Make Yourself the Most Stylish DIY African Pillows
Fabrics express the uniqueness of each place and can even be an identity for some parts of the world. Rugs from Morocco, rugs from Turkey and… the famous Bogolan fabrics from Mali, West Africa.
Bogolan is Africa’s most famous fabric and its roots date back to the 12th century when it first appeared. In Mali’s language it is said ‘bògòlanfini and the term consists of 3 words. Bogo means “earth” or “mud”, lan means “together” and fini “means” fabric. As you may have already guessed, these are fabrics traditionally made with mud paint.
This “fashion” is one of the latest trends in Pinterest that has revived.
Today, Bogolan is the national pride of Mali. However, it seems that this ‘fashion’ is not limited to Africa, but is one of the latest trends in Pinterest that has revived. Of course, we are not talking about traditional handmade fabrics made in Africa (whose process is all art) but a similar visual effect we find in fabrics and pillows in modern homes.
So see how you can make beautiful Bogolan pillows for yourself and incorporate them into your home decor.
For your DIY you will need simple white pillow cases, ruler, indelible pen, fabric, pencil, tape, a guide triangle (ruler, cardboard cut yourself etc.)
Choose the pattern you like.
Choose any design you like from the Bogolan and split your into four vertical strips using the tape.
Divide the pillow case into strips and paint the drawing with your guide.
Then draw your drawing with a pencil, gently, using the guide triangle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – the beauty in the Bogolan is the fact that it’s handmade (which means it’s never perfect). Take your triangle and guide and your indelible pen to jump over your plans. Your Bogolans are ready.
Tip. Iron your pillow after you make it to “sit” the ink using a cloth that you will place over your pillowcase.
Images via: Pinterest
