Zakhareef, offers introductory arts and crafts classes Are you crafty? Rasha Rashad, founder of Zakhareef showroom and workshop, definitely fits that description. Of course not in the sense that she's cunning or conniving, but in the sense that she's a skilled crafter and now - through Zakhareef - a patron of the art too. The idea of creating a workshop was a natural progression of her personal experience. Rashad, who studied computer science, had always been drawn to crafts. She wanted to learn how to make candles - now her trademark - but was unable to find a place to learn. "Now that I'm in the business, I want to offer classes, Rashad told The Daily Star Egypt. Rashad's approach is very simple. "Inside every one of us, there is an artistic bit. She's aware, however, that there's a general belief that crafting is difficult and that those who would like to give it a go are intimidated by it. "But it's really very simple, she explains. And so Zakhareef's workshop lists a number of classes for people who want an introduction to crafts. "All the classes we're trying to offer here are classes for nonprofessionals. Anyone can do it. According to Rashad, "people in Egypt lack hobbies. And sitting at home, watching television does not count. She believes that taking up a hobby is a way to break away from the grind of your daily routine, and as a result will help you progress in other areas of your life. "Living in Cairo, you need outlets for your mind. everything is stressful. If you go home with this energy I don't think it's healthy for your home [life], Rashad said. Taking up a craft is a simple hobby that allows you to tap into your artistic side, and a great way to de-stress. As children, we instinctively understood the joys of drawing, painting with our fingers, or sculpting something out of play-dough. As adults, however, the majority of us limit our artistic expression to idle doodles on notepads as our mind wanders off during a telephone call or an office meeting. Art is an effective way of releasing stress. It can provide a much-needed distraction, even for a few moments, that leaves you with a clearer head allowing you to try a new approach to tackle your problems. Experts have identified a quality dubbed "flow, that refers to a "state of being completely engaged in something to the point of being in a near meditative state. Being engrossed in a craft can provide many of the same benefits of meditation, and the same stress relief. Even the simple act of taking up a hobby can create a more balanced lifestyle. With the constant pressure of day-to-day responsibilities, we often leave ourselves with little "down time. But regularly taking a few minutes to pursue a hobby gives you more time to care for yourself. The added bonus of crafting as a hobby is that in the end you've produced a beautiful work of art. Zakhareef provides a conducive atmosphere for relaxation. Rashad's easygoing attitude and conviction that she can teach anyone a craft creates a pressure-free environment. The sweet smell of burning incense immediately signals your mind to release those creative juices. The basic candle making and stenciling on candles workshops, Rashad teaches herself. Aside from learning the basics, at the end of the two-hour class, students will walk away with their own handmade creation (though if the candle is big they might have to pick it up the next day). If, after the basic class, students are interested to learn more they can take a professional candle-making course. Rashad has turned her hobby of making candles into a business. She started off with a small workshop in Dokki. Her trademark stenciled candles can be found in boutiques like Caravansari in Zamalek or Catacomb in Maadi, and customers commission her for special orders. As her candles grew in popularity she began to receive requests from people who wanted to learn to make candles. So when she decided to set up a showroom for crafts, it made sense to add a workshop to teach as well. Zakhareef became a place to showcase and support local craftsmen, plus a place to encourage more people to join their community. She isn't, however, worried that passing on the techniques of her craft will create competition. "This project is about transparency in arts, she said, "because I believe in personal input. No two artists, she elaborated, can create the same handmade craft. Even if they were given the same specifications, and asked to produce the same item, the results would differ. It was not surprising, then, that Zakhareef's slogan is "Share the crafts. To teach the other classes, Rashad turned to the online group Young Egyptian Designers. As graduates of fine and applied arts, they lead the workshops on stenciling on wood, beadwork, card making, and calligraphy. The studio even offers a course in "zabala art. Just bring in all the bits and pieces that you accumulate at home: empty jars, pieces of metal, interestingly shaped boxes, anything really. In just two hours you can learn to create a work of art from the chaos of the junk. If you weren't inclined to learn a craft, a visit to the showroom might be just the spur. From pottery to paintings, from rugs to candles, the small gallery is scattered with crafts. Some, like the hand-blown glass and some of the pottery, are not uncommon in similar showrooms across Cairo. Other items are unique to Zakhareef. Paintings by Yasser Rostom are exhibited for the first time in Egypt and the wool klims are only for sale at Zakhareef. Rashad's own charming colorful wood furniture - orange high table, bright yellow chairs both stenciled with simple floral graphics - is another unique feature. Zakhareef Studio & Store21 Hassan Assem, off Hassan Sabry St.,Ground Floor, Apt 1Zamalek, CairoTel: 738 1020www.zakhareef.comEmail: [email protected]
