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| Twizzles Home Accessories - Product Information |
| Swazi Candles The highly decorative Swazi Candles are hand-made in the small African Kingdom of Swaziland using the age-old technique "millefiore". Millefiore, or "thousand flowers", first surfaced in ancient Alexandria, but was perfected in the great glassmaking cities of Murano and Venice. Glass beads and other objects created there were of such beauty and finesse that they became much sought-after and valuable artifacts. On the African coast, these Venetian trade beads were used as a form of currency to barter for gold and ivory. So popular did they prove that the North and West Africans came to make their own variation. Thus was born the African trade bead, rare and sought-after by collectors to this day. The art of millefiore continues today in Swazi Candles. But instead of glass, the gifted candle makers of Swaziland use a special hard wax to create their colourful designs. The hard wax veneer forms the outer shell of the candle, which hardly melts when the candle is lit. Hence the rich, romantic glow of the illuminated exterior as the candle burns, and the burn-again quality when refitted with the votive or tea candle. Each Swazi Candle is hand-molded and hand-finished by Swazi crafts people , so each candle is unique in shape and character. |
| Soapstone For many centuries, people all over the world have used soapstone. The Egyptians and Assyrians brought soapstone from Africa to carve their beautiful, ancient sculptures. Norwegians used it to build cathedrals during the 11th and 12th centuries. Because it withstands extreme temperatures, Eskimos have used it for cooking, serving, and heating food, as well as keeping things warm. Soapstone carvings, also known as Kissi stone, are a beautiful way to adorn your home with a smooth, eclectic look. Made of soapstone found in western Kenya, the Gusii and Abigusii ethnic groups individually hand carve each of these pieces we carry. They first mine the soapstone from the hills around the village of Tabaka and then, using knives or handmade tools, the craftsman individually carve each piece. After the carving the figure is wet sanded and then polished, all by hand. To form the colours they dye the stone and then incise it with the patterns the individual artist desires. To clean your soapstone product simply use a damp cloth and wipe clean. |
| Wood Lacquerware The wood lacquer ware is of the finest quality coming from Vietnam and is sourced from sustainable and managed forests. Each item receives 12 layers of lacquer with a week between layers. Most of the other producers use fewer layers of lacquer which can result in a reduction in the look, feel and life time of the product. Do not expose the products to an open flame or place in a microwave oven. Matt black lacquer should not be used for food use if this finish is on the side exposed to the food. |
| Furniture, wood carvings
and Mirrors The Thakat coffee tables and nest of tables all come from India. They are made from the top quality Shesham wood and are produced in Jodhpur. The wood carvings are produced in Indonesia are made from Soar wood. Where possible are wood carvings are hand crafted by family co-operatives usually in their own homes. Our decorative wood and mosaic mirrors also come from Indonesia The mosaic mirrors come in purple and blue. They are made up of small pieces of glass set into a wood backing. The back is painted and there is a hook to mount the mirror on the wall. |
| Jewellery All of our pendants, earrings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets come in a stylish presentation box. Our Jewellery is 92.5 sterling silver and items with a silver content in excess of 7.78grams in weight have been hallmarked at a UK Assay office The pendants come to you complete on a sterling silver chain at no extra charge. |