Cotton cushion covers, 'Sunshade' (pair)

Inspired by the graceful beauty of the Lanna woman, Alaya Cholprasertsuk crafts these cotton cushion covers in refreshing pastel hues. "Northern Thai women look demure and gentle, " explains Cholprasertsuk. "But when they have work to do, they are resilient and will do their best. I find that to be amazing." Features coconut shell buttons. Batik is a fabric art in which the cloth is stretched on a wooden frame and the design sketched with a pencil. Then a mixture of melted wax and resin (70%/30%) is painted onto areas where color is not desired and the fabric is dipped in a solution of reactive dye, water, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and the process is repeated for each color. Finally, the cloth is washed and rinsed to remove any excess dye. Hand wash in warm water using a mild detergent.