A Sunny Yellow Window

Painting Poems

2012-06-28T12:51:00.000+05:30

A Haathi Chaap scrapbook, Potli wooden blocks from Kadam, multi-hued watercolors, a black pigment liner, and a few words waiting to be strung together - were my tools of the trade.

I'm sure most of you know of Haathi Chaap, the folks who celebrate Elephant Poo. With that they create organic stationery, which sport the coolest of logos, and I like the post script on their homepage ... "No, it doesn't smell of poo. Really!" :-)

Incidentally, here's a fun picture I caught at the Singapore zoo.

And so,
my Haathi Chaap scrapbook flaunting the mammal's behind, and tied together with a ribbon, was waiting for the right inspiration. So were the hugely popular wooden blocks from Kadam.

I penned down two small poems.

One, of a tree calling out to his feathered friends.

And another of a parrot's song

And did I have fun splashing color on these beautifully textured pages!

Am linking on to the weekly story @Colours Dekor.

Savouring the last of summer

2012-05-30T12:36:00.001+05:30

A week's holiday at home in Kerala is a rejuvenizer beyond compare. Life is relaxed, and each time I go down to my hometown, I manage to find time in abundance to sit back or walk around and savour the slow pace and nature's bounty. While this part of the world awaits monsoons, I relished the last of this summer.

My mom had cleaned up the vase to set in fresh flowers of the day ... what she tossed out of the window as "yesterday's" looked beautiful on the ground as well.

Curry leaves for the daily tadka come from the backyard. The shrub planted long ago in the backyard has flourished into a tall tree, what with the ample ground water, nutrient-rich soil and sunshine. This season, the tree is done flowering, and is in bloom with bunches of fruits.

My father had lovingly planted a cherry plant long ago. We hardly had hopes of it bearing fruit, but this time it did, and how!

I see him smiling through this freshly plucked branch.

The 60-year old mango tree in front of the house has done its deed for the year. This year's supplies of mangoes were collected, some sold off, some relished at home itself. Its that time of the year when within minutes of sweeping, the tree gets back to weaving a carpet of shed brown leaves on the ground.

I found these wicked nail extensions (thanks to a Gulmohar flower), and grinned delightfully to myself. I probably did this last on my evening walks with cousins nearly fifteen years ago.

Ah :-)
Once monsoon sets in, there's no respite. It pours until you wish the rains away. But as kids we never wished it away ... what better time to race paper boats and splash in muddy puddles.
Like those days, this monsoon I plan to mock-squeal at all noisy thunderstorms, I hope the child in you does too! Good day!

The Wild Unknown

2012-03-22T11:31:00.001+05:30

"So I cut off my hair,

and I rode straight away

to the Wild Unknown country,

where I could not go wrong"

Must say Bob Dylan's words on their homepage jolted A Sunny Yellow Window out of its three-month long hibernation. Here are some wild nature-inspired prints and products from The Wild Unknown, the brainchild of Brooklyn artist Kim Krans.

LOVE botanical and animal prints. And so my heart goes out to elegant artwork by a company which is "focused on making simple, thoughtful, handcrafted goods." They hope these "wild unknown items bring moments of solitude and wonder, always."

... like this lovely calendar which is "filled with owls, falcons, baby rabbits, kestrels, and more. Lyrics by Neil Young, Yoko Ono, Bob Marley and Van Halen. This epic calendar pulls at the heartstrings of the rabbit and the hawk hidden away in all of us."

A kids room would love this on its wall, don't you think? Bear, kitty, bird

Intricate drawings on an ABC Dream Book in which each page talks of one letter.

Ferns and feathers

A feather-wreath print

They are available in a few stores across the US, and they do ship internationally. Catch them on Twitter or Facebook.

(All pictures from the company website. And I've borrowed heavily from the text on the website, in order not to disturb the symphony!)
Good day.

Indian Bazaar

2011-12-03T17:34:00.001+05:30

Local bazaars never cease to fascinate ...

(Scenes caught on my lens at a market in Gangtok, Sikkim)
Linking up to Mosaic Monday at the Little Red House, and The Creative Exchange.
To a colorful week ahead!

Young, Wild and Free - A Collage from Yesteryears

2011-11-30T08:39:00.001+05:30

Today is about reminiscence.
About the truckloads of fond memories you bring back from college and hostel life, and sometimes memorabilia... like this collage I made in my first year of undergrad school. It was on my wall then, moved with me, got packed in aluminium trunks, got unpacked, unrolled, pinned back on the wall as I moved rooms after each year ended... till the last year of study.

Looking at it now, I'm reminded of those things which used to excite me then, what appeared "cool" then, a celebration of the first year with new friends, and a break into life in a college hostel.

Red had to be the predominant color, signifying well, defiance. The red handmade sheet from Auroville's outlets in Pondicherry came handy! And all the teen magazines, newspapers were scoured and dissected for interesting pictures.

Here are portions of the whole...

Veerappan was smart I thought ;-) for being RobinHood

I guess this put the whole effort in a nutshell... I'm young, so is my world!

It was the beginning of the www exploration

Somehow, a kathakali also fit into the scheme of things

And here's the whole collage...

I cannot put this up on my wall now, of course, since we've grown out of "go punk" and "go funk"! Better-half S laughed it off :D
But it will always stay with me as a happy reminder of the years when friends and I first tasted Young-Wild-and-Free..

I'm sure you've got stories to tell as well ... what have you folks treasured as memories of your yesteryears?

MyMela - Shop, Learn, Invest, and Reach Out

2011-11-20T01:08:00.001+05:30

A great initiative, I simply love what they do. Was quite kicked n delighted about sharing their work with you folks after I received Leah Herman's email on the interesting concept called MyMela.

An online marketplace, MyMela was founded by Navroze S. Mehta, and envisions the creation of a dynamic online marketplace for Indian artisans, providing them a sustainable market for their work as well as a source of loans to ensure their independence and long-term viability.

Through their website you can buy distinctive handcrafted artwork while learning about the organization/artisans who created them. So you pick a durrie online, scroll down and read about Sanjay Goel from Agra who wove the Rajdhani Durries. Or you buy a wooden photo frame, while reading about Abid Hussain, a first generation wood carver from Uttar Pradesh. It completes the shopping experience!!

What's more, you can also choose to make small "MyMela" loans to artisans will be used to buy materials, make capital improvements or train other workers and will be repaid to you with interest in credits on the MyMela marketplace. Read in detail on how this works, in Navroze's interview with Forbes.

Here's a teaser for you of what the marketplace offers...
Hand embroidered silk and cotton cushion covers

Carved wooden photo frames

Stone Tealight holders

Flatweave wool rugs

Jewelry boxes

Evening tote bags with 'Ahir' embroidery

Wall decor ... this one's made of (finger-licking-good)-mango wood :P

and silver necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets, embroidered silk wall hangings, coasters and incense holders, and more!

You can also stalk them by subscribing to their monthly mosaics/newsletters or by following their blog, getting updated through their Facebook page, or following them on Twitter.

So "this is the unique MyMela experience: shop, learn, invest and grow while reaching out across the globe to form a new community committed to the survival of Indian crafts."

A hurrah for this social entrepreneurship initiative!

(All images courtesy MyMela)

Guest Post: A Handful of Decor Ideas

2011-11-18T08:56:00.001+05:30

Ta-da!
Say hello to Joanna from Arcadian Lighting who wrote in offering to do a guest-post on this blog. She's here today with a handful of interesting decor details which would make all the difference in a room. Over to her ...

Hello, my name is Joanna. I’m a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a top online source for lighting fixtures across the spectrum. I spend my work hours searching the internet for the best images of interior designs and then write about them for blogs around the world. I love my work because it allows me to share my finds with readers such as you. Thanks to A Sunny Yellow Window for letting me guest post today! Many tiny details within a room combine to finish an overall style or look. Without these tiny details, such as texture or a spot of color, a room can fall short of its mark. Below we’ve gathered some tiny details to help you start looking at every element in a room with a new eye.

Here’s an unexpected touch, dainty clear feet on the sofa. We’ve sees ghost chairs and ghost tables, but now we have ghost legs to carry the look through.

Silver nail head trim on turquoise doors is the kind of detailing that adds excitement to an otherwise plain décor element.

Fabric covered shades for lamps like this one can give a punch to an all white décor. The contrast of black and white with turquoise also adds interest.

Books add interest when placed in a haphazard way framing the door to the next room.

Differing textures come together to add tactile detailing to a linen covered sofa. The tiny details on the mirrors make an impact as well.

Pops of color, like the orange on the mirrors in this room, are details not to be overlooked. They can add excitement to any space.

A stark white passageway takes on a whole new look with a grouping of ornate white picture frames. The black chair and rug contrast, adding a new dimension to the look. A light source such as a floor lamp, pendant light or chandelier would be lovely here.

When looking to spice up your decor or when starting from scratch, don't forget the details!
(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

... Ah, among all, I loved the fabric lamp-shade the most, and I'm thinking of Ikat on it.
I hope you enjoyed these ideas too.. Do stop by Arcadian Lighting's blog for plenty of ideas and inspiration daily.

A Taste of Balinese Artistry

2011-11-06T11:55:00.001+05:30

Back from a vacation in Bali, with fresh memories of the beaches, paddy fields, wood craft, seafood, wayside temples, rustic orange brick buildings, friendly people, frangipani trees and fallen flowers on the streets.

I read this somewhere "The soul of the Balinese is in his religion, so it finds its expression in the arts." Indeed!
What I found irresistibly attractive were the artist villages all along our route to the town of Ubud. It just seemed that every other person was an artist in some way - kite makers, painters, weavers, stone and wood carvers, mask makers ...

We visited a few homes/galleries where the artists live, work and sell their creations.
Dear readers, here's a glimpse of it -

The master artist adding his finishing touches

It's all in the details

Plenty more to choose from

Art supplies in the backyard

Carved in stone - A streak of sunshine falls across his curls, and all-knowing smile

The hundreds of these sculptures didn't seem to compete for the buyers' attention - they just stood weathering rain and shine, at peace with their surroundings

After day one of our stay, I sighed in realization that our short trip was going to be just too short for this beautiful a place, and resolved to come back for longer, someday ... for a better taste of local Bali.

Balinese (art) villages - I am certainly coming back for more!

(Linking this to And then she snapped.)

Three Delightful Stories

2011-10-11T08:50:00.002+05:30

Two weeks ago, I got hold of a sketch poem book by Bangalore based artist Prabha Narayanan who blogs here. Delightful to say the least, the book is on and is called Nature and comes alive with easy watercolor strokes and poetry in the artist's own handwriting, and fits snugly in my palm.
I first read about it in Priya Sebastian's The Plum Tree, and knew instantly that I had to buy it. A few email exchanges with Prabha and a copy of the book was mine. I have it up on my ledge like a fresh piece of art.

I also logged into Twitter after ages, never really understood the fun in it. But now I'm sort of hooked! I see several folks who write wittily, gives me interesting links, travellers, illustrators, and those who just write creatively about what they see around them. I really don't mind spending some time during my 1.5 hour bus journey to work, reading observant people who can play with words.
Tell me you are there too! You can find me @PopOfBright.

Let me leave you with this today...
I opened an old book,

Smelt the old pages.

As I flipped through the story,

Which climaxes in Spring,

I found pressed 'ol flowers

Between the pages.

Good day fellow bloggers!

Pattern Inspirations from Hampi

2011-09-13T11:35:00.002+05:30

As you drive past wayside scenes as regular as small colorful houses, children playing on the streets, pigs and cows and dogs on the road, bullock carts, and old men sitting under the shade of trees, little would you think that this small village in North Karnataka was the capital of an Empire more than five hundred years ago.

A visit to Hampi, as any site of ancient ruins, evokes in you a strong feeling of awe of how prosperous the place must've been in its heydays. The temple stone carvings here are not as elaborate as you would see in other parts of India, but are awe-inspiring nevertheless. Now in ruins, they stand a reminder of the invasions by the Muslim-ruled Deccan Sultanates way back in the 1600s.

Apart from memories of the kingdom's past grandeur, I also brought back in my camera some of the simpler, easy-to-reproduce patterns from the ruins .... simplest among all the complex ones I spotted there.

As travel memories at home, I must try painting them onto fabric, paper, canvas, walls, urns, or tiles - to remind me of the place each time I walk by!

How about these as borders?

This string of elephants would make a happy border along the edge of a wall, or on a stole!

I got to try this one

Have to add in this pic of an elephant we spotted.

Love the frame - colors on his trunk, and the blue window behind.

On another note, let me proudly share this too ... that A Sunny Yellow Window has been added to the Directory of Best Indian Blogs in the Arts category, and I am Mighty pleased! :-) A big thank you to the IndianTopBlogs.com team. Do visit their website for a listing of several wonderful Indian blogs.

Coming back to topic, tell me which heritage site has inspired you to Create, Write, Paint, Stitch, Engrave, Decoupage or just Poster-it-up-on-your-wall.

Dear Paint, love the way you do that rainbow!

2011-08-29T09:40:00.002+05:30

'tis the story of five mud pots that lived in a corner of home, and needed some Color!

Out came my acrylic paints ...

Did a deep blue on two of 'em

With a white twig on one.

Merged blues, white and green on another ...

Popped out one dirty fellow with a yellow...

Gave the fifth a worn out look, as if the blue-green-pink pattern inside was washed away with many years of the dark brown.

Up they perched on my ledge,

Along with a painting of mine.

Go, Show off yourselves to all,

The shapes and colours of thine!

What is your critique, and pick-of-the-lot?
Am linking this to The Weekly Story @ Colours Dekor.

Travel Blogging!

2011-08-23T22:07:00.007+05:30

The most unassuming of all foot wear, the flip-flops or the desi Hawaii chappals instantly strike a chord with most Indians. The slap of these blue-whites against heels is an all too familiar sound, isn't it?

Most of us keep them for home. Random cyclists wear them for the road, the Mamta Banerjees wear them to work, "cool" college goers wear 'em to classes, avid trekkers wear them while at their passion ...

Cushions your feet while walking, takes you from place to place, simple, elemental.

I also believe a place should be explored on feet to really appreciate the small wonders it has to offer. So go as you may - train, air, road ... but at the destination, tread joyfully on the roads less taken, breathe in local flavours, chat up with the locals, taste their authentic food.. What do you think??

With that I welcome you to the small wonders in travelling, and to my new travel blog - The Hawaii-Chappal Trail :-) As cool or uncool as that sounds, it is what I love about travelling ... basic, refreshing experiences through walking the planet!

Do peep in, and let me know in a comment if you have a travel blog too, would love to read it!

Here's to a sunny week ahead.

To get that rustic look on furniture!

2011-08-12T23:31:00.000+05:30

Have you ever worked with chalk paint... (not chalkboard paint)
I've been wanting to try it on a piece of furniture!

Miss Mustard Seed uses it brilliantly, I simply love her work... authentic! Have a look at some of her creations.

A few rounds of sanding after painting gives this beautiful effect.

That awesome chalky finish.

And here's the work of Shaunna @The Perfectly Imperfect blog..

And from another...

Are chalk paints available in India, does any manufacturer sell them here? Have come across Annie Sloan's, but they aren't sold around here.

The alternative is to try dry brush painting to create the faux weathered texture, as in...

Anything for this rustic charm!! What say?

[Click on the pictures to visit their sources and for how-to's.]

The Aesthetics in a Pottery Barn

2011-08-11T09:20:00.008+05:30

I think clay pots make very interesting subjects for a camera, and a visit to a pottery barn is sheer delight to anyone looking to workout their cameras, and capture the play of light and shadow!

This pottery place we went to last weekend was tucked up cosy below the Nandi Hills, off Bangalore -a small shed framed by hills on all sides. Mounds of clay/mud welcomed us as we entered the dimly lit barn with old wooden doors and windows, light streaming in through them and cracks in the tiles on the roof, and walls speaking of several years of hard work.

Unclean... yet beautiful

The potter invited us to try the pottery wheel ourselves. I guess making a pot yourself is a nice heady combination of several feelings - the squishy feeling of clay between your fingers shaping something, the fact that a simple movement of a few fingers could change its shape, and the hope of things to come.. like your own creation to take back home.

The potter giving his finishing touches to the pot our friend made

The fresh piece

There were finished pots of all shapes and sizes lined up to dry.

And it never is an easy day for this potter. The clay doesn't come smooth, it has to be stood over, stamped, rolled over, stamped over and over again until the required consistency is reached before he gets to work on it. He enthusiastically showed it all - proud of how he earns his livelihood (and of course the prospect of earning a few bucks from these visitors).

The kiln outside the barn, decorated with yellow and red flowers, see them?

Artistic, is the symmetry and earthy colors of a pottery barn, isn't it? The tour gave me a sense of how potters give expression to the abstract, and nudged awake all my aesthetic senses in the process!

Linking this story to Barn Charm.

Sketch a Plant

2011-08-02T00:29:00.001+05:30

I found this an interesting exercise @The Rainforest Garden, you sketch one plant every week ... you get back your sketching habits, and learn to appreciate the curves on your green friends!

I believe it is never possible to re-create the colors or perfection of nature. And this attempt only reinforced that belief. Color pencils usually create pictures which are farthest from an original, and here's an attempt with them.

This is one of my favorite plants from our balcony garden. Happily nods its head when watered, healthy, and most importantly, is not high-maintenance!

Do you know its name? Scientific name, local name, pet name ;-) anything? For now, its Heart-Shaped Burst-o-Green!

So why don't you brush up your drawing skills, join in this weekly rhythm! Try riding your finger through a leaf, feel its shape, try to re-create it, fail (or perhaps you might not), and scrapbook it for memories sake!

Lyrical!

2011-07-21T09:40:00.005+05:30

No, not a wordy post ... but a few compiled inspirations.

Love these products ... they are simply lyrical.

"Vintage blue birds layered on a french journal page."

Just an Ampers&nd

"French Beach Words"

On burlap

What do you think is so charming about words, poetry, lyrics on these cushions?

The old world charm?

Memories of (grand)mom's bedtime stories?
The back-to-schooldays feeling?

Would they smell of old notebooks? :-)

[Click on the pictures to go to their sources]

Attitude for the weekend

2011-07-08T09:26:00.005+05:30

Been awhile since I posted last... Be right back with a DIY or two!

Until then, wish you windy skies, mango showers, recycled cloth bags, parrots in the tree-you-see-from-your-balcony and Gulmohar petals as you step on the street :-)

Retro Repurposed Jug

2011-06-12T10:02:00.021+05:30

Time to put some inspirations to action! This, this, these watering cans and more were on my idea-board before I started off. Some of you might remember the steel jug which I dished out of my cupboard after it was tucked in there for a very long time. This Saturday gave me the time to hunch up on a bean bag, jug in hand, a design on my mind, paints and brushes strewn all around me - my fingers itching to repurpose this otherwise not-too-useful object at our home.

I love the symmetry of bare brick walls. And flowers peeping out through the bricks. So here goes!

I intended it to be yellow, but it turned out an almost flourescent leaf green. Nevermind!

Let me make it clearer with the writing on the wall <grin> - a name board of wooden pallets at the bottom, claiming "repurposed"

Electric blue for the handle and knob,
and random brushstrokes with generous dollops of paint for the lid ...

Pebbles are the other surface apart from paper and fabric that I have ever experimented with. So inevitably unlearned-learned a couple of things after these few hours of trying to figure out how to paint on steel. A Google search would've been easier, but this was more fun!
One: To cover a large surface of metal, it is best to spray-paint. Paint brushes leave their bristle-trail throughout.
Two: Not one, not two, but three coats of paint will be enough. Just one will definitely let the steel show through.
Three: Acrylic (fabric) paint is extremely versatile. It apparently can be used on wood, earthenware, and thermocol as well. (Hmmm!! There is a small wooden table lying bare-brown at home, if only S would agree :P)

Done! I dust my hands in satisfaction, stretch my legs out, and head for a cup of tea.

Meanwhile, I'd love to hear if you have painted jugs, or pitchers, or mugs, or the town ;-) Do share a link if any in a comment.
Until then, let the sun shine on your day!

Linking this to SNS @Funky Junk Interiors, Creative Bloggers Party Hop, Colours Dekor and Lovely Crafty Weekend.

An ode to the Kanchipuram Saree

2011-05-24T09:12:00.007+05:30

To me, all silk sarees are fondly "Kanchipuram Sarees"! (Did I see some of you nod in agreement?)
I grew up watching my mom drape her cotton sarees every day to work, crisp and neatly pleated, with no cause for concern about a loose end or a poking pin or too short a pallu. Everything was in place, and the saree was, and is, comfort-wear for her. And like most women, she has a gorgeous collection of silk sarees kept neatly folded, and treasured in the wardrobe, which is taken out occasionally to wear to a Sunday morning wedding or to a house-warming lunch.

I borrowed several of them from her during my years in college. Fun, I didnt have to go saree-shopping, I could just come home and pick from her ready-to-use collection. These I'd proudly strut around in during the Diwali and other college celebrations.

That was the story of seven years ago. Now an occasional saree-hunt is a thing I have grown to enjoy, with a special soft corner towards traditional Kanchipuram silks. To me, the colours and vibrance in Kanchipuram sarees are simply brilliant.

More than the beauty of it, they remind me of mirth and laughter during weddings, gifts given by relatives to wear at their weddings, compliments when dressed up, and beautiful photographs with kith, kin and friends. To me, they mean happiness and gaity!

The saree is not yet comfort-wear for me, and probably never will be. But wearing it to a special occasion holds a dear, special charm.

To the lovely Kanchipuram saree hand-crafted by the small-town weavers of Kanchipuram.

PS: The pictures above purely intended to show-off my collection ;-)

And I'm sure most of you have your favourites too, do tell me your saree stories! I've shared this @ColoursDekor.

Sing along... These are a few of my favorite sounds...

2011-05-19T09:18:00.006+05:30

Keeping visual treats and DIYs aside for the day, I got thinking of a few sounds which tickle my ear each time I hear it.
I get thinking, or just close my eyes and smile when I hear ...

The sound of feet on dry leaves

The last drops of water dripping down after a tap is closed

The sizzling sound when I pour tadka into curry

The sound of crickets in the backyard

The roar of a river at my window, even if I can't see it

A loved one purring lazily in the morning when I try to wake him up

The sound of vehicles starting up after a terribly long traffic jam

The occasional train that passes by my house. It doesn't disturb sleep anymore!

Far-away loudspeaker-music that comes in with the wind

The sound of fire crackling through burning firewood, heard it?

A fan coming alive after a long power-cut in summer!

...

Some take me far away, some remind me of childhood, some just make me enjoy the moment.

What sounds do you heart?? Did any of these give you a sense connection?
Do share your moments...

Discard not all junk!

2011-05-16T09:56:00.001+05:30

Inspiration aplenty, to never throw away old pieces at home! More junk, more delight.

How an old ladder comes handy... Great idea especially if you have a half-wall separating the kitchen and the dining area!

A cheese grater it is!!

Barrels double up as an easy outdoor table for a summer noon party!

Now you know why not to discard them. Have you heard the proverb... An attic at home is more important than a throw-away attitude? ;-)

Good day!!

(You can view the sources by a click on the images)

The Pebble Project

2011-05-09T10:33:00.004+05:30

This weekend after several busy ones before, was a relaxed one ... spirited and gastronomically-stimulating too! Entertained a few visitors, went plant shopping at a horticultural society and celebrated our second wedding anniversary!

I also undertook this mega project which I intend to make a business plan out of, Rock Art. What I do is, take huge boulders and convert them to a form that is visually stimulating. Hehe just pebble painting as the title indicates. One each to give company to a Buddha, a bead-eyed frog and a turtle. Took out my fabric paints and brushes and spent 10-15 min on each, come have a look at the outcomes.

Buddha plans to sit on it and meditate

A few villagers posing with the painted rock

Green and white's company for the frog!

Heard the story of Lotus and the Blue Turtle? ;)

And all three products from the day's fun project, basking in the sunshine

Am sharing this 'craft'iness at some very cool blog parties - weekend wrap-up at Colours Dekor, Polly Want a Crafter, Mad in Crafts, Craftomaniac and Girl Creative.
Let a great week begin!

A few smart finds of today

2011-05-05T10:08:00.001+05:30

Here are some super-smart ideas to think about today. Do-it-yourselves!

A handmade wooden bicycle shelf, woah!

What to do with a bunch of glass bottles

Never discard an old drawer ... here's why!

Pretty maids all in row!

And here comes the best!! Can't get more nature friendly than this, isnt it?

All images courtesy Pinterest.

Co-ordinating brass and steel

2011-05-04T09:52:00.002+05:30

Getting the two together for a warm, inviting feel.

The steel jug is hardly ever used at our home these days. Just took it out of the cupboard today to make it an instant vase for the kitchen.
Next step, PAINT IT! I shall post it soon.

Versatility in Blogging

2011-05-03T09:22:00.003+05:30

I'm glad to have been named a Versatile Blogger by Dhaami who blogs at Gossamer Dreams dedicated to gorgeous photography! You must check her space out, its a treat to the eye!

Thank you!

And the rules are :
1. Link back to the blogger who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

So I'd like to pass on this award to ten wonderful bloggers whose spaces I simply love to spend time on!

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- Miss Mustard Seed for the grand posts on painted furniture and her work, love love her work!! Am amazed at the number of pieces she has churned out each time I look for updates.

- Sameera @Life In a Jiffy, for her simple poetry which comes straight from the heart, and tugs at you.

- Compai, for their unique, whacky, awesome home ideas. LOVE what the Blakeney sisters are upto! You must check out their Jungalow.

Dithi's Deezden - amazing art. If I am investing in a painting for my drawing room, would definitely have one of hers. Intense, meaningful work!

Maria Dermengiu at Marie Nouvelle Studio for the beautiful pieces of art, her work and beauty in all its forms, that she compiles in her posts.

Whipperberry, an awesome storehouse of crafts and many things nice. Sheer eye candy and a whole lot of DIYs there!

Geninne's Art Blog, of a brilliant artist. I find her style to be very unique.

Ingrid Jansen's Wood & Wool Stool, for the wood recycling projects she comes up with.

Charu's earthy sketches at Dry Pastels. Uniqueness again.

Faith Raider's Simplicity, a lovely photoblog and several other inspirations!

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Can't miss a mention of a few other of my favorite decor bloggers - Colors Dekor, Rang Decor, Sound Horn Please, Artnlight, The Key Bunch, MyDreamCanvas, Once upon a tea time ... Design stories, An Indian Summer, Purple Homes, LivenThingsUp - part of my staple diet. Am sure they have received this 'award' several times, so am not adding on!

Alright, now as part of the routine, here are seven things about me ...

1) That I love to travel to untouched, uncommercialized places rich in local flavor, mmmmuch more than following a tourist guide's routine visiting touristy lakes, museums, the Malaysias, Niagra Falls and Ootys.

2) That photography is my delightfully new-found hobby which I am going to pursue diligently from now on.

3) I get a high when I exercise, I really feel like smiling to myself after a hour of aerobics :) Haven't been at it for nearly two years now, must join a class soon!

4) That I used to enjoy a super-high metabolic rate when in school and college, no longer (sniff sniffff). I remember having the highest mess bill in hostel but still remaining thin and agile!

5) I love to paint. Planning to try painting furniture, I've got enough inspiration from blogosphere already!

6) My ideal workspace will contain a moodboard, crafts done by me or near n dear, a favourite poem framed in a photo frame, family photos, plants in teacups.

7) My ideal ideal job is one that'll combine travel, photography, creativity, craft, philanthrophy! Although what I currently do for a living is look-for-business intelligence-for-a-tech and blah conglomerate-to-strategically-market-their-products. How far apart are the two! One day I'll get there. Like I read yesterday (in the Economic Times blog by Sumeet Vaid), "our true happiness lies in the goals and dreams we want to achieve in the long term. And while we are on a path to do so, we cannot ignore basic living".

Thank you Dhaami once again!