DIY GANESHA

Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner. I thought of sharing some easy DIY to make Eco-Friendly Ganesha at home. Going green is the need of the hour.Enjoy to your heart 's content with these super easy ideas which with a little practice even the kids can make. Use your creativity along with my ideas and yo! you are all set to enjoy the festival with a bang!

Method -1

Materials needed: wheat flour, turmeric, vermillion

1.First determine the size of Gajendra you want to make.
2.Knead the wheat flour and make dough, adding water little by little.
3. while kneeding also add turmeric until it gets the right hue
4.Shape into a ball. Now slowly give it the shape of the elephant -God
5. Lastly with the help of vermilion (kumkum) give color to the trunk eyes and the padams.

Wasn't that an easy one. Come on. Now for another method.



Method-2
 Materials needed: Rice flour

 This is a super simple one.
1. You can use the store bought rice flour for this.Initially for a few seconds fry the rice flour in a pan
2. Now you have to  knead the same, adding water( usually double the quantity of flour) keeping it, in the pan itself and stirring it,till it dries.

3. Just shape the ball of dough (adding a little oil in your palms) into your favourite Lord Vinayaka
4. You can use mustard for his eyes .For a bigger eye use peppercorns and clove for the tooth in his trunk.

Method -3
Material needed: Turmeric powder

This is a Vighnaharta made a little while ago for  a family function by my mother.

1. Take kneaded turmeric powder
2. Give a rough shape of Ganpati and voila you are ready with your own Lambodara.



Method 4
Material needed: Potter's clay or kids playdough

1. Keep the form of the cute Ekadanta in mind or a pic in front before you start.Since you are using potter's clay or terracotta that will air dry, you have the basic ingredient at hand
2. You only need to give the final shape.
3.Now go ahead and paint according to your imagination.

Method -5
Materials needed: Newspaper, maida(refined flour), salt & loads of patience

 This Mooshikavahana may induce laughter, since it did not turn very much like 'The Gajapati'

This is the link that I referred while making this Gajanana.

http://www.woodooz.com/2012/09/a-do-it-iyourself-idol-of-lord-ganesha.html

Do visit the site for the correct method and its an easy one

Let me tell you, the paper mache clay came out well but it is my inability to shape it well that has led to its current state. Also I have learnt that to get a fine clay one must opt for tissue papers rather than newspaper.

Go ahead and make your own Omkara.

Mangalamurti Maurya! Ganapati Bappa Maurya!

Drape your windows in style with Custom Furnish- Moulds & Motifs

Curtains are needed to dress our windows.When designing and decorating our homes, selection of curtains is an important task as curtains are seen not only as an element of decor but also a necessity. They are required to block excessive light and to induce privacy.

It is also a good idea to change your curtains every few years... you will notice a sea of change in the decor of your home merely by changing the style and fabric of your curtains. So when I received a mail from  one of a kind online curtain store, I was very excited to give a new look to my home. At the same time, I was a little apprehensive too, since I have never ordered a curtain online.

I had so many questions in my mind regarding the fabric,the stitch and the style. But I was not disappointed. In fact, after going ahead with this online mode of selecting the curtain, I have saved my time and energy which would have otherwise been spent, if I had to actually visit a store to purchase.

Custom Furnish Moulds & Motifs is the one of a kind customized curtain store, that I am talking about.The process of ordering the curtains is easy and interesting too.

The site is efficiently designed and it is a step wise procedure and there is no room to go wrong.

The various points in selecting the curtains are as follows.

1. Select the curtain style

2. select Fabric

a. Order sample

b. order curtain

3.select dimension

4. select lining type

5. select hardware (optional)


Everybody may not be an expert in visualizing or imagining the look after changing your curtains. That's particularly where I liked the concept of Moulds and Motifs. The site is designed such that after each step of your selection you can notice the  effect it brings about.

Step 1: SELECT THE CURTAIN STYLE

Such a wide range of selecting the style. The eyelet, flat panel,Ripple fold and classic tab are the commonly seen styles but the inverted pleat and pinch pleat can actually give you a very formal look.I think they can be ideal styles even for a office or a home office.


Here I chose the eyelet style for one pair of curtains and for the other pair I went for the classic tab option.

Step 2:SELECT FABRIC

Now let's come to the main part. Let me inform you they have a wide range to choose from.You can even sort by colour, material and pattern.
There is one great facility that they offer here. You can go for ordering 15 samples of fabric of your choice. The samples are delivered at your doorstep. So now here the confusion of selecting the appropriate curtain for your windows & doors end. You can feel the fabric, note the exact colour and print & then make an informed decision. After you choose the fabric you can return the samples through their pick up agent and then place an order to buy.

It's so convenient to choose the material since all the information is clearly mentioned. Another interesting aspect is that you get a fair idea of the price one has to pay. As you proceed to each step and make selection the price accordingly varies.

Here are the samples that I ordered. I must mention that the samples were neatly labelled and you have a measuring tape and certain notes that are provided in the kit to make your selection easier &  gives you the instructions to measure the dimensions rightly.
Providing swatches is a great idea because all your doubts about the material and its feel is eliminated.

STEP 3: SELECT THE DIMENSIONS

This step is an important one where in you have to mention the dimensions you would need. Do not panic...They have provided various guides and by following it,you can easily determine the measurements.

A detailed description of measuring when the curtain rod is mounted as well as when it is not mounted is provided.If you follow their instruction, there is little scope of making a mistake. Also according to the dimension of the windows and doors that you provide, the site gives you a suggestion of how many pieces of curtains would make your door or window look classy and stylish.

Notice the price factor changes and towards the next step you can actually see the true representation of the curtain you have chosen in your mentioned style and dimensions.

In this step, if you need a sheer, you can go for that too.

STEP 4: SELECT THE LINING

Whether you wish to not have a lining or a lining in polyster or black out interlining is your choice. For the dimension, you mentioned, the price is calculated again. Guidelines to select the proper lining is also given.

Step 5: SELECTING THE HARDWARE

This is the final step in your selection.For those of you, who would want a curtain rod too, this is an additional facility on offer. I felt they have a good variety in the hardware for rods and rings. Again the finish,price, material all are mentioned.

STEP 6 : SHOPPING CART

After finalizing on all aspects, you can proceed to the shopping cart. Here all the inputs are mentioned and the final look of the chosen fabric is displayed. Wasn't that an easy buy. That too at the comfort of your home?

Now , here are the window curtains that I chose for my home.

I specially liked the black & grey floral one. It  is a rightful combination of classy fabric and print and helps in blocking the excessive sunlight that enters the room. The teal coloured curtain helps lift the monotony of brown woodwork in the room and brings colour to the entire decor.
The curtains are neatly stitched and has a good fall.

My Experience: I had a wonderful experience, selecting curtains for my home from Custom Furnish.At the same time, I would like to make a small suggestion to include fabric blinds too. They are quite popular these days and would be a good idea to include them in the currently available style.
I would definitely recommend my readers to purchase curtains from them.

Art with paper!

Art with something as ordinary as paper is unimaginable! That’s what sanjhi art and quilling is all about. If the material is as raw as paper then the accolades goes to the artists, whose visualization can make all the difference. Isn't that so true?

Quilling art by Vaishali Rastogi

My recent post on the designerboard forum is all about paper art and also about two young super talented artists Pooja Ajmera of Teekhi churri and Vaishali Rastogi of Kagaz kala creations.

Go here to know and read more on this art.

Sanjhi art by Pooja Ajmera

Styling with books

Courtesy: Pinterest

This post is for all the book lovers out there...Books have the capacity to transport us to a different era altogether. I simply love the smell of old books and I take great pride in saying that some of the books that, I enjoyed reading as a child has today been passed on to my children. I know this feeling only a book lover can understand.

Courtesy: Pinterest

Every book you have read is just a  different combination of 26 letters. 

So true yet...

That's the thing about books, they let you travel to faraway lands without moving your feet.

when we moved to our current home, I was sure, I needed a separate corner or shelf to hold my collection and not only in my bedroom but also in the kids room as they too are turning out to be like their 'momma' - A book lover!

With the sun light during the day...an ideal time to spend in the company of books!

Books, magazines, knick knacks and art supplies

This is my book arrangement. A dedicated wardrobe for them with glass doors, just near my work space and close to the bed.So that every night before I drift into sleep, I get to read at least a page or two. what with innumerable magazines of travel and decor that I have subscribed, space management requires skill, patience and time.

For the time being, this space is sufficient. 

Also takes care of all my art & craft supplies.

You can arrange your books in various manner but be sure that you arrange it such that you are able to spot the one you are looking for immediately.

Some tips for arranging the books.

1. Sort them either by subjects, colour or author.

Magazines can be stacked separately. 

2. Group them together. May be say as  fiction or Non-fiction.

3. Keep certain essentials like bookmarks, pens, pencils in your book shelves. You never know when you would want to jot down an interesting quote or mark a page.

4. Art lovers can also keep their supplies in these shelves.There are many of those book inspired art, when we would want to try our hands immediately on a craft or art after reading about it in a book. That instant satisfaction is something you have to experience to feel it!

5. Last but not the least keep your book area clean  and tidy. You can place certain decor elements to make it look interesting and eye catchy.

 Here are some  more book arrangements that I found on Pinterest that looks awesome. 

I loved the blue decor!

Kitchen or reading nook?

This corner, I guess is for those who love to cook up a story...(smiles)

 If you can create a reading corner near your books, nothing like it. Books can be your best companions. So enjoy reading!

Point to note: A BOOK IS A GIFT, YOU CAN OPEN AGAIN & AGAIN!

Patriotism for our Tricolour flag

A National celebration is underway.School kids are gearing up for Independence day.In most societies,members take great pride in hoisting  our  Indian flag. In short, one can feel the patriotism fervor running high everywhere in the country.

At the same time, like every year, this time too I am concerned about the state of our flag once the day is over. We buy them as tokens to exhibit our love for the nation but then at the end of the day, they lie on the roads uncared for? That's an insult. Don't you feel so?

This Independence day,Clean Planet introduces a unique and contemporary pouch that embraces Indian crafts and helps you to retain your national flag even after the celebrations are over."The Indigenous India Pouch is Clean Planet's tribute to the rich cultural traditions of India,in the form of Katha Hand Embroidery on Eco Friendly cotton.A handcrafted interpretation of the tri-colour flag of India, carry this Eco Stylish pouch as a badge of patriotism. The Indigenous India pouch is hand embroidered by young women as part of a livelihood program run by Clean Planet"

 

KANTHA EMBRIODERED-INDIAN FLAG-POUCHES

Clean Planet was born of the vision to create eco-stylish products to inspire consumers across the globe to buy responsibly. The brand, headed by entrepreneur activist Savitha Rao,houses a very competent team with profound experience to carry out operations in developing a wide range of Eco-products including Eco Veggie bags, Trendy Eco Tote bags, Contemporary Eco Sleeves, Eco Home Place-mats and Eco Pouches. 

Savitha Rao is the  Founder and Director of Clean Planet. Savitha has vast knowledge of the international textile markets along with a formal degree of MBA (marketing) from Mumbai University. She worked closely with renowned brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss for several years. Insights that she gained during the stint led her to propel innovative ideas in Eco-friendly space as a social activist and entrepreneur. With a strong motivation to make a difference to the planet, she has been devising ways and means for creating iconic products that are stylish, sustainable and affordable.

So this Independence day, if you would like to have our National flag, join the initiative to use such products that can be  re-utilized.

Happy Independence day!
Jai Hind!

Ezebee - An Online Platform For Entrepreneurs and Shoppers!

August is the month, we celebrate our Independence day.Though, we as a country became independent long back, even now artisans and especially women artists of our country have not found the real taste of freedom. Due to various reasons, they may hold back their ambitions and dreams. But today I have bought good news for all such artists. There is a new online platform on which you can buy as well as sell. Isn't that a wonderful piece of news and this is, all for free. I spoke to the country Manager Alice Taylor of Ezebee and these are  the answers to  certain queries that I had in mind.

How ezebee.com can help artisans in India to start selling online

What is ezebee.com?

There is a new online platform growing in India and it is a new way to start your business online; ezebee.com. Created in europe and now managed in Spain, this online marketplace is growing rapidly and especially focusing in India at the moment.

Why India?

India is a huge market and also full of many talented artisans and artists who sometimes unfortunately do not have the resources, time or money to create their own websites or design and market them online. At ezebee.com, we established this and decided we wanted to help these people to make the most of their skills and products and do our best to get them on the platform and selling online, as they deserve! Take a look at one of our favorite showrooms from India at the moment: 

Indian Handicrafts

 Is it free to sell on ezebee.com?

Yes! it is completely free to sell on ezebee.com. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to sell online despite your economic situation and therefore we do not charge to use the platform, nor do we take any commissions for sales. It's all free! You can even make money simply by being active in the ezebee.com community, using our internal currency – EZB's which can be used to buy and sell on the platform. Learn more about them here: EZB

What else?

Not only can you open your online store on ezebee.com, but it's also a place to meet like-minded people from all over the world! You can have your blog, events, social media, and even your etsy shop here, all in one place! At the moment the website is in 9 different languages and over 140 countries around the world, so there are plenty of people to network with. Why not give it a try now: 

www.ezebee.com

 So, now give wings to your talent and soar high, high in the sky...Wishing all my readers Happy Independence! 

Travel souvenirs (part I)

Starting today, every month I plan to post an interesting souvenir you can carry back from your travel. Knowing that you are carrying a piece of history along with you, will only make it worth treasuring and you a proud owner! .These souvenirs  are handmade and  are significant in the way it is made.

Let us start with an interesting painted wooden art form -KAAVAD ART from Rajasthan. The specialty of these story box is, it conveys a story through the pictures drawn laboriously on to them They look like small temples or shrines and as each door opens it tells you a part of the story. These stories are generally mythological taken from the Ramayana, Krishna leela, life of Buddha or the Mahabharata. This art is said to be about 2000 yrs old and has existed from the time of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. The boxes can have one to twelve doors.The type of wood used to make the kaavad art is either mango or sangwani wood.

story box 

Each door opens to reveal a story

A group of hereditary craftsmen from the Chittoragarh district in Rajasthan, both male and female artisan are still engaged in the process of making Kaavad. The storytellers or the Kaavriya Bhats are commissioned for these boxes.The storytellers open these boxes in a pattern or sequence with the events in narration. After the story is over, there is a small drawer at the bottom of such boxes where in, the audience is asked to keep a small donation.

An artist at work

This must have been an interesting form of passing  time, before the electronic era set in, as the kaavariya proceeded from one village to another narrating the stories and I can imagine an audience awestruck by the wonderful narration.

Though our kids are hooked on to the television, laptop,i-pads and the tablets, am sure, given a choice and a master storyteller they will soon give up their arms and legs to own a kaavad. After all don't we see them enjoying an animated versions of these mythological stories even now?

Now tell me isn't this an amazing gift  and souvenir item that you can treasure for a lifetime. Kids particularly, enjoy stories and what better than having a visual representation of the same...Go for it, the next time, you are in Rajasthan. It will be worth every penny paid!