light. Umina Beach.

07/06/2024

Please don’t accept any friend requests from me. I’ve been hacked … again … 5th time! I’m over it … 🙏🐪🙏

Brighten up these grey winter days with a cheerful, rich, soft scarf to warm the head, shoulders and neck. Colourfast lo...
06/06/2024

Brighten up these grey winter days with a cheerful, rich, soft scarf to warm the head, shoulders and neck. Colourfast low impact dyes with touches of Bandhani on pure merino wool handwoven by the clever hands of the Vankar Vishram Valji Bhujodi clan. Coordinate, contrast or even clash the colours with our handwoven, organic cotton clothing designed for layering up or down.

Check out the new items in store now at
The Conscious Cloth Company shop 6, Galleria Ettalong Beach open every day thus long weekend from 9 am until the last customer leaves …

16/05/2024

Goodbye Metaverse, its been a Nightmare.
Just in case Notice: An attorney advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law. NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.
I HEREBY STATE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA OR PHOTOS. If you are thinking of getting off FB because of the volume of sales ads and stuff. So hold your finger anywhere in this post and click ′copy’. Go to your page where it says ‘What's on your mind?’ Tap your finger anywhere in the blank field. Click paste. This upgrades the system.
Good bye ads and
Hello new and old friends!
IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!!!
Thanks.

I’ve just slept for the best part of two days with a slow entry into this one. Couldn’t believe my capacity to drop into...
15/05/2024

I’ve just slept for the best part of two days with a slow entry into this one. Couldn’t believe my capacity to drop into deep slumber - me who usually thrives on six hours! Not sure how I got through the weekend in the shop - I think I floated above it all … but today I had my coffee down by the water’s edge to reconnect with my home surroundings. A lone pelican arrived to welcome me home. I later went down to the shop and made a list of labels needed for new merchandise and got a bit lost in the pieces. I love them all and eager to show them off. Watch this space!

I opened up the garage to the sun and air and to dry out the 2 inch deep water that covers the floor. This property sits at the bottom of a hill and is a perpetual water course. There’s a task ahead to move the plastic containers around and do some serious selling - have to take the inundation as an incentive to reduce the load!

Tonight the sky is clear and that wonderful rich indigo in which a perfect half moon takes pride of place.

Tomorrow is another day …

I can’t recommend Singapore Airlines enough. When I had to change my flight home by one day due to unforeseen circumsta...
15/05/2024

I can’t recommend Singapore Airlines enough. When I had to change my flight home by one day due to unforeseen circumstances, they accepted my evidence and changed the flights without question, even keeping my carefully chosen seats. The representative was considerate and polite, and while the process took some time, I was thrilled with the outcome. The food was excellent with enough choice to suit all tastes, and I slept comfortably during the journey - being short I simply make a footrest with a bag and extra blanket and keep my legs raised all the way. The long layover in Singapore was the only downside to this particular flight combination but the smooth flying and the chance to watch 'The Braid,' a captivating movie about three women's interconnected lives, more than made up for it.
I'm already thinking about my next flight - not yet sure when - watch this space!

Gotta love the traffic wisdom of Mumbai. There’s a lot more where these came from …
15/05/2024

Gotta love the traffic wisdom of Mumbai. There’s a lot more where these came from …

Well I guess it had to happen … currently sitting in the waiting room of a local clinic waiting to see the doctor so I c...
07/05/2024

Well I guess it had to happen … currently sitting in the waiting room of a local clinic waiting to see the doctor so I can fly on Friday. Those of you who have been to India once or even many times will have likely succumbed or known someone who has to the wrong food at the wrong time or simply touching the wrong thing … whether it was contamination or teaction(my gut does not tolerate chili) matters little at this moment
In time. I simply need to take care of the issue.

At worst it’s damned inconvenient on this my second to last busy day and at best it’s another adventure in the winding narrow streets of Colaba. A pity really as I’d booked a car for an hour at 7am to do a photo shoot of the Art Deco details and signage on local buildings. Ten minutes in and I was hurried back to the Godwin and the rest they say is history.

I did manage to get a few random early morning shots and when my stomach is settled I might just venture forth again. The Reserve Bank is on my list to exchange the now redundant 2000 rupee note - I had a few left over from last years trip. Then there’s the button shop and the post office and …

Seen the doc have the scrip plus the script for the rest of the day!

It’s always great to meet up with old friends in new places. Adam Jabbar Khatri, one of the Ajrakh block printers with w...
06/05/2024

It’s always great to meet up with old friends in new places. Adam Jabbar Khatri, one of the Ajrakh block printers with whom I work, is currently in Mumbai demonstrating and promoting his family’s long standing tradition.

Adam was our first port of call on my recent tour’s textile Odyssey from Ahmedabad to Kutch. His home village of Dhamadka was established almost five hundred years ago by block printers from Sindh who came to Kutch at the behest of Maharao Lakhpatji. Their mission was to produce printed cloth for the court and for the community. They settled near the river Saran for easy access to running water for washing, dyeing and rinsing the cloth.

Adam’s ancestors were one of the original families to settle in Dhamadka and he is an important link in the continuing chain. Today he is in Mumbai at the behest of the Swadeshi Centre part of the Jio World Centre built by Mukesh Ambani one of, if not the, wealthiest man in India. Not dissimilar to a royal court of yore, luxury abounds with cascading glass, mirrored walls, marble floors and art every turn.

Times might have changed for this block printing family - the river Saran has long since dried up and locals no longer wear the richly printed cloth, but the work is in increasing demand at the luxury end of the market. Printed on the finest of silk and cotton fabrics with intricate designs and the rich tones of natural dyes, today’s fabrics are surely fit for kings!

Sadly farewelling Bhuj Kachchh and welcoming Ahmedabad. At this point at a tour’s end I can never quite comprehend that ...
02/05/2024

Sadly farewelling Bhuj Kachchh and welcoming Ahmedabad. At this point at a tour’s end I can never quite comprehend that it is over (for the time being) and reflect on the journey. Tonight Jenny Templin and Susie head for a few days R and R In Singapore and I to Mumbai to work on the current collection. Looking forward to seeing samples …

Better not to waste a moment in vibrant Gujarat so let’s see what we can squeeze into our last day - perhaps take some time today for a little retail therapy?

Yesterday began in the bucolic atmosphere of weaver Shamji Vishram Valji’s home, workshop and showroom in Bhujodi and en...
24/04/2024

Yesterday began in the bucolic atmosphere of weaver Shamji Vishram Valji’s home, workshop and showroom in Bhujodi and ended for me in the bucolic atmosphere of Sufiyan Khatri’s farm at Ajrakhpur where I watched the sun go down and the full moon rise!

Much happened between these two events!

Adilaj Ki Vav step well. Five storeys down to the cool depths where water waits the traveller from caravans on the Silk ...
21/04/2024

Adilaj Ki Vav step well. Five storeys down to the cool depths where water waits the traveller from caravans on the Silk Road.

The event last evening at Artisans was a testament to the beauty of color and style, with saris that were both tradition...
12/04/2024

The event last evening at Artisans was a testament to the beauty of color and style, with saris that were both traditional and innovative, and worn by women who embodied elegance and poise. The combination of natural dyes and silk yarn created a visual feast, with shimmering hues both rich and subtle. Chandra Jain’s knowledge and expertise and her use of age-old techniques and recipes
added another dimension to the evening.

I’ve already saluted the music!

Thank you, Radhi Parekh, for sharing your passion and insight with the world.

It’s such a privilege to be able to say ‘Eid Mubarak’ and be greeted warmly in return. So here’s Eid Mubarak from Mumbai...
11/04/2024

It’s such a privilege to be able to say ‘Eid Mubarak’ and be greeted warmly in return.

So here’s Eid Mubarak from Mumbai!

11/04/2024

In response to comments on my motor bike couples post - while there is great respect in this city’s traffic for families and couples on bikes the bottom line is that they are breaking the law. Traffic police will fine them. According to my hairdresser who is currently cutting my hair ‘ladies are just coming out of home and don’t want to spoil style.’ Others say it’s too hot but most believe it’s just stupidity and or laziness. Take your pick!

25/03/2024

Happy Holi to all my colourful friends in India. May the day bring you colourful blessings and vibrant joy!

24/03/2024

Some days luck is on your side and the seemingly disparate threads come together to weave the whole! I have a piece of clothing to complete and in my possession I have;

1. Black denim ‘shacket’
2. Woven black and white image of James Dean via a friend
But missing the Triumph motorcycle emblem circa 1949 - 1958 until …
today when I was driving by a shop in Ettalong that belongs to a self confessed ‘bikie chick’ who sells all manner of vintage items including old motor bike gear. She is hardly ever open but today I managed to catch her in situ and guess what? I bought her last Triumph ‘smile’ emblem.

Now I can begin assembling my homage to the beautiful and tragically short lived 24 year old heart throb. East of Eden had just been released and Giant and Rebel Without a Cause were released after his death.

Incidentally James Dean did not die on his humble Triumph motorbike that he loved he died driving a Porsche on his way to race it!

My piece is not sad simply nostalgic!

Today marks seven years since Mike left us - bewildered, grief stricken and alone. Time passes so quickly and seven year...
16/03/2024

Today marks seven years since Mike left us - bewildered, grief stricken and alone. Time passes so quickly and seven years later family, friends and colleagues still miss this gentle giant of a man. He is remembered by all with love, admiration and gratitude.

I no longer expect Mike to walk through the door ready to sit, chat and listen but not a day goes without wishing for his presence. Today is rains softly and I will go about my day thankful that we shared 40 years together - we shared four dogs, several cats, many houses, countries, travels and lasting friendships.

Mike was and will always be the love of my life.

15/03/2024

It’s a scary world at times. I’m busy applying for my visa online with the Indian government and I get a phone call telling me I have to finish my application within 24 hours and can just send my images via what’s app. It was a bloody visa agency intercepting my work and bullying me to pay them! Really - what’s safe in the world these days? Next I’ll have to sleep with light on …

13/03/2024

Ramadan Mubarak to my friends.
May your month of faith be filled with inner peace, divine love and universal harmony.

Don’t miss the International Art Textile Biennale 2023 currently on show at the Australian Design Centre, Darlinghurst. ...
10/03/2024

Don’t miss the International Art Textile Biennale 2023 currently on show at the Australian Design Centre, Darlinghurst. Very thought provoking. The works speak for themselves. Congratulations Glenys Mann for keeping textiles up front and enlightening! 🙏🐪🙏

07/03/2024

Happy International Women’s Day.
Special thoughts to all the women I am fortunate to know and to those I don’t. May we all be safe from harm and find peace within.

Edit! Edit! Edit! I do miss Mike who was so eagle eyed. I removed the image in order to correct and replace and could no...
29/02/2024

Edit! Edit! Edit! I do miss Mike who was so eagle eyed. I removed the image in order to correct and replace and could not reattach it! Here it is again ... subtle changes!

Getting into top gear for a new tour in 2025.My home away from home for almost 30 years and I love nothing more than sha...
29/02/2024

Getting into top gear for a new tour in 2025.
My home away from home for almost 30 years and I love nothing more than sharing it with like minded adventurers who enjoy off the beaten track adventures.
It's in its early planning stages and I'll be setting it in 'sand' when I travel to Gujarat next month!
Taking expressions of interest now!
Follow my adventures on Desert Traditions.

27/02/2024

I’ve been hacked again. Please do not accept any friend requests from me!!

Todays sudden storms took me back to Santa Fe and the afternoon storms that would blow up out of nowhere and bring monso...
19/02/2024

Todays sudden storms took me back to Santa Fe and the afternoon storms that would blow up out of nowhere and bring monsoonal showers. This particular storm came at us across Ghost Ranch and Georgia O'Keeffe's stamping grounds.
I've rendered the shot in black and white to summons up the ghosts of the mesas, buttes and canyons.
Would love to be wandering the world with my camera, sketch books and dye pots!

10/06/2020

Udaipur - still waters, white marble, winding streets, honking autos, rooftop dining and tempting textiles!

Oh for those hallowed rooms of Ganesh Handicraft Emporium all 16 of them overflowing with textile treasures from the rare to the old to the highly embellished to the simple to the contemporary there is something for everyone.

Sri Rajmal Shah who founded the family run business is still highly spoken of today in Kutch which is well represented in the collections. The store, located inside a 350 year old haveli, is also known for its intricate architecture. I never fail to find new details on each visit.

For now it is out of reach and this image - a place where I have rested many times - make me doubly sure I will one day return!

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72A Rickard Road
Davistown, NSW

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Videos

Julie’s birthday gift to Charlotte - a mini workshop for three friends run by Ann and I. Give needle and thread, cut shapes, a square of Kala (organic) cotton and an Indigo vat and it’s amazing what can be achieved in convivial surroundings on a cool clear mid winter day.#lovestitch #slowcloth #naturalindgo #birthdaygirls #madebyhand #onlyorganic

Getting ready for Diwali when all households repair, renew and reenergise. Quilts are aired, new items purchased and in traditional homes mud walls are given a new lease of life. #desert-traditions #lovemudwork #handmadewithlove #desertlife #livingtraditions

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