The Toy Town

Between Banglore and Mysore lies the toy town of Chennapatna.
some memories I will share with all of you.It is said that these wooden toys are non-toxic and the paint used on them are lead free.All the items are very colourful.wikipedia says that the origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys.ivory wood,rosewood,sandalwood are the varieties of wood used.

Going down the memory lane I had these wooden horse as a kid.how I wish I could have been here earlier so that I could have got it for my daughter!!


Chennapatna toys and showpieces..





wooden artifacts and cornerstools..

Shubh Deepavali

A very happy and prosperous diwali to all my readers and blogger friends!!
May it fill your life with lots of love,health,happiness,brightness & sweetness.

Navratri & Bommai golu

I visited some homes and clicked pictures of "BOMMAI GOLU". Let me share them with you all.Before that let me give you a brief idea of how it is placed and arranged.
These bommai's or dolls are proud possessions of a family and handed down through generations.every year a new doll is added to the collection. The marrapacchi dolls,the chettiar family, idols of goddess Saraswati,Lakshmi,Shiva, parvati and their son Ganesha are the main attraction of the kolu which are arranged on the steps.These steps are kept in odd numbers 9,7,5,3,1.The last day is the vijaydashmi day on which we offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati.On this day books,musical instruments are kept and worshipped.To make it more attractive,various pulses are sown in mud in a tray or bowl.Huts,animals etc;can be used arround the plants to create a farm house,park or a cottage effect.These attract the kids also and they participate actively.Another attraction is all the sweets and savouries that are made during these nine days of pooja.chundal is my favourite made with chana,peanuts and garnished with grated coconut,kaddipatta and coriander.



Variety of dolls..


The lady of the house serving meal to her family..


The chettiar and his wife..


Such a cute little boy..




A village home..


A mini zoo(cars parked outside represent the inevitable modern day evil...

Collection

Festivals have all begun!Ganesh chaturthi,Onam and now everybody is gearing up for navratri.In India its a great experience,Believe me!
During all these days we decorate our home with diyas,lamps,candles,flowers,rangoli etc;
This year why not give attention to another little item that is found in almost every second house.we use it during pujas or prayers,when we offer naivediyams(prasad) to our lord.we ring it loudly with the intention that our prayers are heard and HE comes to taste our humble offerings and bless us.Iam talking of the BELLS!!

Take a look!

POOJA BELLS
The humble bell in our pooja room..


Bell with enamel work..


Brass bell..


Nandi sits on this tall bell..


CRYSTAL BELLS

Look at the detailed work..


Ceramic delight..


The Angel bells..




Bells in each other's company..I simply love these!


ANTIQUE BELLS



The famous cowboy bell..


Typical door bells.. (inside)


Outside the house..


The liberty bell of Philedelphia..


Roman bell..

Post-Exhibition!!

As I told you,I had an exhibition cum sale of hand embroidered stuff.Last one and a half month were hectic.I had to plan what products I would exhibit.Finally I decided to make Pillow covers,cushion covers,runners,tray mats and frames.The two techiniques that I used were embroidery and applique.
people liked what they saw and appreciated my work and yes I also made a small profit.Now its for you all to see!!and please do comment.For any enquiries or online order of the same please contact me at sangi_eashwaran@yahoo.co.in

FRAMES






PILLOW COVERS





CUSHION COVERS








TRAY MATS & RUNNERS

Exhibition

I have been busy for a while now.Iam making an effort to do something that i have always felt strongly about but never had the motivation or courage to do.This independence day ,i really want to break free of my own inhibitions.
Iam going to put up an Exhibition cum sale of handcrafted products.I will come up with more once iam fully prepared.so guys please wish me goodluck,i really need it!

Some wooden memories

I stumbled across some old snaps.
Great wood work!!wood always gives you this old rustic charm.
These snaps are from one of our trips to kerala.


Simple ..yet so beautiful!

The ceilings give the special cottage touch to any place

The brass work on the wooden doors remind me of the malayalam movie manichitrathazu-the ornate lock