Bholu

Bholu/ boah-looo/adj. 1 descriptive of naïve and free artistic expression. 2. a term of endearment and affection towards a small child – ORIGIN from Kaatchchi community, Gujarat, India.

Bholu is the work of Australian designer Jodie Fried. Jodie’s innovative approach to design has gained widespread recognition in Australia and internationally.

Bholu products are designed in Australia and brought to life by traditional women artisans from the remote desert communities of the Rann of Katchchh, Western Gujarat, India. Each piece is hand embroidered using traditional techniques, giving each product its own unique and original personality. The philosophy behind Bholu is to create products that are considered to be functional art; beautiful and practical, while benefiting the artisans in the process. By using their traditional skills, the women artisans gain an income, hence independence and opportunity.

The Bholu Bubalah kids’ range is particularly special as the designs come from drawings by young children from underprivileged slum communities. Bholu conduct workshops in the communities giving children a time to draw and create instead of work.

Bholu designs are simple, textural and bold and are designed for contemporary interiors and modern day living. Bholu products include cushions, throws and journals all made from felt with silk hand embroidery stitching. The kids’ range includes felt toys based on the pictures drawn by the Gujarati children.

Bholu is a Fair Trade company and part proceeds go back to the women and their communities, along with funding education and nutrition facilities for underprivileged children.

We at ibu are happy to endorse Bholu designs as they represent our ethos perfectly: traditional methods fused with contemporary design with the benefits flowing back to the producer communities. Well done Jodie!

For more information on bholu, drop in to www.bholu.com

View bholu's range on ibutrade.