Traveler

Anchor quick stitch kits have always tempted me to do one completely for myself. I and my sister had done one each during my school days, but then that was not completed and hence not framed. This one too was completed some months back, but framed only recently! This design is from the Anchor Flash Frame Series and is called "Traveller". Since stitching is always to be done with darker colors first and then the lighter shades, this initially did not look very appealing with black and brown scattered here and there. The stitching part was a little complicated too, especially inside the cart and the bulls, but the final product is so good that I have no words to explain! :D The best compliment I received for this was by my little nephew. He asked,”Chitte (aunty)….did you make it or buy it??!!” Oh…I was so happy!! Though only 5 yrs old, he already has good observation skills and an interest towards arts. Hmmm...following his aunt’s steps, is he??!! :D

Work in progress...

Recycled crafts

These crafts originated from various discarded materials. The 3 African face-masks was originally a glass tumbler that was broken and hence could not serve its purpose. The flower bouquet was made using colored activity papers and tissue papers. I've included (what used to be, but now dried)evergreen leaves and a basket from a bouquet we'd received on our anniversary.

Earthy bells

This craft work began as an inspiration from my sister’s neighbor’s door hanging, a cluster of mud-bells with white beads in between. The bells I’ve done are made using flexi cardboard. It was the making of the South-Indian conical “masala-dosa” in a cookery show that taught me to make these cones! I’ve given them an Indian red acrylic finish and topped each bell with strands of matching crochet thread. The beads are made entirely from newspaper. I’ve wrapped each of them in green tape rather than painting it, since that was easier! Finally I’ve threaded the bells and beads together using a strong long needle and crochet thread.

Om Suryaya Namah!

This time I’ve tried to recreate a very popular, traditional and metal-finish sun god. Though the actual ones done by embossing on a metal are far more attractive and authentic, this isn’t bad too! Neil Buchanan of Art Attack had demonstrated this kind of sun and moon crafts using newspapers. I’ve made use of a circular cake board for the base of the face and then stuck cardboard and later made cones out of newspapers for the sun’s rays. To make the surface slightly hard, I’ve made use of Neil’s technique, his paper-mache comprising of pieces of tissue paper stuck down with a mixture of PVA glue (fevicol) and equal parts of water. The final painting with metal finish acrylic colors is what made my Suryabhagwan “metallic” and varnish added to his “tejas” (luster, brilliance..)! :)

Step-by-step images...