BoxFetti is all about celebrations – whether it’s a fabulous party or celebrating artistic talent – which is why we are so excited (and very honoured) to have collaborated with Emirati artist Mariam Abbas on a limited edition line of products designed especially for Ramadan and Eid. Mariam’s intricate drawings and miniature art are famous the world over and are now featured on a collection of paper cups, plates and napkins designed for this very special time of year. We caught up with Mariam to learn a little more about her inspiration and what Ramadan and Eid looks like in her home.

When did you begin drawing?

Drawing has always been a passion, for as long as I can remember. At school, I was often told off for drawing and doodling all over my textbooks

Can you explain your particular style? How and when did you develop this?

Pointillism and line-drawing. During my university years, I’d taken quite a few illustration courses and ever since Pen & Ink has been a favourite.

What inspired you to pursue a career in art?

Honestly, I would say it was my passion for art rather than inspiration that drove me to pursue a career in art.

Who and what are your biggest influences?

Who: Growing up, my mother was my biggest influence, a watercolor artist who dabbled in different forms of art.
What: Our beautiful Emirati cultures and the Arabian culture in general are among my influences. 

Tell us about the BoxFetti collection you have designed - how did it come about?

Traditionally, the rug was where the family gathered in a home. In modern times, however, that’s no longer the case. For the BoxFetti collection, I drew inspiration from that very rug, to evoke a sense of nostalgia. 

Can you inspire us with how or when to use the Ramadan/Eid collection of paper plates, cups and napkins?

Iftar and Suhoor are commonly spent sharing foods and what better way to celebrate than with Ramadan / Eid themed partyware!

What does Iftar and Suhoor look like in your home?

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is an essential part of fasting, and the later the better (closer to the time of Fajr prayer). In our home, the kids like to wake up for Suhoor too, especially if they’d like to fast.
Closer to Iftar time, the little ones gather around the television anticipating the loud boom from cannon firing that happens live on Dubai TV every day, signalling the start of the call for prayer. Beginning with a date fruit, this is when we break our fast - this meal (Iftar), as opposed to suhoor, cannot be delayed. 

How do you celebrate Eid Al Fitr?

Shortly after sunrise, on the morning of Eid, it’s time for Eid Prayer. After the prayer, our morning is spent visiting and greeting the extended family. My favorite part would be handing out ‘Eidiya’ (money gifts, a Eid tradition in the region) to the children and kids in the family - and nothing beats the joy! At lunch, we gather with the immediate family and spend the rest of the day making beautiful memories.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to learn to draw?

The beauty of drawing is that there’s no such thing as a mistake. Practice. Take what you might consider a mistake and add to it, transforming the mistake into an entirely different yet a surprisingly pleasing thing. The viewer won’t look for flaws but rather looks at an artwork as whole.

To see this stunning collection, click here - we hope you love it as much as we do!