Duniana means "our world," and with my shop I'd like to think I'm inviting people into our world, as Palestinians. There is so much beauty in our culture, and it breaks my heart to see it get destroyed again and again. We're not that different, and hopefully with my art you can have a look into the world of Palestinians, to see why we resist so fiercely, and how we continue to love and create beauty against all odds. This shop has brought me joy and inspiration in a dark time for our world. Over the last months, my mind has been all over the place. From feeling rage at the injustices happening to my people, to a great sadness for losing the family members who have chosen racism and supremacy over equality, to a feeling of helplessness about being able to do nothing to stop the collective punishment and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. I've struggled to find a place for myself in this resistance, until I went to a tatreez workshop with other Palestinians and allies. Tatreez simply means "embroidery" or more specifically, "cross-stitch." I found great joy in the beautiful and intricate patterns I could make, truly delighting in the perfection of each stitch as well as the feeling of accomplishment when I finished a motif. I started with the tatreez earrings, and then moved towards drawings of traditional Palestinian images or texts, and have also begun creating necklaces, ornaments, and magnets. I am constantly looking for inspiration; whether it's for other things I could make with the patterns I have perfected, or within the tatreez community, finding new-to-me motifs to embroider. I have sold here, on Etsy, and also with another Palestinian woman who sells handmade Palestinian treasures such as jewelry, keffiyehs, shoes, bags, belts, baskets, and more (@roo_ts48 on IG). If there is something you would like me to make, or if you have any questions at all, I am more than happy to chat!