Rural touch in city homes

Skill,ideas,Brains all put together and Lo you can design your home beautifully!!

The simplicity of the below items just stump me.They are a perfect tribute to Mother Earth.

I loved the toran is an understatement.Its rustic appeal and the thought behind its creation simply floored me.
Have a look.Its made of husk and the raw material cost is nil!!
I bought it from Grameen Angadi. Just in case you heart them too!!

The rattle here is made of palm leaves.such vibrancy,that I have just placed it as flowers to add that much required dash of colour.

This was an exhibition find,made of pumpkin and can be also used to place plants.
On a closer look,it has designs carved on it.

And last but not the least,last evening on my walk back home,I found these wild plants.Somehow I liked it but today my maid wanted to know,whether these are wastes to be disposed off!!
Anything wrong with my design sensibilities,do let me know!!

Happy Diwali to all my blog readers!!

Navratri and" kolu"

It took me a while to write this post,simply bcoz didn't know  from where to start.
May be since I was away for a long time..
This post comes a little late..I know..but really wanted to share this Navratri memories with all of you.

In South, we have this custom of exhibiting dolls called kolu in steps (padi).
There are 9steps in which these dolls ranging from idols of various Gods, their avatar, processions,the famous marapachi dolls(both male and female),chettiar bommai etc;are displayed.


This navratri I visited the  SIES TEMPLE in Nerul (Mumbai).

As you will agree they were arranged beautifully.

The kolu with the marapachi(wooden) dolls on the floor(far left)

Devotees praying in front of a temple

Various Gods and Goddess

Procession in front of a temple with a couple doing the 'Namaskaram'

Ladies engaged in Villakku(lamps) puja

Beautiful appliqued lamps

such vibrant colours...

Waiting for the next big festival Diwali, to  arrive.Diwali, lets our home get a new look & people are in their best spirit.

The skyline is lit with firecrackers.A variety of mouth watering sweets. Hmm...
So see you all soon.

Exhibition

I jump at the word exhibition,more so when it has anything to do with interiors.Yes, a visit to an exhibition rejuvenates me. Last week I had been to one.Irrespective of how much I bought I felt satisfied after I came back.There are so many small tips that you learn,so much eye candy and so much of talent and skill to be recognised, I truly felt worth the effort taken.


BASKETS  MADE OF GRASS

 ANTIQUE VESSELS-TREASURE TROVE

TANJORE PAINTINGS

POTTERY AND CERAMICS

WOODEN ARTIFACTS

So you tell me,how did you feel?? There was more to be clicked but my camera's battery gave away.I simply loved it.My eyes felt blessed to see such beauty around.

Road trips

Road trips are so much fun.Especially when you simply leave your home without any planned destination and come back home with loads of beautiful memories to cherish.
This has often been the case after we moved to Bangalore.
The best part is when you  are suddenly struck by the beautyof simple things around you!!

I have in particular liked the temple architecture in the south.
Riot of colours!!!
Certain pictures that I want to share with all of you ....

such huge statues!! when one unexpectedly bumps into such beauties,it sure makes your day..

Iam begining to love these short trips.

VRATHAPANI ART

This art form may seem unheard of but have a look at this amazing art and one is sure to fall in love with it.
It is  originally from Andhra Pradesh and one family is trying hard to revive this beautiful form of art
The Vrathapani art takes its inspiration from jungle scenes,images from mythology all painted on cloth using bamboo sticks and natural dyes.

find more details at
http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTMumbai&dt=02102011&page=020_001&mdl

Thanks to my dear friend M who bought this to my notice.The above picture has inspired me to try out may be a small motif from it on a silk duppata.will post the results soon.!!

ARASTAN & CRAFTSVILLA

Today am going to talk write about two online stores.

ARASTAN caught my attention when I was having my morning tea and reading newspaper.


"IT is an online store that curates rare and handpicked treasures from exotic bazaars along the ancient silk route.From gorgeous handmade carpets to striking objets d'art and fascinating tribal jewellery, each piece is a collectible with a story." That is how they descibe themselves.
Some of their jewels to drool at...

visit them at http://www.arastan.com/

Craftsvilla is an online destination for shopholics.I was most impressed by certain ecofriendly products that they offer.I have done a "pick & choose" and come out with my personal favourites.Though not sure about the pricing part but if can get the best at the click of a mouse what more can you ask for.

BOXES AND BASKETS

GRASS PRODDUCTS

WARLI.. YET AGAIN

FRAMES

COIR PRODUCTS

MAGNETS

PAINTED KETTLE

BLACK POTTERY FROM NORTH EAST

You can visit their site at http://www.craftsvilla.com/home-decor-products.html