Bholu

Frederick the Elephant has a handmade felt coat to keep him warm. He stands 20 cm tall and 18 cm wide. Handmade with wood felt and hand embroidery. Stuffed with microfibre waddling. And suitable for children under 3 years (and adults, of course).

Bholu is an Australian company that designs creative toys and furniture for children. “Bholu” means free and artistic expression. It’s also an Indian term of endearment and affection towards a small child. The Bubalahs are playful plush creatures made of soft wool felt. Their designs come from drawings from children, aged 3 to 7, who live in underprivileged slum communities. Bholu gives a percentage of profits back to these communities to fund children’s education (very cool). Bholu also creates lovely wraps for kids. Each unique piece is handmade with ancient techniques and brought to life by traditional Indian artisans.

“They used to call me the ‘bholu’ lady… and it just stuck.” Jodie is talking about the women artisans of Katchchh, a desert community in Gujarat, where she helped to rebuild and decorate an earthquake-devastated village. Jodie Fried is a NDA Design Graduate with a Bachelor of Theatrical Design. “I find great joy in being able to combine the things I love,” she says. “The theatricality of designing, the bliss of colour, fabric and thread – and most of all, India and its people…”