Little magic carpets

This is the story of some simple, everyday objects that have been part of my life for years. They’re not just items for decoration and practical use. Their very fibres are seeped in the memories of travels around eastern Europe. They’re precious things…

BULGARIA – 1990

This rich textile was bought on a trip to Bulgaria almost 25 years ago, as the country was emerging bleary-eyed from decades of socialism. A first solo visit to eastern Europe holds vivid memories. My friend Eva was unimpressed. “It smells of communism,” she said. To this day it is used as a tablecloth.

SLOVAKIA – 2006

This cloth with its elegant apricot braiding was picked up in Bratislava. This was a hastily organised trip to mark the end of a long relationship, and the charms of the Slovak capital were lost on me. As it happens, this cloth is covering the table at the moment.

ROMANIA – 1991

Romania has a special place in my soul, and this first visit was memorable and momentous. I remember buying this runner in the port city of Constanta, and it has spent years hanging on the walls of various homes, often guarding the front door. It’s starting to fade, but that eye-opening summer never diminishes.

Click first image to launch the gallery

Tags: Bulgaria, craft, eastern Europe, embroidery, fabric, Latvia, macro, magic carpets, memories, needlework, nostalgia, photography, Romania, Slovakia, textiles, travel

22 thoughts on “Little magic carpets”

Sreejith Nair on March 17, 2015 at 18:43 said:

Perfect examples for making eye catching images…

Really enjoyed the way depth is used here :)

It’s really been great finding your work mike :)

So much to learn by observing…

Thanks again for sharing your gift with us :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on March 17, 2015 at 18:45 said:
  
  I really appreciate you taking the time to look, Sreejith. I’ll certainly be looking out for your posts in the future – you have a very firm following!
  
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  - Sreejith Nair on March 17, 2015 at 18:47 said:
    
    Thank you so much, Mike :)
    
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jdtphotography.co.uk on February 22, 2015 at 08:19 said:

Wonderful series Mike with such rich and vibrant colours and very emotive words.

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 22, 2015 at 09:31 said:
  
  Thank you very much, James. I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. And it was a comfortable, warm indoor shoot!
  
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  - jdtphotography.co.uk on February 22, 2015 at 10:54 said:
    
    You are very welcome Mike and have a great Sunday.
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on February 22, 2015 at 11:12 said:
      
      Likewise, James :)
      
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Andy Townend on February 3, 2015 at 10:51 said:

Beautiful colours and memories no doubt!

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 4, 2015 at 15:20 said:
  
  Thank you Andy. Yes, indeed. You must have had a fair few scrapes with Serbian equivalents in your time!
  
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  - Andy Townend on February 4, 2015 at 23:01 said:
    
    Yes indeed, i just love the colour and vibrancy of eastern european culture…
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on February 6, 2015 at 18:15 said:
      
      That makes two of us :)
      
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leecleland on February 1, 2015 at 22:05 said:

I want to know more about these ‘bits of old cloth’ the stories you attached to the first few whetted my appetite for more Mike :) The macros are lovely showing us enough with that tantalising glimpse. A series to add to Mike.

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 1, 2015 at 22:13 said:
  
  Thank you Lee. I did wonder about writing much more, but stuck to just a little background to the shoot. And it’s mainly about the photos after all…
  
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  - leecleland on February 1, 2015 at 22:32 said:
    
    Awe, yes I know, but. . . . ..
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on February 1, 2015 at 22:54 said:
      
      The stories I could tell!
      
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      - leecleland on February 2, 2015 at 02:20 said:
        
        I’m sure, and listening :)
        
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Cos on February 1, 2015 at 21:06 said:

Beautiful series. I love the texture and colours.

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 1, 2015 at 21:12 said:
  
  Thank you Koos. Just a few little bits of old cloth :)
  
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Robyn Graham Photography on February 1, 2015 at 15:23 said:

The colors and textures do make them magical! Nice work, Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 1, 2015 at 16:06 said:
  
  Thanks Robyn, glad you like them. Small things that mean a lot and were enjoyable to capture.
  
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ckponderings on February 1, 2015 at 14:26 said:

Warm, rich colours, but delicate textures too. Nice series, Mike! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 1, 2015 at 14:27 said:
  
  Thanks Richard! A good combination of an indoor shoot and recalling so many memorable trips thanks to these long-kept items.
  
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