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🧵 Araucaria Camden: Ethical Elegance from Asia to London

written by PRASH

Tucked above the bustling stalls of Camden Lock Market lies a treasure trove of handmade textiles, colourful home accessories, and upcycled beauty: Araucaria.

For over 20 years, Araucaria has blended traditional craftsmanship from India and Southeast Asia with the bold, expressive spirit of Camden. This isn’t just a shop — it’s a sensory journey through heritage, culture, and ethical artistry.

✨ A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Connection

Founded by artisans and world travellers with a passion for textiles and fair trade, Araucaria brings the beauty of block-printing, embroidery, and appliqué to London — while supporting small workshops and families in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and beyond.

At its core, Araucaria is about more than aesthetics. It’s about:

Preserving traditional techniques that are slowly fading
Celebrating cultural identity through colour, pattern, and purpose
Giving customers access to unique, handmade pieces that tell a story

Every item in the store carries the mark of a human hand — and the soul of a global village.

🛍️ What You’ll Find at Araucaria

Whether you’re dressing a bohemian living room or searching for a thoughtful gift, Araucaria offers an irresistible range of handmade treasures:

🏡 Block-Printed Tablecloths & Runners

Bold floral prints, paisley swirls, and geometric borders — hand-carved woodblocks are dipped in natural dye and stamped onto soft cotton. These pieces brighten any table and spark conversation.

Available in 4, 6, 8 and 10-seater sizes
Crafted in Rajasthan by generational artisans
Coordinating napkins and placemats available

🛋️ Cushion Covers & Quilted Throws

From shimmering kantha stitches to elephant motifs and Banjara embroidery, each piece is unique.

Vintage sari patchwork designs
Velvet-textured appliqué elephants
Soft cotton quilted throws — perfect for cozy nights or vibrant decor accents

✈️ Cotton Travel Bags & Weekenders

Quilted, colourful, and lightweight, Araucaria’s travel bags are practical yet full of personality. Designed to stand out at airports and yoga studios alike.

Available in floral prints, mandala designs, and earthy palettes
Lined interiors with zip pockets
Ethically stitched and fair trade produced

📚 Recycled Paper Journals & Accessories

Eco-friendly doesn’t have to be dull. Araucaria’s journals are handcrafted using recycled cotton and paper fibres.

Leather-wrapped diaries with wrap cords
Painted paper notebooks and pen holders
Ideal for gifts or conscious creatives

💍 Vintage Finds & Upcycled Fashion

Araucaria also stocks one-off vintage textiles, such as:

Banjara tribal bags from India
Upcycled embroidered pouches
Vintage silk scarves
Hand-finished kurtas and tunics

Many pieces are exclusive — once sold, they’re gone forever.

🌱 Fair Trade & Ethical Values

Araucaria partners directly with artisan cooperatives and small family-run workshops. That means:

No mass production
Fair wages paid to craftspeople
Natural fibres and plant-based dyes where possible
Minimal plastic packaging
Celebrating slow fashion and conscious buying

They believe every item should have a story — not a barcode.

📍 The Camden Lock Market Experience

Araucaria is located in the Upper Market Hall, a beautiful Victorian-style interior with arched windows and open views over Camden Lock and Hawley Wharf. As you climb the wooden stairs past bustling food vendors and jewellery stands, the space opens up into a calm, textile-filled haven.

It’s a feast for the senses: