Discover Indian block printing in this hands-on workshop inspired by the textiles an ayah (nanny) might have brought with her from India in 1878. Discover the rich history behind this centuries-old craft, learn traditional techniques, and create your own printed fabric to take home. Led by Isabela from Haveli Diaries, this session celebrates the beauty of handmade textiles and the cultural stories they carry across time and place.

The session will begin with a brief introduction by Isabela from Haveli Diaries, exploring the history of block printing and its significance in Indian textile traditions. She will also provide insights into the 1878 room and its connection to the stories of migration and craftsmanship.

JAIPUR, THE PINK CITY, HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. AS THE FOUNDER OF HAVELI DIARIES, A BLOCK-PRINTED HOMEWARE AND LIFESTYLE BRAND, I TRAVEL TO JAIPUR REGULARLY—NOT JUST TO SOURCE TEXTILES, BUT TO IMMERSE MYSELF IN ITS RICH HERITAGE AND THRIVING ARTISAN COMMUNITY. THIS CITY ISN’T JUST WHERE I WORK; IT’S WHERE MY CREATIVITY FINDS ITS ROOTS. LET ME TAKE YOU THROUGH JAIPUR AS I EXPERIENCE IT, FROM ITS ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS TO ITS BUSTLING BAZAARS.

INDIAN WOMEN WEAR FLOWERS IN THEIR HAIR (GAJRA) FOR A VARIETY OF CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS, AND AESTHETIC REASONS. IN MANY PARTS OF INDIA, WEARING FLOWERS IN THE HAIR IS A TRADITIONAL PRACTICE PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS. IT IS SEEN AS A SYMBOL OF FEMININITY AND GRACE.

…AS A YOUNG GIRL, I ADORED READING ROMANCE NOVELS ABOUT PRINCESSES IN FARAWAY CASTLES, AS IM SURE MANY OTHER GIRLS DID TOO, BUT MY PRINCESSES ‘RANI’S’ LIVED IN PALACES, WEARING BEAUTIFUL LEHENGAS AND JEWELS, WITH FRESH FLOWERS IN THEIR HAIR AND MEHENDI ON THEIR HANDS. THEY WERE ALWAYS SURROUNDED BY STUNNING TEXTILES, BLOCK-PRINTED LEHENGAS AND SARIS. THE FACT THAT I GET TO WEAR THESE SAME TYPES OF BEAUTIFUL TEXTILES NOW, IN THE 21ST CENTURY, FEELS LIKE SUCH A PRIVILEGE. WHEN I WEAR MY BLOCK PRINTS, I FEEL LIKE ROYALTY, AND THAT’S EXACTLY HOW I WANT EVERYONE WHO WEARS THEM TO FEEL…