Art & Crafts of India #2: Indian Hand Embroidery

Indian Hand Embroidery entices us with its vibrant colours, the intricate designs and the effort put in by the skilled craftsmen.<br /><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089116268261700914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbrbIgzesK3z7uROvK4tc07i1LU5q1qJ0SGYMe1lvmaWkLctbyO7WkudFitpN_gg5hAVakn56VahFrnrg9tSqdhXPImdyjiAUPl1Z8K00hbsfXO_Tr_J2IT_dtkAEvPV_A31lRTS_iAbm/s400/shru2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />There are various styles of embroidery in India & from different regions and it would be an enormous task to cover all of them in one small post.<br /><br />Some of the well-known styles are <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/phulkari-embroidery.html">Phulkari</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikan_(embroidery)">Chikan</a>, <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/kantha-embroidery.html">Kantha</a>, <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/banjara-embroidery.html">Banjara</a>, <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/rabari-embroidery.html">Rabari</a>, <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/mirror-embroidery.html">Mirrorwork</a>, <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/zardozi-embroidery.html">Zardozi</a> and you can read more about Indian Embroidery Styles <a href="http://www.indian-embroidery.com/indian-embroidery-styles.html">here</a>.<br /><br />So here are some of the interesting styles...<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089116246786864418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZeo30tCoj6zhm1EKfmxI4jAGR4EJneWHWFQNdK2wPmVGrp2qlT45jPkmev7DZBAN83RiVcTnPVDZ1xQlwGGqMiWGY8ijCp3Pq5Hg8PnoNkrAkHimZMmZTVSdXQpXb6A_DaMNzREmNQbl/s400/shru1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Colourful cushion covers from <a href="http://www.shrujan.org/products.htm">Shrujan</a><br /><br />The vibrant craft can be brought into your homes in the form of home accessories like cushion covers, bedsheets, door hangings, wall hanging and many more.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXi_P7k6RJtPDz-Q9aidIMrmcxngybjDdpbWqk29I8ByrV3vju1GKRyq4bFN-BH7W41sko0NUtoRjYBQO7Bf8EBOdhQQaiMl8IFjFgNehXOEucqmcvRHUHARjQt9ggjy92r8Hwz2xpfj2/s1600-h/bedsheet1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089122341345457618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXi_P7k6RJtPDz-Q9aidIMrmcxngybjDdpbWqk29I8ByrV3vju1GKRyq4bFN-BH7W41sko0NUtoRjYBQO7Bf8EBOdhQQaiMl8IFjFgNehXOEucqmcvRHUHARjQt9ggjy92r8Hwz2xpfj2/s400/bedsheet1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Bedsheet from <a href="http://www.indiascraft.com/">Indiascrafts</a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rtzfgdpXO9gBESXZLTsU1KfdFdzJSQF6D9TT2mvA20z_JcxEjAIXrnu-TDtgAmX0nnGyHVEds3Z6Fa8tLziOE7hv2BxIMRENKsXdsykVqOCq1DbjTbuY9SYCSIzH5jux9JQkR10klPAU/s1600-h/shru6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089121185999254930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rtzfgdpXO9gBESXZLTsU1KfdFdzJSQF6D9TT2mvA20z_JcxEjAIXrnu-TDtgAmX0nnGyHVEds3Z6Fa8tLziOE7hv2BxIMRENKsXdsykVqOCq1DbjTbuY9SYCSIzH5jux9JQkR10klPAU/s400/shru6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Fantastic wall hanging from <a href="http://www.shrujan.org/products.htm">Shrujan</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu13Sk8VZg_KLKuBtjfUy3NBJPBtvkjvZvLGuZwzUpC77z5pASi5LN6UEUhyphenhyphen7y9ioqoi29jAVxbM9a5II6ZBUTcir_jokHXjWdievUTOUh3XyFMjPlA0qAEKqiVpsDNxkeHNKahWXrnpDB/s1600-h/shru5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089121190294222242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu13Sk8VZg_KLKuBtjfUy3NBJPBtvkjvZvLGuZwzUpC77z5pASi5LN6UEUhyphenhyphen7y9ioqoi29jAVxbM9a5II6ZBUTcir_jokHXjWdievUTOUh3XyFMjPlA0qAEKqiVpsDNxkeHNKahWXrnpDB/s400/shru5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Cushion Covers from <a href="http://www.shrujan.org/products.htm">Shrujan<br /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089122680647874018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWB09QEEfNFzOpnHA7t8HHQeP-BeS52ZF3JgtRA_Fwi3jjHxw-GA1KrPziMXYr5jm-kneiUCZiTKxFSdlCIZYCiox1utgFNgHfd-WwUSeX_4cDlFadD6FciU8irXaJvH2OKktWZiuk_zGG/s400/doorhanging.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Door hanging from <a href="http://www.indiascraft.com/index.htm">Indiascraft</a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089131781683574258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8ZO0ybfdv2XZ3PTn6RNetNqsMM2VIHnmozda14SBTtwhCjL0FsOMn1qiu-EXl3M0lOP2O5NXq8oa1ByyYFJoFQNI_JmMCO6pPKIQWWAvvDi6TroyYB0U7aceavvkyolDwZPUnc89xY3s/s400/anok2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Hand Embroidery bed cover from <a href="http://www.anokhi.com/">Anokhi<br /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089117157319931234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_20RjVH59u52xmTl_cJpvIXYSxLSg774ESnjTo-9WzNeWtVni3iEz09AA-Xpi4yuNZxh-s2O9DvH9F8RlT-D-qAUsIsdysustCVns_YVDcVvue04HiPAn1JSHnUAzFCVt2mopNcT1Vna/s400/tilonia1.gif" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Amazing cushion covers from <a href="http://store.tilonia.com/index.html">Tilonia<br /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089117165909865842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p5XnnGzLrBrDKpim5UWwfpEwGE5fH0S86Ks3HHEUkhe6sTlHqeHvlEJPD6fu1DzY4elHvgppeBAl1kwRYua6k-at-Jomrt6D8aABgHIM7Offancwg0k0pMHGRk5J12rWCYbOuF69HD9C/s400/tilonia3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This white on cream is a dream:-) from <a href="http://store.tilonia.com/index.html">Tilonia</a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089116272556668226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2yfh0jhq0kPl0vh7ji0Tj-Xkj16vIxC3B96HrnfBwV-xwKVHy_pYg58L_arjJ3l1frp1Tt3g3_sI0zxZQ94kHP6iG2YTmfoRpRm4zk9IsXyL4yH5oh6RNtaPt_NzxLatu-MXioWwGkVM/s400/shru3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Love this from <a href="http://www.shrujan.org/products.htm">Shrujan</a><br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089116281146602834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDcKT705_dxvYFPe_4XZO5MRNY8PxkilAOE2jYCVr_diXpeltjLCmlqyY-rlsS_1QWzFQeHdCPh_IOKKY_28PyUHjEtNLQX3xd0QQkiHnC8JuPhEKMUkSjEmbqTUQjPHSG3WjbyXAWW7J/s400/shru4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Silver & Gold from <a href="http://www.shrujan.org/products.htm">Shrujan</a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089117165909865858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZPMSyKlC_6eKDfsUHm9cVtaI4tF34dgNAKp8ckTBsmfuM-s7gTdO5HlvCBK86dCWo9dQnGXW3GuSsjnf82XtSX3gJeRhUngRBZya81-xk_XWcPR6sRbtZqGNOtizGhezZdjvJVENG_8W/s400/cush.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Lovely combination from <a href="http://www.anokhi.com/">Anokhi<br /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089121194589189570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lQZZwTEySQ7NJNJbF07nLVaF1FfWHOiWLlecIEUxmdyGxpBaVgxu7N3NnBTPk-NDayaENGhKW7ep4r1F1muFuHJ4EJCyk8SqnA-qEfzrcCdvz76ILaMkssUYEzqYF2KrgJia1EkUKZHt/s400/cush_arch.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />My mirrorwork cushion cover picked up from a Crafts Fair:-)<br /><br /><em>( Images from Shrujan, Tilonia, Anokhi & Indiascraft)</em></div></div></div>

Art & Crafts of India #2: Indian Hand Embroidery

Indian Hand Embroidery entices us with its vibrant colours, the intricate designs and the effort put in by the skilled craftsmen. There are ...

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Anuradha Vakil's Studio

<a href="http://www.anuradhavakil.com/">Anuradha Vakil</a> has to be one of my favourite Indian fashion designer. Her love for traditional textile crafts & her passion to revive them makes her very special.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088001183082509426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIMXOvuxhIzV0XoNHhMQxVawyjRHqTH6qaeH6MmtMbVUX47cJI-jBVdjZF74UYbqE4c_NkmdSym-1pbH1BZ6qCwkQgwkwdJ69j9xZiinVOSa-s4zSb9mw7dXQ9SSqom6JVi-dpbw34T8z/s400/av.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><em>Anuradha's creations<br /></em>Why am I talking about fashion & textiles?<br /><br />Well, She puts in the same passion into designing her workshop-cum-office as she does into her clothes. I have been so inspired by her space I had to share this with all of you:-)<br /><br />Anuradha states she wanted a very understated look. A contemprory space with an Indian soul.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088000199534998594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeW5Tjnf3qZbVzHg-rMukS37SotS1yC4b_Yyv6F6PyZy5hrXIQmz5_CxcsYFlOUpSrIW589sky6Ea8UtyjFD-sxkSwD23z6QCu1GZPJ-VatXTym8i9xy85gsHMR78taZoUUF3uDXg7BzO/s400/av3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The reception area with a sofa made of natural fibres and a colourful patch-work upholstery. <div><em>I love the simplicity of this space!</em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLefPrkA_wacakl2Vc25EDJ7gSPrF_8r1QpmhjRD8jOcpy_X8TdYfSFi1j07M7TifB37EnGhumB_GGBYG2T9n9hc4Fantr2zCY_-s15b-dYTSmldVxKrYKaBIqFHms0dsXcwYu3gLcPPe/s1600-h/av1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088000186650096674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLefPrkA_wacakl2Vc25EDJ7gSPrF_8r1QpmhjRD8jOcpy_X8TdYfSFi1j07M7TifB37EnGhumB_GGBYG2T9n9hc4Fantr2zCY_-s15b-dYTSmldVxKrYKaBIqFHms0dsXcwYu3gLcPPe/s400/av1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Reception area with gorgeous red athungudi tiles with a contemprory black & white border. Antique brocade textiles on walls form an interesting theme. Check out an old sewing machine converted into a table.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088004498797262002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Og4-WhngtcOTEm8TWwLGQnPME6digPIDecoDoCWbL1hxbuS9VjnXiAFUSBE35e-mkel4p8n2-4QFZLm_Tkd_cRyyFQ2qD_-1bT8q6v80Z8zK_O1TionB7UXyYcvfG5cKCxmFBzj2bR0/s400/av8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><em>Anuradha's workspace, where she creates those rich, colourful clothes.<br /><br /></em></div><div>She wanted here workspace to be in neutral colours since she works with colours the whole day. Lovely things that she cherishes & inspires her form this beautiful space.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNMR9yrYqrCfppLygJv3dp4lH9IqgWK0n0AlGuDkmtmFKRRRu43RI2Ej571Y1xanGg2wdLgDa9Xuvbu1OVk63PIHGrYfSx91Hjx-u40yA1V8CMZixnJvHWghjMyN47BpkqKSkCdnebln_/s1600-h/av2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088000190945063986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNMR9yrYqrCfppLygJv3dp4lH9IqgWK0n0AlGuDkmtmFKRRRu43RI2Ej571Y1xanGg2wdLgDa9Xuvbu1OVk63PIHGrYfSx91Hjx-u40yA1V8CMZixnJvHWghjMyN47BpkqKSkCdnebln_/s400/av2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The meeting area, from here one can see her workspace. The floor level seating with fantastic Kalamkari floor cushions gives a great perspective of the neem tree outside her window.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088004494502294690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb7Q59BAMIHLR6rEKTTfC6uR62mSwdRhpdyOquOvyYqOmb4d0SBwH8Xc8tKwKsj3a2dP7_gMIveBPi6vkiyJtHIqbdHK8k7R4RCOPDAumU7OwIEoxNcuoI18QoFXjr882pp9tgkr91l0Q/s400/av7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />She has a passion for old chests- she stores her accessories in them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowCzHq7MLAPHEdn-FagTZWIp8OTRhbrp7MXHj_QmYnKJSQWlZTPl1VqXR_mHxeooDSxcAJZHHsXIpgWuoL7xQoketqhWabGe30XNCWlQLRj_tO1i6D5b2gzqMjLAEJ99OeivVy9cI2hHT/s1600-h/av6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088000208124933218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowCzHq7MLAPHEdn-FagTZWIp8OTRhbrp7MXHj_QmYnKJSQWlZTPl1VqXR_mHxeooDSxcAJZHHsXIpgWuoL7xQoketqhWabGe30XNCWlQLRj_tO1i6D5b2gzqMjLAEJ99OeivVy9cI2hHT/s400/av6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Lovely antique wooden-chests (<em>Sigh</em>*)<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088000203829965906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2rmHRPJ_sdxh_nxSc1wnLPF8wlmIIBEoCY2RGXWWeAtanBRr9jDB44e7zswVB8eGhx4JlCpRTMFU5s_xSbdSaYZLUAXnNIXzczK2TQG7tS6hOfu-1DCLfIKI3-K6-rsOV70OEKOwR8ta/s400/av4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Her tiny loo is also beautifully designed. Gorgeous greens & yellows..the walls have stencilled flowers. Isn't this truely amazing!!!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I am so inspired by this kind of interiors where the designer puts her heart and soul into her space.<br /><br /></div><div>The home or workspace of an individual should aways be an extension of him/her. That's what works for me.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>What do you say?<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><em>( images from Anuradha Vakil.com & Inside Outside Magazine, May 2003 issue)</em></div></div>

Anuradha Vakil's Studio

Anuradha Vakil has to be one of my favourite Indian fashion designer. Her love for traditional textile crafts & her passion to revive t...

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New Feature-'Art and Crafts of India: Dokra Art'

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086507556665717698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEYqb3X4ADrWAUhT_B0Z6QVQ1W6MUSRrQZginYpGzSlKs8gYkJG1NHY1iO_EQV86J_d-bP4zyyGvsyOLlAhJUKOiXH1b4LjUseeUhKFCFLdtOq7oegvVOMYhWlAJ0F5RV2JqRrHB-97gm/s400/dokra.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />India is a country with rich art & craft heritage. I personally love the various art & crafts and try to incorporate them in my home.<br /><br /><div><div>I have started a new feature, where I'll be highlighting an India art or craft.<br /><br />My first post is <a href="http://www.notjustbeautiful.com/popup.php?ID=Dhokra%20art%20of%20Bastar%20(the%20lost%20wax%20process)">'Dokra Art'</a><br /></div><div>It's an ancient art of casting metal using the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_wax_casting">lost-wax method</a>. The tribals from India make amazing idols & figures of Gods & Godesses, Animals, Birds and also their daily lives.</div><br /><div>Above is a Dokra idol of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali">'Goddess Kali' </a>in my home.</div></div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086544583578776578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nExeMSwplLgioj8mf8p-7St_KgTc-sqOdBefB3nIzjd3S64-IHvZsBeCgsACqIGGpMCtL85cdBD9xhR8mqgxlPvFNeLB1cYGAOZeZkHVZJ7iL5Ss_HxSeV1-xyt5UD7DMej9yzrNUAJ9/s400/owl.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />'The Owl' occasionally sits on my crockery sideboard.<br /><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086543883499107314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y9OhlbvPdVnnTT7JPu10SP9mrnwjraYyHhvUh9NNUBmnnAybQFWK5CPQLE0ny-3daDJvjxMoxdQRMUGmNQWuOoetgbCf88oOdlh-ZR0nINDq8cQ5ocJsUlkVb0bdRoEb7d9iifgP8Ynw/s400/brass.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Animal figures in my daughter's bathroom.</p>

New Feature-'Art and Crafts of India: Dokra Art'

India is a country with rich art & craft heritage. I personally love the various art & crafts and try to incorporate them in my home...

Read more »