Atfaluna Crafts
Journey of Inspiration
Ibrahim Muhtadi - Atfaluna Crafts Showroom- Gaza City 2023
Since 2008, my collaboration with Atfaluna Crafts has been an important part of my professional journey. Atfaluna Crafts, a Palestinian craft production unit under the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Gaza, is dedicated to supporting artisans with hearing disabilities. For more than 15 years of collaboration, I have worked with the organization as both Business Manager and Product Designer, developing collections that reflect a dialogue between Palestinian cultural heritage and contemporary design. The project aims to empower individuals through craftsmanship that combines traditional motifs with modern forms, colors, and techniques.
OOne of the distinctive features of this project is its collaboration across five main workshops: Carpentry, Embroidery and Tailoring, Rugs and Textile Weaving, Painting on Wood, and Ceramics. These creative environments provide opportunities to explore a variety of materials and techniques, enabling the development of thoughtful and aesthetically refined designs.
Through this collaboration, I have integrated my artistic background and interest in Arabic calligraphy into the design process, creating patterns that reflect and celebrate Palestinian culture. I have also reinterpreted traditional Palestinian motifs and Arabic ornaments in a contemporary way, resulting in modern pieces that maintain a strong connection to their cultural origins.
Production
Working closely with talented and skilled Gazan artisans, many of whom are deaf, has been a deeply rewarding experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the creation of memorable pieces that have become bestsellers both locally in Gaza and internationally.
Products
Arabic Calligraphy Mirror
A handcrafted square mirror framed in solid wood, featuring hand-painted ceramic tiles adorned with freehand Arabic calligraphy. The letters are delicately carved and left unglazed, creating a beautiful contrast in texture.
Arabesque Side Lamps
A beautifully crafted wooden side lamp collection featuring various shapes and patterns. Each piece is carefully hand-carved with arabesque designs—from Arabic calligraphy to traditional oriental motifs. When lit, the lamp casts a warm, decorative glow.
Corner Lamps
A beautifully crafted wooden side lamp collection featuring various shapes and patterns. Each piece is carefully hand-carved with arabesque designs—from Arabic calligraphy to traditional oriental motifs. When lit, the lamp casts a warm, decorative glow.
The Sun-set Side Lamps
A beautifully crafted wooden side lamp collection featuring various shapes and patterns. Each piece is carefully hand-carved with arabesque designs—from Arabic calligraphy to traditional oriental motifs. When lit, the lamp casts a warm, decorative glow.
Hand-painted arabesque tray
A beautifully crafted wooden side lamp collection featuring various shapes and patterns. Each piece is carefully hand-carved with arabesque designs—from Arabic calligraphy to traditional oriental motifs. When lit, the lamp casts a warm, decorative glow.
Hand-painted ceramic tiles tray
A beautifully crafted wooden side lamp collection featuring various shapes and patterns. Each piece is carefully hand-carved with arabesque designs—from Arabic calligraphy to traditional oriental motifs. When lit, the lamp casts a warm, decorative glow.
Cube Vase set
A contemporary set of three solid wood vases, designed with clean modern lines and refined shapes. Each vase is inlaid with a hand-painted ceramic tile, blending natural warmth with artistic detail. When placed together, the three pieces interlock like a puzzle to form a striking cubic sculpture—functional, modern, and deeply artisanal.
Arabesque side table
A handmade wooden side table decorated with an arabesque geometric pattern. The design is inspired by traditional ornamentation, giving the table a touch of cultural beauty while keeping a natural and simple look. It is both a useful piece of furniture and a gentle accent for the home.
Arabesque Coffee table
A handmade wooden side table decorated with an arabesque organic pattern. a useful piece of furniture and a gentle accent for the home.
Side table with hand-painted ceramic
A refined side table, carefully crafted from natural wood and features hand-painted ceramic tiles. The tabletop design is inspired by a traditional Islamic star pattern, creating a geometric focal point that blends cultural detail with a clean, functional form. A versatile piece that combines durability with decorative character.
Handcrafted Wooden Office Set with Hand-Painted Tiles
A finely crafted office set, made from natural wood and decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles. The design is inspired by traditional arabesque motifs, adding a touch of cultural artistry to practical tools. This set—featuring a pen and card holder, a covered box, and a note holder—blends everyday functionality with elegant craftsmanship, creating a workspace accessory that is both durable and decorative.
Handwoven Rug
A vibrant handwoven rug, crafted with rich wool threads and decorated with colorful horizontal bands. The design features traditional geometric diamond motifs, evoking heritage patterns while maintaining a clean, modern rhythm. The fringed edges add texture and warmth, creating a versatile piece that blends cultural identity with functional beauty.
Handwoven Rug with Arabic Kufi Calligraphy
A distinctive handwoven rug, carefully crafted with earthy wool tones and accented by bold geometric borders. At its center, the design features the word “Gaza” in traditional Arabic Kufi calligraphy, transforming the textile into both a decorative piece and a cultural statement. The combination of linear motifs and warm colors blends heritage symbolism with functional beauty, making this rug a meaningful accent for any space.
Handwoven wool shoulder bag
A unique and vibrant shoulder bag, carefully handwoven from natural wool. The flap features traditional rug's weaving, inspired by rich geometric motifs and vivid colors often found in cultural textiles. Decorative tassels add texture and movement, enhancing its artisanal charm. This piece is both functional and expressive — a practical bag that carries the story of heritage through craft.