sfennell
Top shop for gifts.
A buyer bought a gift from this shop and gave it a 5-star review!
Announcement
Welcome to 織り羽 (オリバー) 絞 Oriba Shibori.
My family name is 'Oliver' but is pronounced "Oribaa" in Japanese. 織る/"oru" is the verb 'to weave', referencing weavers in my neighborhood in Kagoshima, Japan. 羽/"ba" means 'wing' alluding to an old folktale "The Crane Weaver."
Announcement
Welcome to 織り羽 (オリバー) 絞 Oriba Shibori.
My family name is 'Oliver' but is pronounced "Oribaa" in Japanese. 織る/"oru" is the verb 'to weave', referencing weavers in my neighborhood in Kagoshima, Japan. 羽/"ba" means 'wing' alluding to an old folktale "The Crane Weaver."
Items
All Items
Reviews
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Denise on Mar 14, 2017
5 out of 5 starsJust like the photo. Love the weight and colors. Very happy!
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marthasophia on Jan 1, 2017
5 out of 5 starscreative and gorgeous design; marvelous technique! I love it!
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Kaitlin on Mar 29, 2016
5 out of 5 starsSuzan was a pleasure to deal with and the item purchased was exactly as pictured. Thank you Susan!
Best regards,
Kaitlin -
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materialculture on Aug 16, 2015
5 out of 5 starsAnazing, perfect, wonderful! My tunic is now transformed from just basic to awesome by this artist. Many thanks, S!
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Dan on Oct 9, 2014
5 out of 5 starsI came across this listing and requested a custom indigo overdye of some pale blue chinos I had... I was hoping for a hybrid between chinos/khakis and jeans. What I received was nothing short of amazing.
Customer service and communication with the seller was amazing. The price and service rendered is beyond fair and the return shipping was very fast and nicely packaged.
But most importantly the final product looks exactly how I imagined a custom, hand-dyed pair of pants would look, with slight color variations near seams and contrasting stitching and buttons where the dye didn't penetrate as well, lending a very rugged workwear and denim-like look. The blue color itself is amazing. I can't wait to hopefully get that indigo "fade" like jeans, and get more character with wear! HAPPY CUSTOMER. -
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Evelyn on Jul 8, 2014
5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely beautiful. Interactions with seller were most pleasant. Look forward to future transactions.
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daisy29 on Jun 17, 2014
5 out of 5 starsPerfect, just what I wanted and delivered so fast to be in time for an occasion. Thanks!
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About sfennell
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Growing indigo in the garden.
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The studio
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Testing the indigo vat
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Dyeing
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Freshly dipped and oxidizing
Two Cultures
An early immersion in a culture and time where daily work and creating was “by hand” only, made a deep impression in my formative years spent in Japan. I lived in Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, later moving to Kyoto and Tokyo.
In the daily as well as in travel, I was exposed to rice farmers, day laborers and craftspeople like potters, carpenters, dyers and weavers. From them and other influences, I not only developed a work ethic, but also a strong desire to be a “maker" - one who works by hand.
Since, I've studied art at the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore), Meredith College (Raleigh) and taught Japanese language in the NC public schools.
I've been privileged to dye jeans for Raleigh Denim Workshop and give workshops at Meredith College, the Gregg Museum of Art and Design and the NC Museum of Art. I've taught youth at Artspace (Raleigh) and also teach at Pullen Arts Center (Raleigh).
Exploring indigo and shibori is where I ultimately find authenticity, as it helps to reconcile aspects of these two seemingly opposite cultures.
Currently, I continue with explorations in my home studio and garden, look after my terriers, teach and sell my pieces here.
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
I don't accept cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)