Framed peacock

This art work first began as embroidery. I wanted to somehow make use of the shiny anchor threads that I'd bought many months ago. I started with this peacock drawing that I remembered we had in our drawing book in school. Once the embroidery was done, which was slower than I'd imagined, I kept thinking of different ideas to showcase it. Finally, after 2-3 days, I was convinced that there was no better way other than creating a frame. I got a new raw material for the frame - m seal, yes, the same epoxy compound used for pipes. This was the first time I was working with m-seal. I saw the instructions on creating an m-seal frame in a magazine, got all the needed materials and started one morning. I was totally unaware that m-seal would leave behind black marks in your palm and had a tough time cleaning it, but later during the day found that if you rub talcum powder on your hands then the stickiness reduces and hands remain clean! Finally by around 6pm I’d completed making the frame. The unpainted black frame also looked good except for the portions where there was no m-seal. The next day I started painting it with fevicryl metallic paints to give the frame a country antique feel. After 3 hrs of carefully painting the frame, I was utterly thrilled with my latest creation. And then I felt, “hmmm… my frame deserves something better than this peacock”. :) Anyways I am completely happy to have learnt something new that I can now add to my collection.

Step-by-step images below:

Worli paintings

Our visit to an art and craft exhibition inspired me to make something out of Worli paintings. Back at home I started my research on Worli paintings and found quite a dozen images on the internet. Worli paintings are usually done on a brick red background with the characters and other elements in white. From the paintings I found on the net, I did a mix & match and chose some characters with 2 themes in mind – marriage and village life. Most of the paintings include a human-chain in either spirals, or curves or even a straight line. I've included them in each of my paintings in an "S-shape". This forms the major part of my painting. Unlike some other painting styles, I found Worli paintings to be comparatively easier to do and still contain a whole lot of meaning to it. My favorite among these two paintings is the one on their social lives; in addition to reflecting their simple lives, it also has a lot of women involved in various activities.

Rabbit soft toys

It was my friend's daughter's 1st birthday. For the gift, my husband suggested why not I make something for her? That inspired me to research the net for interesting gifts for an one yr old. And then I found the instructions for making this rabbit. Since I'd made a few soft toys back in my high school days, the instructions were easier to understand. The very next day I started with the sample white rabbit, made from used clothes and cotton from the medical stores! And..it was so easy, it took only around 4 hrs to complete one! Then I moved on to other fabric materials, colors and combinations - grey and pink & yellow and baby pink. I wasn't very sure whether she would like it, but nevertheless was happy to present her with something done with my own hands. I wasn’t disappointed at the end! Her happy giggles and squeals were the best appreciation I'd received....

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Floral wreath with bird and nest

Unlike the completely floral wreaths, I’ve added a bird and nest to my wreath arrangement. The idea for this kind of wreath originated when I found a broken plastic lid at my sister’s place! Yes, that is the base used for this wreath arrangement. First of all I’ve covered the plastic base with green organti and green wires. The red and white roses were made out of organti and then arranged together with artificial leaves. I've used ordinary fabric for the bird. For the nest I’ve made use of a piece of plastic bottle wrapped in brown paper and randomly stuck small bits of corrugated sheets on it. 3 eggs made out of stockings material were included inside the nest. Since I'd obtained the idea and the base material from my sister's place, I finally gifted the completed wreath to my sister. There, a broken lid transformed into a beautiful piece of wall-hanging, my little creation now proudly hangs in their home. :)

More pictures below.

Onam special

I’d been thinking of making something that symbolizes Kerala. And then came Onam. I remembered our pookalam competitions that we had back in school. Every year there would be at least one team that came up with a design of kathakali, vallamkali and coconut trees. Thus started my 5-day project on Onam. I began the design on thermocol, then made a dough with ceramic powder and chalk powder. The later steps went faster than I’d imagined. Fixing the dough on the drawing, allowing it to dry for a day and finally painting it with acrylic colors. It was at the end that I thought of fixing a border and as usual my raw material was ordinary newspaper. Roll a sheet, glue the edges and attach them on the thermocol, there the border is ready for painting! Finally all I had to do was apply a coat of varnish for the additional shine. That is when I learnt something - never apply varnish on thermocol because some Chemistry makes the thermocol to be eaten up! I was worried that my 5-day long project would become a disaster at the end. To save that I had to stop with the varnish and apply black paint again to cover up the disappeared portions. I guess black enamel paint instead of fabric paint in the very first place would’ve been better. Anyways, there’s always a next time.. :)

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Flower bunch in a bamboo vase

These flowers and buds were made from stockings material, flexi wires, pips and finally green tape for the outer covering. Stockings material is available in a variety of colors. I’ve used 4 different colors in this. Artificial leaves were added at the end. The vase is made out of ordinary newspaper! I’ve rolled one sheet of paper and glued the edges to make one long piece. 4 such pieces stuck together make one side of the vase. Finally I’ve given them a bamboo effect with shades of yellow acrylic paint. An ordinary rope tied at the bottom and top of the vase not only holds the 4 sides together, but also goes well with the rustic feel of bamboo.

More pictures…

Stockings flowers can be made in many different shapes. Here’s another one.

Crochet mat

Back in school we’d been taught to make crochet hair bands and table mats. I’ve made quite many at home, but all with a black combination. This one was different. My theme was sunset and luckily I had the necessary wool. It took me approximately one full day, but at the end I was pleased with my latest creation.

Roses

Flowers can be made from many different fabrics. But I believe these red roses made from organti have the closest resemblance to nature’s roses. These were the first kind of flowers that I’d learnt to make and they always remain special to me. Organti like many other materials is available in multiple colors. I normally make use of deep red, off-white and dark pink for my roses. Now that the Japanese have recently created blue roses, I guess I’ll try that color too! :)
Leaves too can be made from organti, but artificial leaves go better with these roses. So all you need to make these beautiful roses are – organti, artificial leaves, flexi wires and a basket to showcase your creation.
You can alternatively also make wreath arrangements with different flowers. Wreaths can be made from artificial flowers or even dried ones. A good search on google can give you ideas about the different wreath arrangements. Though they are more commonly seen during celebrations in the West, they make an all-time attractive accent to decorate walls.

Clay pots

Moving to a new home, my first target was to decorate my kitchen since that is where I spend most of my time. I felt it was too bleak, I wanted some greenery there. That is when I came to know of “Play-Doh” from my little nephew. I bought a set of 4 colors and made 3 small vases from them. Planting artificial greens didn’t take long and the good thing is, I don’t have to water them every day! The leaves and my clay pots at one corner in the kitchen make a good combination together.

Knick-Knacks

These are some of my additional experiments from the internet and other sources.
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