#moroccan patterns

Handmade Moroccan Charms / 

DIY Woodenbeads Wall-hanging

by A Thousand Miles 

Moroccan straps with 100% Lambswool Tessels on Antique chains.

Natural Wooden balls beaded on leather strings.

The Moroccan patterns are very diversifies, with multiple designs, there are patterns in  construction, clothing, Henna …

Examples of Moroccan patterns :

1. Moroccan patterns Zellig:

Mosaics with tiles, cement tiles glazed these are an integral part of Moroccan patterns decor. Ultramarine blue, emerald green, golden yellow, sepia bun, they create beautiful patterns with complex geometry.

Zellige is an original decorative tile ancient Mediterranean and the Middle East, a clear clay and glazed compound. Once baked, tiles zellij pass directly into the cutting. On each square will be drawn with a brush of the desired patterns (triangle, rectangle, diamond, star, cross … in among more than 360 models of Moroccan patterns. Then tiles will be cut with a sharp hammer, a safe and unique gesture.

Then there are two types of installation:

- Either the workpieces are arranged one by one on the floor or the wall depending on the desired   pattern.

- Or they are placed in the form of panels made and fixed beforehand with lime mortar.

Manufacturing and very specific technique maâlems zelligeurs Moroccans are unique in the world, and increasingly exported to other countries.

2. Moroccan patterns Embroidery:

Moroccan embroidery is an art passed down from generation to generation. In addition to its originality, the Moroccan patterns embroidery offers wide variety of reasons. There are several types of embroidery: Rbati, Fassi, Randa …

Much women learned embroidery techniques and work hand in Morocco.

3. Moroccan patterns Henna:

Henna is one of the traditional subjects of beauty for women in Morocco, Moroccan henna is used in family celebrities to express joy and happiness: Moroccan weddings, christenings, engagements and more. But also in religious fiestas as: aid al fitr and aid al adha.

Henna is used as a means of hair color also. It gives red or black shades, depending on the type of henna used. The great advantage of this product is 100% natural origin. It is, in fact, comes from a plant, which gives it a very valuable dimension bio today. The henna tattoo is mostly on the hands and feet. But today many girls use this natural product to make tattoos on the back or ankle. The Moroccan patterns Henna are different depending on whether the Maghreb or east. The wooded grounds in the Maghreb are simpler while in east models are much more sophisticated. In order to create these very delicate forms a stencil is used and henna is mixed with other products to give this black appearance and be more flexible.

4. Moroccan patterns Carpets:

There are many varieties of carpet in Morocco and tribal traditions. We can still distinguish two main families: Berber carpet, and urban carpet (woven Rabat, Sale and Casablanca). The first, knotted or woven, are rustic and original.

These carpets are very different patterns: the decorative Moroccan patterns used are the expression of the culture of the tribe which the product originates. These Moroccan patterns relate the spirit of coexistence that has always existed in these tribes from a distant history with people of different beliefs and different civilizations (Muslims, Jews, Berbers, Christians). Mastering the art of weaving carpets is transmitted from mother to daughter, which is a tradition of learning in rural areas.

This diversity of Moroccan patterns reflects the diversity and richness of Moroccan culture.

I spotted some irresistible paper this weekend on the way back from a birthday brunch for a lovely friend. 

I had read that a little Paper Source was open in Brooklyn and was very pleased that I happened to pass by on the way to the brunch spot (and make my way there after)!

I cannot resist these patterns! Proof? When I backpacked in Morocco, Spain and Portugal after grad school I was in Morocco first. I wanted to bring back a beautiful lamp or an inlaid table-- but, not only could I not afford them, they just were not going to fit in my backpack.

So I brought back this pretty little plate. Along with some spices...

When I spotted this paper It reminded me of my Moroccan adventures and of J, who I met the week I got back from that trip. My favorite types of souvenirs are those I can keep in eyesight. Little mementos that bring back memories of blessings and adventures. I'm glad even a sheet of paper can do that sometimes too.