My first blog... about Senegal - modecorarts

My first blog... about Senegal

Ever taken a trip to Senegal? It's tucked away on the far end of the African continent, not too far from Europe or the east side of the USA and South America.

Fun fact: it used to be a French colony, so French is the official language, but day-to-day convos? That's all about Wolof, with a sprinkle of Poular or Diola depending on where you are.

Now, imagine this: about half the place is giving a big hug to the Atlantic Ocean. They're kind of a big deal for seafood—oysters, mussels, fish galore. But venture a bit further from the coast, and it's a different scene - sand everywhere and baobab trees, borassus (like palm trees), neem, acacia—basically the survivors handling seven months of dryness each year.

And then there's Casamance, this lush, green spot below Gambia. Yeah, there's another country right in the middle of Senegal, playing referee between the north and south. The south, especially under Gambia, is like a green oasis.

So, my hustle, Modecorarts, sets up shop in the north, where life can be a bit of a juggle. Being an outsider, sure, there are some culture gaps. But you know what? The stress here is a different breed. It's not the crazy, hectic vibe I knew before. Sometimes it feels like too little stress, almost too chill. But I'm vibing with this laid-back lifestyle. Helps you focus on the now, easier to let things slide.

Starting up Modecorarts? Easy peasy. Keeping the wheels turning? Still a bit of a challenge, like any business in any corner of the world. I've got to keep an eye on everything, be on point. But somehow, I'm rolling with it. The weather's usually on point, surrounded by wild birds, and after every rainy season, my trees just burst with growth.

Senegal's got so much more to tell, but hey, I'm just dipping my toes into the blogging scene. I'll be back to spill more about my take on this place. Stay tuned!

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Natural Design / Laundry Basket (XL) in palm tree thread - modecorarts

Borassus

Fully Natural

These unique baskets are crafted from seagrass and the stems of the Borassus palm. Interestingly, these stems are not your typical branches; they are actually a part of the leaf. Borassus palms, known for their impressive height and slow growth, are a testament to nature's patience. I've personally planted one over two years ago, and it's fascinating to witness its growth, currently reaching just 50cm in height.

What captivates me about the Borassus palm is its transformative journey. In the initial 5 to 15 years, the bark turns entirely black, creating a stunning visual display. It's not just any bark; it's more like a distinctive stem. I'm eagerly waiting for the day when it reaches its full height of 5 meters, and I'll be sure to share a picture then.

These baskets are a harmonious blend of seagrass, flourishing in the lagoons of southern Senegal, and the unique stems of the Borassus palm found abundantly throughout the country. The result is a beautiful creation inspired by nature's intricate design, reflecting the rich and diverse landscape of Senegal.

Wanna See
Set of 2 toy storage in solid color / Storage Organizer / Solution for clutter - modecorarts

Creative

Colors

As a consistent theme across our store, it's essential to highlight that our plastic threads are sourced from recycled materials. We acquire remnants from a prayer rug factory, ensuring a sustainable approach to our production. While this commitment to eco-friendliness is paramount, it does bring about certain limitations in terms of color availability.

Regrettably, the factory's color palette is somewhat restricted, lacking varieties like different shades of Green, Mustard Yellow, or Navy Blue that we've always envisioned. This is due to their primary focus on rug manufacturing. However, amidst our collection of 14 distinct colors, we occasionally come across olive green. When this unique hue is available, we eagerly seize the opportunity to create our exclusive olive green baskets, adding a touch of earthy elegance to our offerings.

Check Olive Green