Tuesday 5 November 2013

TAAKRA BAAZAR!!!!

Taakra Academy, School of Art and Crafts pulls off a successful Bazaar/ exhibition/ workshop  @ the Justice Oputa Foundation building in Gwarimpa , Abuja. 
The students displayed Beautiful necklace sets and unique Ankara hand bags, also on display were hand made fans,ankara shoes,hair fasinators, Christmas ornament and lot more .
Due to popular demand from Friends and participants Taakra will holding their arts and crafts Bazaar every Saturday up until the Xmas holiday to enable people to purchase there items.
This avenue has enabled our students to showcase their works to the public and prove to them that having a skill is the next step to self empowerment. 

 Join us every Saturday @ justice oputa foundation building 6th Ave Galadima Gwarimpa Abuja.
Time: 12 noon-pm to 5 pm, come and appreciate the worlds of Art & Crafts!!!!!!
 




Friday 30 August 2013

Legendary Art LLC (The Man Behind The Gun)

As a young child, Fredrick Benjamin closed himself off to the harsh reality of life, and drew for hours on end.  Drawing and painting always took me to a place where my soul was at ease Fred as his friends fondly calls him says. 
In my younger years I started off drawing super hero’s from my favorite comic books, then as I reached maturity, my art work evolved.  I have created oil paintings, acrylic oil pastels, chalk drawings, sketch art as well as stippling.  My passion is now tattooing.
 
From Sumter South Carolina, Fred’s drawings at an early age received recognition, as he won second place the NSBC Bank drawing completion and was awarded by Governor Campbell the Governor of South Carolina for his outstanding work.

It is from there he began to share his talent, when he was asked to teach art during a summer school program, an amazing experience Fred recalls which he enjoyed immensely.

A childhood friend  admired my art work and asked me to do his tattoo, to be honest I wasn’t interested in tattooing because tattooing was illegal in the state of South Carolina at the time.  I did my first tattoo in 1997 at the age of twenty one, even though tattooing was not legalized until April 2, 2006.

 I wanted to tat like the guys I admired in the magazines, but I was nowhere close until I developed my own style as an artist.  As an artist, it gives my clients something to cherish forever, and it also shows off my creativity.  Tattooing is limitless, and there are no limits to what you can do with a tattoo gun. 

I am a freelance tattoo artist, and I prefer it that way.  My gun will travel, so I am not confined to a shop.  Being a freelance artist is more hands on, I enjoy being up close and personal with my clients.  When people request a tattoo of a loved one they’ve lost, it touches me and it connects them to their loved one for an eternity.  I feel honored when I am able to share in their moment by offering my artistic creativity.
Tattooing is now my life’s work.  There is nothing in this world more fulfilling to me.  I am sixteen years strong in this business, with nowhere to go but up.  I started my own business Legendary Art LLC on August 20, 2010, and I am extremely proud of my accomplishments.  Tattooing is my way of becoming immortal! 
 Fredrick Benjamin will be visiting Taakra Art and Craft Academy in Abuja and Lagos where we will be holding a 2 week tattooing seminar for the inspiring artist.

To book your space call - 070-31002336
 Contact information: 803-983-9147
Facebook:  Frederick Benjamin or Benjamin Frederick/ legendary art
Instagram:  Legendaryartllc
Twitter:  Frederick Benjamin






THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN

Wednesday 28 August 2013

LIVING YOUR DREAM

Many of us at an early age realize our purpose in life; although our goals and aspirations are clear to us, expectations from family or others may slightly differ; causing one to redirect their vision to other professions they feel will offer you financial stability.
       At an early age Dr Harani knew she had a passion for the arts and charged her friends and family, entry free to view her art work, using proceeds to acquire supplies for her collection. Her mother a Jewelry designer and business woman from India had a different path she wanted her daughters to follow.
Today Dr. Harani a graduate from Lugansk Medical University, having fulfilled her commitment to her parents has decided to go back to her child hood passion. Her medical certificate according to her, although a huge achievement is now sitting in a frame which she cherishes.  
 Now fulfilled and pursuing vigorously her entrepreneur path, her interest in skin care products and herbal soap, lead her to Taakra Art and Craft Academy where she completed a full course in soap making. With her medical back ground and new found knowledge in soap production she has produced a line of Natural soap products made from aromatherapy body oils, herbs, oatmeal, alovera, green tea, fresh lemon, lime juice extract and other ingredients. Along with her unique packaging “Garden Essence” Natural products will soon hit the local and international market.
Dr. Fatima Harani’s favorite quote is “the future belongs to those who believed in the beauty of their dreams .Eleanor Roosevelt.
In conclusion Dr. Harani is a determined young lady who knows exactly what she wants, Taakra has identified her as a role model for today’s African women.


                                                           Oatmeal, Honey and peppermint
This is the freshest way to start your day! Benefits: Honey is a natural anti- microbial agent, oatmeal is a natural healer which exfoliates and also helps with acne! And with the smell of the powerful peppermint essential oil nothing feels more invigorating.
                                                     Green Tea and Lemon peppermint
Natural handmade soap from brewed green tea, contains fresh lemon and lime juice extract with soothing mint leaves! Benefits: Anti- cellulite and Toning, sun protection, anti- aging and anti- bacterial

Wednesday 7 August 2013

THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN

All women are naturally beautiful in their various ways, be it inwardly or outward. Any woman that has the ability to withstand circumstance and trials is worth emulating and can hold her family, and cope in the society she lives in generally. Women are the apple of God’s eyes that is why we have strength and inbuilt skills to maintain and manage a home.
 Taakra academy helping to stabilizing domestic conditions of homes since its inception in Abuja, by teaching, encouraging and empowering these women with different creative arts and  crafts works, this has helped to put smiles on the faces and food on the table of these families.
Women are home makers and Taakra Academy the school of Art and Crafts is out to encourage them to attain their utmost goals, objectives and vision in life.

We the entire management of Taakra Academy, school of Arts and Crafts, hereby wish the entire populace a blessed Sallah Celebration.

Friday 2 August 2013

Taakra Empower 200 women within the F.C.T

Taakra academy the school of art and krafts have commenced the first phase of their drive towards empowering 200 women/ widows within the F.C.T area of Abuja, Nigeria.
The women were picked from catholic churches in Gwarimpa, majority  are widows and a few women who are complete house wives, whose husbands practically have nothing doing for a living.
These women were carefully selected under strict investigation by the parish priest of their churches and also with the help of a society within the churches St. Vincent de Paul society.
Furthermore, so far, the women indicated interest in jewelry/ bead making, shoe/bag making, Event decoration and planning, they were carefully guided by the staff of Taakra in making their choices, putting their immediate environment into consideration and also how they can easily access raw materials and package their finished goods.
 

Tuesday 30 July 2013

Taakra Academy: Hearing impairment resource person

Taakra Academy: Hearing impairment resource person: “As the saying goes, there is always ability in disability, when it comes to the world of creativity” Taakra is a humanitarian organizati...

Hearing impairment resource person

“As the saying goes, there is always ability in disability, when it comes to the world of creativity”
Taakra is a humanitarian organization that finds pleasure in working with those that love and have passion for handwork and creativity irrespective of any disability one encountered, that is why the C.E.O of Taakra Academy took up the service of a young man in his 30’s with hearing impairment, but uses his hands skillfully in making of different Ankara/skin designers shoe and bag for both sex to earn a living.
Ekene a strong-willed man despite his hearing impairment did not let his situation send him to the streets. This is actually a challenge to most of our Youths today that take into crime because there is no white collar jobs, but there is a lot that can be achieved by using your hands to produce different krafts that are relevant to our market today………….. For our youths Idleness or Crime is never the answer, but hard work and dedication is all you need!

He is really a great source of encouragement to all those out there who feel, I cannot work because I cannot walk, I am blind and so on and indeed Taakra has stood out to encourage such people.

Ekene is currently working with Taakra Academy as one of our resource persons, It has been fun working with him, seeing the fact that he is so passionate about what he does.

Thursday 18 July 2013

OUR MISSION TO NYSC CAMP

Taakra Academy school of Arts and Kraft was at the National Youth Service Camp Kubwa Abuja, during the Batch B 2013 Orientation Training.

Taakra Academy amongst others was one of the Resource Persons to help inculcate in the youth/corp member s skills they can transform into wealth. The program/workshop lasted for 7days where interested corp members were taught how to make Ankara shoe and Bag, Taakra creative crafts, event decoration and planning.

The program strategy focuses on the act of creativity and the ability to use your hands and earn a living/self-employed.

Our society presently need youths that can stand for themselves anywhere in the world regardless of white collar jobs that most times do not come easy after the passing out of these corp members. Handwork is taking a better shape in our economy today, because with ones experience in the University, packaging ones handwork for the market will be a plus, for instance, a corp member who now package Ijebu Garri for sale. 




Taakra Academy is Glad to be among the resource group at the NYSC camp in Abuja  and we hope to continue this work of impartation that we have started in Abuja.

Wednesday 19 June 2013

Taakra and the women empowerment program

With the realization of the state of the country, and the persistent problems of poverty and other ills, TAAKRA along with private organization and other alike minds has join hands to help eradicate these problems in the society
TAAKRA in order to deal with these problems is now focusing on women, widows and youths who categorically have no one to care for them, in so doing Mrs. Diane Oputa has taken a bold step in sourcing for sponsors for these individuals in order to empower them in various skills like making of Ankara shoe,Bag, Bead making, Event Decoration/planning and so on. Taakra strongly believes that the Participation of these individuals in our skills acquisition program will play an important role on economic development, stability and independency, in the sense that, knowledge they say is power.
In all of these activities, poverty takes the center stage in our society today, but TAAKRA ACADEMY says NO and believes that its reduction of poverty is the beginning of empowerment in Abuja and eventually Nigeria at large.
Taakra Academy school of Arts and Kraft say a big thank you to Great Source Investment Limited and Various Individuals who choose to remain anonymous, we say God bless.


For Further Enquiries on how to become a part of this program please contact 08067724844, 08035388482. Thanks 

Thursday 16 May 2013

Wired Jewelry design


SPIRAL WIRE EARRING DESIGN
                                              Project design by Ada Rhodes
PROJECT 7
Hello There Arts and Craft lovers, Thanks so much for sharing your creative projects ideas with us. You can be sure we will feature them in the up coming editions.
 This month’s project is one that will keep you busy at your beading table and if you’re looking for projects that will keep the kids occupied during the summer holidays, then this is a great craft project for you.
Recently my niece and nephew found there way to my beading table and you won’t believe what they created from old pieces of jewelry that were torn apart. This was another way for them to explore their creative flow and also for their mom to pick up some extra earrings on the run. Hum!
Supplies Needed 
·       Earring hooks
·       Wire 90 gauge
·       Assorted beads (color of your choice)
·       Cutter pliers
·       round nose tip pliers
 Step 1
To begin your design choose your wire carefully making sure it’s medium weight and flexible. Using your round tip nose pliers bend the wire tip around the edge forming a circle. 

Step 2
Continue with your pliers in a circular motion forming a spiral circle carefully. Keeping the tension of your wire loose, placing it side by side as you go around ((Figure A &Figure B)
Step 3
Build your spiral earring to desired size making it as big or as small as you want (Figure C). When this is done take the excess wire coming out from the

base and bend slightly to help keep your design bead stationary. 


Step 4
Choose the beads for your earring design, there are lots of bead selections in your local market (Figure D). Place the desired amount of beads onto your wire. Cut ¼ inch above your last beads leaving space for your earring hook. (Figure E)
Step 5
To end your earring design, use your pliers and turn the ¼ inch wire tip forming a tiny hoop. Open your earring hook and attach. (Figure F)
 Share your project ideas, email us at taakra_tv@yahoo.com
  VISIT: taakra.tv


Tuesday 14 May 2013

Fun time on Jewerly making with Lady D




Student having fun at Jewelry making class with their Teacher Diane Oputa. for more information on how to become a student of TAAKRA ACADEMY please call 08067724844 or 08187079014

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Women Empowerment Program at Emir’s Palace


Lady D’s love for the youth and women motivated her to move to a remote part of Abuja, a village called Kabusa, the idea was initiated by a ‘Batch B corps member’ doing her final personal project at the NYSC level. Lady D was called upon by the corps member  to assist in teaching jewelry making to women and youths  at no cost………. she was exited and told the administrative department of Taakra Academy to take care of the logistics and adequate preparations should be made towards the empowerment program.
The program was a huge success as women  turned out in large number for the workshop, the villager’s hospitality was overwhelming. Because it was a days program  the woman expressed their eagerness  for a comeback, 
Lady D promised a fair package for the women, as there are still more rural places to reach out……………….
PHOTOS FROM THE WORKSHOP BELLOW:






Tuesday 23 April 2013

Being adventurous has kept me and CB together says Lady D......



Lady D interviewed by WSV-Metro scope on Thursday the 11th of April 2013 in her office.
Cynthia Odibeli presenter of Metro scope television show was full of questions during her interview with Lady D. The presenter asked why Taakra school of Arts and Crafts relocated from Lagos to Abuja.   Lady D stated that she had to make a decision and look at her priories.

Being that her husband had finally relocated to Abuja while she remained in Lagos for 2 years she felt it time to join him and quickly discovered potentials available to the in Abuja.
How she met her husband Charly boy was asked.... and she simply said, we met in the United States as students back then and fell in LOVE, which was the beginning of our journey together. 

Metro scope then asked how she keeps her relationship together, and how does she spice it up!
Being adventurous is what she says keeps the sparks flying, “CB and I realize that marriage is a commitment that takes sacrifice, patience, respect and above all love” she told Metro scope about the recent birthday surprise package to Dubai by her husband and it was indeed fabulous.
Metro scope asked about her relationship with her step children? 
In reacting to that question, she said, she has a unique relationship with them and treats them all with motherly love.     
What is your Christian life like? The presenter asked, she said I am a Baptist by birth but now a Catholic by marriage. She told metro scope that her Christian wedding only need some papers to be done with and they will renew their wedding vows.

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Taakra Art and Craft Academy Introduces workshop for women and youth at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Galadima, Abuja


Taakra Art and Craft Academy organized a workshop in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Galadima in Gwrimpa.



The Topic of the workshop (Gain positive access to your own creativity ) Participants were introduced to jewelry making techniques, Event Decorations and handbag designing .
The 2 day work shop was a success as students gathered with eagerness to learn jewelry making from Mrs Diane Oputa who has been designing anything from Clothes to unique pieces of Jewelry for years.
Not only did women turn out for the workshop, but men as well, raising  that they too can use this skill to empower themselves.
Mrs. Oputa brought to their attention that men are some of the most successful jewelers and that they should take this skill seriously.
One of our youngest students in the workshop was an 11 year old girl who surprised everyone with a beautiful pieces of jewelry she made which surprisingly turned out to be better than most of the adults.