Latest news with #craftsmanship
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Arlington's Old Schwamb Mill one of the oldest continuously operating mill sites in the country
Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington continues to make heirloom oval frames for more than 160 years Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington continues to make heirloom oval frames for more than 160 years Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington continues to make heirloom oval frames for more than 160 years One of the oldest continuously operating mill sites in the country, Arlington's Old Schwamb Mill has been handcrafting custom oval frames for over 160 years. Breana Pitts learns about the mill's unique history and the process of creating their one-of-a-kind heirloom-quality frames.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Droitwich butcher, 82, still loves job after nearly 70 years
A butcher who started learning his craft when he was 13 years old still loves the job at the age of 82 - nearly 70 years Lymer runs Lymers in Droitwich High Street, in Worcestershire, which has just celebrated its 50th butcher, who runs the business with his wife Sandy, said he still got a buzz from being behind the counter. "I just love talking to the people who come in. I'd miss my lovely customers if I ever stopped," he said. Mr Lymer said he got the idea of becoming a butcher when he was still at school and worked his way up to managing another butcher's in Droitwich High Street before his current unit became available in 1975. "Mr Hale, my old school teacher, said, 'Does anybody want a little job after school?' I was 13 at the time and put my hand up. "He said, 'Go down and see Mr Boston' [who owned a now-closed butcher's in the street] and tell him Mr Hale sent you'. "That was down the road from here. I really started learning the trade properly at 15 and was a manager at 19."It was the mid-70s when I heard this shop unit was available, so I went for it." Mrs Lymer used to work in banking, and after her retirement five years ago, she started to work alongside her husband in the shop. "He's got quite a reputation, has Tom; he's a legend - we've looked at him retiring, but I don't think that's ever going to happen; he just likes it so much," she said. "He loves his customers, and they love him - he's serving the grandchildren of the grandmothers and grandfathers that he first served, which is lovely." 'We love meeting people' The couple said it was an "honour" to have been running Lymers for 50 years - especially with stiff competition from supermarkets. "It's the customer service that people come in for - that and the quality of the food," said Mrs Lymer. "As well as the locals, we get people coming in who might have moved away from Droitwich - like Cornwall, for example, and when they come back here, they pop in because they know us and like us. It's lovely." Mr Lymer added: "Our stuff is all locally sourced - I've never followed what the supermarkets do; we do our own thing. "And it's meeting the people that we love - we do have some very loyal customers; we'll keep going as long as we can." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Flute maker Izani preserves heritage, one breath at a time
Serunai maker Mohd Izani Mohd Noor testing out a newly crafted Kelantanese serunai at his workshop in Kg Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian. (Bernama pic) KOTA BHARU : For Mohd Izani Mohd Noor, the serunai (traditional flute) is not merely a musical instrument – it's the voice of heritage and breath of culture that must be preserved. Despite the intricate and time-consuming process of crafting the Kelantanese serunai, he remains steadfast. Each piece of wood carved, and every hole drilled, is done with patience and purpose, driven by the goal of ensuring the continuity of the serunai as a living art form. 'My interest started in school: I would often visit my mentor, the late Tok Wan Nasir, to learn how to play the serunai. That's when I began to understand the process of making one,' Izani told Bernama, recalling his early years in Kampung Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian here. In 2013, he began crafting serunai as a pastime. What started as a hobby has now evolved into a specialised craft, with the 41-year-old now making the flute for customers across Malaysia. The process begins with selecting the right wood, such as merbau, sira tanduk, rengas or leban, depending on customer preferences. The wood is then cut to size, lathed and smoothed. Seven holes are drilled into the upper side, with one more hole drilled underneath. Each contributes to the instrument's distinctive tones. 'The lower section is made from softer wood to produce a mellow, melodious sound. The upper part holds the pipit (mouthpiece), made of brass and fitted with daun tar (palm-like leaves) for blowing,' Izani explained. He said crafting the pipit requires great precision, as even a slight imperfection can affect the sound quality. The selection of daun tar is also crucial, with only smooth, high-quality leaves used. It takes him an average of three days to craft one serunai, which sells for between RM280 and RM700, depending on the type of wood and intricacy of the carvings. (Bernama pic) 'These leaves are boiled with coconut milk and pulp for about an hour, then dried for a day. This process makes the leaves slightly oily, preventing saliva from sticking to the pipit and ensuring its durability for up to three months,' he noted. Izani produces two types of serunai – the longer serunai ibu (48-53cm), and the serunai anak (33-38cm). Both feature seven finger holes and one hole beneath. 'The serunai ibu produces a coarser sound, and is often used in performances such as silat, wayang kulit and main puteri. Traditional musical pieces like 'Tabuh', 'Hulubalang' and 'Serama Berjalan' are commonly played with it,' he explained. Meanwhile, the serunai anak offers a sharper, more delicate tone suited to mak yong's soulful performances. This shorter serunai is typically used for songs like 'Berkabar Belas', 'Pakyong Muda' and 'Sedayung Makyong'. Each serunai takes around three days to complete, including the tuning process. Prices range from RM280 to RM700, depending on the type of wood and complexity of the carvings. 'This is my way of preserving our heritage. As long as people still want to hear the sound of the serunai, I will keep making them,' Izani concluded.
Grazia USA
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Picture This
PHOTOGRAPHY: VLADIMIR MARTÍ FASHION DIRECTION: KIM PAYNE With each frame, the nonpareil beauty of these sculptural new season accessories is lensed, captured with refined simplicity to capture the complexity of luxury craftsmanship
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Al Huzaifa Unveils Immersive Design Experiences at INDEX Dubai 2025
Dubai: Al Huzaifa, the region's leading name in luxury design and craftsmanship, is making a bold statement at INDEX Dubai 2025 with an immersive exhibition that goes beyond traditional interior design showcases. From May 27th to 29th, visitors to the Al Huzaifa's booth at Dubai World Trade Centre will experience a journey through curated environments that blend material innovation with artistic storytelling. INDEX is the MENA region's flagship interior design exhibition, connecting global creativity with regional innovation. 'At INDEX, we are not simply presenting products, we are curating experiences,' said Sylvia Hakeem, Head Designer at Al Huzaifa. 'Each space has been crafted to push the boundaries of conventional design. Our goal is to inspire visitors with how material, mood, and form can converge to tell unique design narratives.' The showcase features three distinct experiential zones. The first features the brand's Aqua system fused with elegant champagne metal profiles, this area includes a custom high-end genuine leather bed accented with metallic detailing. A cream and soft stainless steel color palette enhances the space's sense of comfort. A second space brings together a bold interplay of artistic mural wallpaper with textile finishes and rough stone sheets. Earthy tones and straight architectural lines create a dramatic and grounded atmosphere. The final space highlights an unconventional wardrobe design in a setting of rich tanned orange and coffee brown tones. Contemporary yet refined, it speaks to those who seek individuality in everyday spaces. Al Huzaifa's INDEX showcase is deeply rooted in a love for natural materials like stone, leather, marble, and solid wood elements that bring texture, depth, and authenticity to any interior. 'With our deep material knowledge and focus on functionality, we offer practical yet artistic design solutions,' Hakeem added. 'INDEX is the perfect platform to share our vision with the design community and celebrate the timeless beauty of craftsmanship.' Visit Al Huzaifa at Booth C3 4D191 from May 27–29, 10 AM to 6 PM, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information, visit or follow @alhuzaifafurniture on social media. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
