Hidden Talents of Ubud, Bali!

Ubud was a fantastic time! I met a handful of very talented Balinese people whose art and craft I absolutely love and I think you will too! To support these artists and designers is so exciting for a couple of reasons. First, you can count on their work not being mass produced. Thus, any piece you own will be unique and hard (if not impossible) to find an exact replica. Second, the hard work and care put into the quality and design of their work is unmatched. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the financial investment made when purchasing their products goes directly to them and their families to support their great work and encourage them to continue to pursue each of their talents. Look good, feel good- that’s what it’s all about! With that said, here’s a little introduction to my new friends in Ubud whose works of art I hope continually have in store- for you!



Meet Pulu! She’s only 26 years old and has been running the show at her silk batik boutique now for 4 years! She started her business during college to help pay for school- can you imagine her work load! Every single stitch sewn in her boutique was sewn buy Pulu! Using silk batik as her medium she creates elegant dresses and playful skirts and tops. She also has many beautiful silk batik scarves which I had the opportunity to play dress up in, hand-picking the greatest colors to bring to the Elefante Imports online store. They are the perfect accessory that works around the neck, works as a belt, or works in you hair! I’m cannot wait to wear mine!
Below is another picture of Pulu and her boyfriend who helps her run the store when she is busy cutting and sewing. His name is Goes’d. They are two incredibly sweet people with incredibly beautiful creations!


Here’s a peak at some of her sophisticated yet fun Balinese silk batik scarves! Later I’ll post all the great ways to wear them!

Here's a little edu on the exotic: Batik is a textile dying process in which they use wax resistant dye to create the designs. By first putting the wax onto the textile to form various designs, then by adding the dye which takes to the exposed material(unwaxed). The end product- rich colors and remarkable designs!

Next on the list of talents is Arka. Arka and his daughter make some of best masks I’ve ever seen in Bali! I stumbled upon them by accident(they are not in the most prime spot for selling their great art), but I'm so glad I found them! I couldn’t leave without picking up some of their pieces of art. For two reasons, though my hands were very full I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to find him again (as it seems most people were not). Also, to watch him paint and to see the detail put into each mask was really amazing. I really hope to come back next time and pick up even more of their art to bring back for everyone to see and have a chance to add a bit of exotic to their home!



He’s works so hard and moves so fast(apologies for the blur)! There is a peak of Arka and one of his very cool primitive masks. I had never seen anything quite like this (and apparently neither had the Germans staying in the next bungalow who nearly tried to buy them off me)! The style was different than most and really grabbed your eye which is what I’m always looking for! Here’s another peak!


And last, but certainly not least was the sweet Ieu. She make the most beautiful cushion covers. Trust me, I’ve seen quite a few nice cushion covers, but these ones I couldn’t leave Bali without! Even other Balinese people oowed and ahhhed over these gems! They are hand made patchwork pillow cases made from recycle pieces of the prettiest fabric used in South East Asia! Made with love, good for the earth, and great for your home! What’s not to love about that! I’m really excited about having these accent cushion covers available online at elefanteimports.com of course!


and now... back to the surf side where I'll sell seashells by the seashore... "Cheers mate!"