Brandy's

1727
S. TELEGRAPH 4'eg s

the leisure time to experiment in other
differences between her two countries.
ways: with styles, patterns and density
Basic economics is one.
of her weaves. "I weave my fabrics and
"The U.S. economy has been
then embroider them. I had to work
strong for some time and most
that out," she says. Then she began
Americans have more disposable
producing in earnest. By the end of
income to spend on arts purchases
the year, with 300 items, she felt she
than the average Israeli does," she
had the requisite number of small
explains.
pieces to contemplate selling. "You
Competition is the other part of
need enough inventory to be taken
the equation. "Israelis will often take
seriously in crafts marketplaces.
day trips into the desert for recreation.
Customers expect to have an abun-
They'll purchase items from the
dant selection of items, sizes and col-
Bedouins and the Druze who sell a lot
ors before they make a purchase," she
of crafts very inexpensively," she says.
explains.
For Newman, blending the
Now back at Ein Dor after her
rhythms of crafts production with the
Haifa hiatus, Newman will be balanc-
demands of life on a kibbutz has taken
ing her commitment to her craft with
some discipline and planning. At Ein
Dor, a community of about 800,
Newman works about 48 hours a
week in early childhood educa-
tion, caring for and teaching chil-
dren from infancy to age three.
Pressed for time and space, she
admits she did little with her
weaving for the first few years at
Ein Dor.
"I had all of my materials
stored under my bed," she recalls.
"Last year, I decided I wanted to
give it a serious try." With that
objective, Newman took a year
off from the Kibbutz and moved
to an apartment in Haifa. "There,
I had a big pot going, like a
witch's cauldron, for my dyes,"
Newman says, describing her
work in Haifa. I do all my own
dyeing using water-based dyes,
and I use the full color range. But
I stay away from the typical rain-
bow palette and flourescents," she
says firmly.
Working with white 100 per-
cent cotton string as her medi-
um, Newman says her inspira-
Rachel Newman's Judaica will be on sale at
tion comes from many sources,
two Chanukah synagogue bazaars in Ann
including some photographs
Arbor on Sunday, Nov. 22. One show is at
that she took to record an excep-
Beth Israel Synagogue in the morning and
tional Israeli sunset. She wishes
the other is at Temple Beth Emeth in the
that Israelis would recycle more
early evening. She can be reached at
used items; and for a time while yurachel@netvision.netil
living in Haifa, she detoured
into experimenting with another
her responsibilities on the Kibbutz.
medium, reclaiming sacks from flour
She has put together a portfolio of her
and tea to make baskets. "There is
work and sends it out to potential
virtually no recycling in Israel," she
exhibitors. Briefly, she had representa-
says. "They could learn something
tion by an Israeli gallery, but decided
from Americans."
that the 50 percent split in sales was
The year in Haifa allowed Newman

TAU R

BLOOMFIELD
HILLS

New owner John Rugani, formerly of Copper Creek
Restaurant invites you to lunch and dinner at his new
venue. Always known for the freshest seafood and
quality meat selection, John has taken this fine estab-
lishment and added his own flair to make
BRANDY'S an unforgettable dining experience to all.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING INTIMATE & PRIVATE?

Brandy's has two private banquet facilities
seating up to 50 Guests
•
NOW OPEN FOR DINNER ON SUNDAYS

(248) 338-4300

HOURS: MON - THUR 11-11
FRI-SAT 11-12 • SUN 4-9

•

Create afabulous heirloom
to cherish for a lifetime.

Knit, crochet or weave a beaded vintage-style handbag.
Enhance your bag with a custom beaded pursestrap.

32751 Franklin Rd. • Franklin, MI 48025
(248) 855-5230

Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5

11/20
1998