www.handmadeselling.com

Handmade Crocheted Tissue Clutch

2014-12-17T16:26:00.001-08:00

It has been 2 days since I have had a persistent running nose. I have already lost count to the number of tissue sets I have consumed up and the amount of honey-ginger decoction that I have ingested.

Apart from all this, my reddened and scaling columella nasi is another sure shot proof to my being severely bugged with the cold virus.

All this while, a time came (about 12 hours back) when I got so frustrated with carrying tissue reams in my hand for the blocked ENT zone within me that I started looking for an creative outlet to take my mind off all the blocked and irritant stuff.

That was when I ended up doing two things - an alternative therapy cure for the cold, and a beautiful classy clutch for the tissues to stack on.

As for the cold cure, I ended up drinking cups and cups of my favourite Mulligatwany soup. Just 2 regular sized bowls of it cleared out my entire nasal zone vertically as well as horizontally.
When the 30% of my nasal passage got cleared, I realised the amount of cash I was usually shelling out for each bowl when devoured at restaurants. It was a good 125 INR (approx. 2 $) that I was investing for my cold cure every meal. On the contrary, the regular OTC antibiotics required for the cold cure would have cost a mere quarter of the amount costing the soup, and also would have relieved me of the cold in just 6 hours. But me being a NO DRUG person; I persisted on my organic indulgences and discovered the recipe to be made at home. I searched a lot on the internet and finally found one recipe that suited the ingredients that were available at my home then. I then altered that one a bit more and made it as per my palette.

I must say, the outcome was wonderful. The testimony to its efficacy was a flow of creativity in my head which replaced the stoic stuffed phlegm through an aromatic and delicious route.

I will come to the recipe later, but before that I am excited to share the creativity that I spanned out in mere 6 hours flat.

I ended up making this clutch with a bit of inspiration from few designs that I found online while I was surfing for a solution to hold my weight of tissues. There were many elaborate ones, but this one particular was the simplest that I could crochet on with ease. Though I modified the edging a bit to make it less flamboyant; and voila I was ready with a convenient and chic piece of an accessory that turned everyone's attention around me every time I sneezed.

A long list of double crochets and few picots is crochet techniques is all that is required to come up with this one. In case you want to skip making it, you can consider purchasing here.

I can color coordinate it as per the preferences.

I must admit, staying classy at times of a bad flu has never has never been so much fun.

Handmadeselling - Tissue Clutch

P.S.: I have included it in my display as well. here goes the link.

Handmade Sandals

2014-09-20T12:37:00.002-07:00

Since a long time I have been wanting to make some dainty bare foot sandals for myself. The ones that could be worn on the beach or just plainly on a barefoot, obviously on a clean floor.

I saw a few designs on the internet but could not really find one worth copying and making.

Do not get me wrong here. I mean most of them were beautiful, lovely and wearable; but it seems they all seemed quite difficult and intricate to be worked upon.

That is when I thought of creating one on my own.

And then the one below was made, obviously HANDMADE.

http://handmadeselling.bigcartel.com/

This one was pretty simple as it is pretty evident from the picture itself.

I just crocheted about 20 single crochets and looped and joined them together to form a circle to sling my second feet digit to.

Then I basically kept just single crocheting till I reached the length that fitted my entire foot plus the circumference of my ankle part. (I hope you got what I mean)

Then to save it from being plain boring, I attached a Butterfly to the starting part of the anklet. It goes without saying that the butterfly was also crocheted.

Then voila! I was done in maximum half an hour. The time includes making the butterfly and sewing it to the sandal, along with securing a fish hook as a closure to the sandal.

Though since the time I made this one I got no chance to visit a beach. I therefore ended up wearing it only to work.

And below is another one that I just made in a jiffy with some embroidery thread and transparent beads. Luckily I got to wear this one on a beach recently.

http://handmadeselling.bigcartel.com/

Hope it looks good on me.

Recharged hair, recharged life

2014-01-11T20:50:00.002-08:00

http://www.sunsilk.in/

The entry for the Sunsilk contest on Indiblogger

Handmade Storage Box for make-up

2013-09-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

Me and make-up have a very relative relationship. I mean the make-up keeps building up from one or two products to many and then a lot of them.

I mean lets say I buy a kohl pencil once, after using it for some time I would realize that it does not look good on me. Then, in order to look better, I would end up buying a mascara in black shade too. Once, the duo do an effect on my face, I would end up turning the effect into a smoky one by buying and using eye shadows in shimmering black dust. Once that gets in order, I would move on to other effects too, for example an Indigo child look; Pastel pallet; shimmery gold effect and what not.

Though all these make up tools and wands make me look pretty, but they all together end up adding a good sizable junk on my dresser. Even when all these make up stuff remain scattered on my dressing table, things remain manageable. But it all gets out-of-control when I travel; obviously I end up traveling with a mess carrying all the make-up as it is in my strolley. I normally throw everything together in a carry bag when I travel, but usually end up missing out on applying that perfect shade of gloss that matches my attire. That happens only because of the cluttered mess that I carry, I am never able to find all my make-up stuff. To get rid of all that, I thought of bringing a little order in my make-up life.

Initially I bought a few store bought toiletry bags to grab all my beauty products, but they actually did not solve my problem. It is because they are mostly made up of fabrics, and therefore lack in providing a sheath to the products stored inside them.

Normally I end up overloading clothes in my luggage and so the pressure from the excess weight causes squelching of my creams and lotions that come in a tube form. This problem of mine always kept me worried during my sporadic travels. I kept trying a lot of products in order to get a solution for this, but to no avail. Finally I had to invent the solution on my own.

Below are few pictures that show my beautiful solution to the problem.

open-storage-box

hand-made-storage-box

sexy-DIY-storage-box

chic-DIY-storage-box

my-DIY-make-up-storage-box-on-the-job

Technically, these are nothing but strong boxes made of corrugated paper boards. It is fun to realize that some were made to carry Hewlett Packard hard disks in them; but now they hold my precious colour cosmetics. LOL

Now it is indeed fun to carry my belongings in these boxes and the best part is that the contents in the box remain strictly intact. Though it was more fun to make these.

Initially I cut-out a lot of pictures from a glamour magazine. Then pasted them on the box with the decoupage technique. I mean I pasted the pictures once with a white glue; but kept applying a lot of layers of the glue on the already pasted pictures. That created a kind of strength to the box as well as the pictures. Then finally, I kept everything intact with a clear varnish. The enamel not only re-enforces the end product, but also acts as a water proof. Of course, I do not need to mention that the glitter and gloss that it adds to the box is simply remarkable.

I suggest everyone to make at least one. It is not just a wonderful DIY project, but also a wonderful way to recycle magazines and boxes that would be lying in and around your house.

Please find the details for this weekend DIY below:

Things required:

1. Strong box, which should be able to hold your stuff
2. Picture cut outs, preferably glossy ones from a magazine of your choice
3. White glue, I use the one which is non-toxic
4. Clear varnish
5. Paint brush for applying glue and varnish
6. Water
7. a palette knife or any flat knife to ensure smoothness to the pasted pictures
8. a velcro or a magnet finding (in case your box lacks an enclosure medium)

Method :

1. Prepare a thin solution of glue and water. There is no strict rule to this, but I prefer 3 parts of water to 1 of glue. Mix it thoroughly and keep aside. This will serve as the perfect decoupage medium.
2. Try a mock placement of the chosen pictures on the entire surface of the box; inside as well as outside. Please do not worry for the exact array of pictures, as you can overlay one on another.
3. Then apply a layer of water on the rear of each picture and lay it flat on the box. The moisture will help stick the picture cut-outs on the box; though the glue is not used. You would need to do this step quick as the water could dry fast. It would be wise if you could do each side as a project one-by-one instead of altogether pasting pictures on the entire box at one go.
4. Then, apply a thin layer of the decoupage medium on the water-pasted pictures. You will need to wait for 1-2 hours for each pasted side to dry out completely.
5. Repeat the application of decoupage medium on each surface for 2-3 times.
6. Then apply 2 layers of varnish at the end on all the surfaces.
7. Place the velcro or a magnet finding on the opening of the box. Skip this step if your box already has an enclosure within it.

runny-decoupage-solution

first-layer-of-decoupage-medium

second-layer-of-decoupage-medium

Important Notes:

1. If you using a toxic glue, then work on this project out side your house premises in the open air.
2. Varnish is in itself a harmful product. Stay away from it if you are asthmatic like me. Alternatively you can ask someone else to do it, or you can also try the spray variant. Moreover, you can skip this step. That would reduce the shelf life of the product, but that is not much of a problem, you can make another next year. LOL
3. Be calm in making this DIY project; each surface will take its own time to dry out. Do not attempt to haste in applying layers of decoupage medium, it will only spoil the end product. Wet layers of glue medium will make the product wither in the long run.
4. Use the flat knife to smooth out the pasted pictures. Generally the air bubbles get trapped between the pictures and that causes wrinkles on the end product. Smoothing the pictures with a flat knife helps in giving a professional touch to the end product.
5. Do not use scissors to cut the pictures, instead use hands. This way not only there is justice done to this handmade project, but also it renders a nice outline to the pictures, which looks very attractive.

I would be happy if I get to see more and more people making and using this jewellery box.

my-vibrant-hand-made-storage-box

My latest blingy cuff

2013-08-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

Few days back I thought of bringing in a blingy cuff into my wardrobe.

I confess that I do have one from original U.K. Marks and Spencer gifted to me by one of my friends, but that is just one blingy one that I have. It is made in metal; so I was looking for another option in the material. Frankly speaking, mentioning metal is just a small excuse; as a girl I have the right to have as many bracelets in my wardrobe as I can afford.

I know the last reason is enough, but I have one medical reason too. I am hyper-allergic to almost every metal except the expensive ones, so I thought of getting something in fiber as an organic option.

I checked out few jewellery stores online as well as offline, but did not find anything unique. All the stuff was common and seen somewhere kind of stuff.

That is when I took the decision of making it myself. I am pretty good with crochet and today I do not shy away from admitting that I am better than average with my crocheting skills.

Anyway, coming back to my creation of a cuff, I zeroed in for the one made with the intricate broomstick lace technique.

broomstick-crochet-cuff

I used the glossy fiber, which is little heavy and has elements of bling in gold as well as silver in the form of sequins and threads.It therefore will embellish almost any outfit. For testing, I wore it with a dress in earthy tones and gold sandals. I have attached the pictures for reference.

It must have taken about 2 hours to finish, and in the end I adorned it with a cute ladybird motif button. The button also acted useful as an ending to hold the cuff tight on my wrist.

Moreover, it is the broomstick crochet technique; therefore, the cuff has hollows as a design.

Again, just like the ladybird, these hollows not only look beautiful but also serve as a medium to adjust the fit of the cuff on almost any wrist size, except probably that of Bappi Da. Though jokes apart, but since he is a great fan of bling; you never know he might develop a fancy for this one. Only in that scenario, I might have to increase the size of hollows in my bracelet. LOL

Haha Thanks for reading…

blingy-cuff

blingy-cuff-with-blingy-sandals

For the Kitchens of India

2013-06-19T21:58:00.001-07:00

Kitchens of India.

For the love of the Kitchens of India

My entry for the Colgate contest

2013-05-24T03:53:00.001-07:00

My Healthy Speak Blog

My glittering glimmering ensemble for the festive season

2012-12-02T22:43:00.002-08:00

I am yet to come across a person who does not like the festivals and all the festivities, celebrations and joy associated with them. Though I am the kind of a person who also takes fun in dressing up for the festivities, too. And why should I not, it is not everyday that I get a chance to get dressed up in a peculiar way for the festivals.

My dressing style for the round of festivities keeps changing as per the festivals and rituals associated with it. But for most of the times, my theme of dressing stays the same. When I came across the Shoppers Stop contest on http://www.indiblogger.in/, I could not help myself not thinking of a virtual make-over with the huge bounty of options at their online site, that could even give a match-stick a chance to get dressed up with some elegance. So, obviously I had a way lot of permutations and combinations at my disposal.

So, here I go with my ensemble, that I put across with the numerous options and sub-options available with them.

1. BASIC DRESSED KURTI

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Apparel-Kurtas-Haute-Curry-Mix-and-Match-Kurta-262-317302-8281062.html

I loved this ethnic kurti the moment I saw it. I love the playful of colors in it; and the style of its choli and patterns at the bottom are just what made me go for it.

2. PLAIN GREEN PATIALA

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Apparel-Churidars,Salwar-and-Dupatta-Stop-Mix-N-Match-Plain-Patiala-262-325242-7973802.html

I decided to match the playful-colourful kurti with this plain sheer coloured Patiala. It will compliment the kurti well, as it is "dark green" in colour. This colour is not that prominent in the kurti. So, this patiala sets a perfect match for the selected kurti.

3. STOLE

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Apparel-Scarves--Stoles-Shingora-Stole-262-339942-8015262.html

I loved this Shingora styled stole; and the very fact that it looks like a part of the kurti that I selected, is a major reason to pick up this one. Also, not to forget that it has fringed ends, that look very stylish....

4. SHOES


http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Shoes-Sandals-and-Slipons-Haute-Curry---Ladies-Footwear-262.html

I felt so lucky the moment I glanced upon these ballerina-cum-Mojrie shoes by Haute Curry. They have the front look of a traditional mojrie, which go very well with patiala and kurti duo. But the interesting stuff is its ballerina ends with a buckle. They ensure comfort and look chic, and of course the golden trinkets are just divine. I could not have asked for anything more for these festivities.

5. NOSE PIN


http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fine-Jewellery-Nose-pin-Nirvana-Nose-Pin-NR-85059-262.html

Now after the main ensemble, I move on to the jewellery. I loved the simplicity of this nose pin. Just so simple and elegant.

6. EAR RING

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fashion-Jewellery--Accessories-Earrings-AYESHA---Papyrus-Bud-Gold-Drop-Earrings-262.html

These antique feel crystal drop shimmering ear danglers seem to go perfect with my choice of attire.

7. NECKLACE

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fashion-Jewellery--Accessories-Chains--Necklaces-AYESHA---Cluster-of-Topaz-beads-262.html

Going further with my theme of keeping the jewels to a bare minimum with just a little touch of shimmer, I found this necklace that merges well with my ear rings with a drop of crystals and a dull gold hue.

8. BRACELET

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fashion-Jewellery--Accessories-Bracelets-AYESHA---Dull-Gold-Crystal-Bracelet-262.html

Oh I just love it, love it and love it. This bracelet has this vintage feel to it, and I love the middle rhinestone embedding. With its dull chained hoops, nothing else could have come close to my overall cast of jewelery for this festive look.

9. RING


http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fine-Jewellery-Rings-Nakshatra-18KT-Gold-Ring-with-0.15cts-diamonds-262.html

This ring by Nakshatra not only goes perfect as being beautiful in itself, but it also goes super-duper as a pal with my nose pin, since both are in 18k gold.

10. HAIR PINS

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Fashion-Jewellery--Accessories-Hair-Accessories-AYESHA---Sparkling-Gold-Bow-Hair-Sliders-262.html

Just when I thought I was done with my jewellery, I came across these beautiful hair pins. Just look at them, who will not want to include them in the festivities attire..well I might even keep on wearing them even after the celebrations are over. A big muah to them.

11. WATCH

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Watches-Fossil---Womens-Watch---ES2845-262.html

Since I am wearing that bracelet on my right hand, so I decided to wear this beautiful beautiful watch by Fossil on my left hand. The golden and platinum hues in this match up with my already selected jewelry to the big T.

12. HAND BAG

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Handbags-Hidesign---Handbag-262-316282-8570982.html

The first time I glanced upon this handbag, my eyes were just stuck to my computer screen ogling on this masterpiece. Just how did Hidesign get to know that I needed just this kind of bag to carry with me for this festive look!!

13. CLUTCH

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Wallets--Clutches-French-Connection-Ladies-Kimberly-Sparkle-Box-Clutch-262.html

Well, again it goes without saying that this clutch had to find a place in my ensemble. Together with the money in it, it will go inside my hand bag. Well, don't they both look like from the same clan??

14. PEN

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Pens-Century-14Kt-Rolled-Gold-Ball-Pen-By-Cross-262.html

I know this one looks nothing related to the sort of the theme of this contest, as the theme clearly states about picking and selecting apparels and accessories from the online retail site of Shoppers Stop, but picking up this pen and adding it to the list of accessories is not going to harm anyone, rather it will add to the overall theme of glitter and sparkling accessories that I have already selected. And you never know I might just flash this one at the time of need, well people do play games like Tambola during the get together of festive season. I am sure if that happens, me and my Cross pen will dazzle for sure.

15. BELT

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Accessories-Belts-Haute-Curry---Womens-Fancy-Belt-262-324062-7532642.html

And when I thought I was done with my glitter accessories, I just stumbled upon this gorgeous golden belt. I am sure by now each one of you reading the post will agree to this. Just how can I say no to it. This belt will snug tightly to my kurti, and will make my profile stand out.

16. FINAL TIT-BIT
I was just wondering if I left anything out that could have made my festive look more prominent, and it struck me that I had ignored my undergarments. Well, how can one possibly leave out such an important part of one's wardrobe. So, now here I include the most important of the festive look, since this serves as the base of the entire overall outer appearance. And yes, you have guessed it correct. It is also in the glittery, shimmering tone of Gold...

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Apparel-Lingerie-Bras-Enamor-Padded-Strapless-Bra-262-317162-7607682.html

http://www.shoppersstop.com/cat-Women-Womens-Apparel-Lingerie-Briefs-Enamor-Low-Waist-Panty-262-317182-7606322.html

So finally I think my festive look is done with the accessories and apparels from the Shoppers Stop festive collection. Hope it turns out good when done in real.

Hope you like it....Let me know if you do not...Happy Celebrations....

HANDMADE GIFTING

2012-03-07T02:44:00.001-08:00

I am yet to find anyone who does not like to receive “Gifts”. There is something with the gifts that make not just receiving, but also gifting them to someone beautiful. No wonder, gifting is classified as an art lately. The modern day retail outlets leave us with a lot of options for gifting. The branded merchandise out there available in the malls is put up for buying as gifts. But the catch to this comes when the occasion or the person to be gifted comes out to be really special.

Like for your grandmother’s 80^th birthday, gifting something that she would really appreciate and use becomes a challenge. Of course options that could come close could be a nice warm stole, her favorite flowers, her favorite perfume and few more. But surely if it is your grandmother’s 80^th birthday, you must have already gifted such gifts to her.

At times like these one really wishes that there could be something available somewhere that would be made especially for your grandmother. Gifts for such occasions would come in the customized category. And generally customized gifts are handmade, since it would be close to impossible for some enterprise to come up with unique and individual crafted gifts for a lot many customers of them through the mechanized route.
Ceramics with a customized hand painted art on them like the mugs, plates and other forms of cutlery are a good gifting option. Many such customized gifting options might be found in a kiosk format in a mall in your city. They can help you get a customized handmade art form uniquely designed as per the likings of the special person you wish to gift.

If you are staying away from such a customized hand painting kiosk in your place or if your grandmother stays away from you, you should fear not. Many of the today’s customized handmade gifting enterprises are on the internet. They exist as handmadeselling sites that could accept your instructions online; and then they could create the product with the art form which can then be shipped to your grandmother’s destination in no time. Such sites would array many other customized gifts leaving you with loads of options for gifting. Probably you will run out of occasions, because the customized handmade art can never run out of ideas.

Online Vs. Offline

2012-02-19T23:38:00.000-08:00

When comparing a typical brick-and-mortar galley to an online art gallery, the biggest advantage is indeed of the 24 hours availability of the store. All thanks to Tim Berners Lee, that today the World Wide Web is widely used to create virtual stores for selling practically everything, any time of the year, season, week or day. Second is the reach.

Though, the real world craft fairs are hugely popular, but the reach to far fetch places is just beyond them. On the other hand, online stores could be restricted to just few geographies initially, but their success and word-of-mouth publicity propels them to become a part of each and every individual in every part of the world. Thirdly, and most importantly, it saves a lot of capital for all. Renting a display arena on the internet is much cheaper than a physical one. The capital expenditure on the retail constitutes a major portion. The ultimate retail cost of a handmade art at any physical gallery is mainly made up of the retail expenditures.

Whereas, using the website as a location saves the huge display costs involved in showcasing the products. On the other hand, the physical feel of the product is substituted by larger than life pictures of them. Also the detailed information do away with all the questions pertaining to the products that a customer might have regarding before the purchase of products. Most of the online art gallery also facilitates interactions between the buyers and sellers, leading to reducing all the barriers to trade a minimum. That allows the craftsmen to get involved with the prospective buyers in their purchasing decisions, leading to smoother transactions, thus reducing disputes after the payments and shipping.

Location does not come anywhere as a barrier to the online trade for the intricate arts and crafts. In fact with the advent of payment gateways, the estranged effect of the payment currency is also done away with. The buyers and sellers can negotiate within themselves to deal in the currency that they find feasible. In fact with the universal payment gateway products like Paypal, transactions happen within no time in practically any currency in this World. But for the entire mankind, the biggest advantage still remains the access to the cross cultural diversity on this Earth. The products from Africa like the handmade art made on an Ostrich egg can now be accessible to someone sitting in Adelaide in few days, and that too without preparing a cumbersome travel itinerary to Africa. This is the magnificence of being a part of the revolution called online art gallery.

Pop-Tart Pop Art - PittGirl - April 2011 - Pittsburgh, PA

2012-01-19T00:26:00.000-08:00

Pop-Tart Pop Art - PittGirl - April 2011 - Pittsburgh, PA

What can one really do with BARE HANDS. To answer that, one can come up with a lot of answers in all the possible directions, but if the question is limited to artistic and creative ranges, then the options remain really few. If the question is added with few props then probably there could be few definite answers. But if the prop being a POP-TART, what really one could do with them and one's own bare hands??

Well, few could really do. There are few beings who could use their hands and creative insights to bring forth something definite that not only looks beautiful and cool, but also brings positivity to the mankind. One such person in Tyler Kozar. He created pop-tart art using wrappers and boxes out of 1 million of them!!!

The goodies inside the boxes he donated to local non-profits. Tyler happens to be a student from the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh. No wonder he won the contest of receiving 1 million of pop-tarts, which was sponsored by Kellogg's.

Probably if such creativity and exhibit of love for mankind can be brought about through pop-tarts, then indeed sky is the limit.

Check out my favourite from the Kozar's pop-tart collection

Crafty and unconvincing

2012-01-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Crafty and unconvincing - Indian Express

Whenever I read such news, I feel a sense of satisfaction in starting my virtual store of handmade crafts. The biggest advantage, as is evident is of 24 hours availability of the store. All thanks to Tim Berners Lee, that today the World Wide Web is widely used to create virtual stores for selling practically everything, any time of the year, season, week or day. Second comes the reach. Though, the real World craft fairs are hugely popular, but the reach to far fetch places is just beyond them.On the other hand, online stores could be restricted to few geographies initially, but their success and word-of-mouth publicity leads them to become a part of each and every individual in every part of the World. Thirdly, and most importantly, it saves a lot of capital for all. The craftsmen/sellers; the buyers as well as the organizers of the fair save on the cost of the location that eats up the major chunk of the revenue. Using the website as a location saves the huge display costs involved in showcasing the products. The displayed pictures, information as well as the sellers' details available online help in regulating the trade smoothly with minimal troughs.

Wish the IGNCA at least had invested in a web store, then probably NGOs like Dastkar and its craftsmen would have had a little hope. On the hindsight, I am proud and delighted to share that one of the craftsmen on my site is an educated man from a village in Madhya Pradesh who makes a living by creating handmade fabric with motifs and caricatures hand-printed on them. The art is locally called the "Baig art"

Each metre of fabric hardly costs 5$, and can be shipped worldwide.

The beauty of the handmade art is evident in the pictures of the collection. Please follow the link to view the same.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150164193384550.305062.308958804549&type=3

Charm of "Handmade"

2011-11-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

The modern era of industrial production has given us a lot of benefits. In any industry that we look around, be it textile, home furnishing, home decor; there is surplus supply of products and products. That leaves customers with a lot of options to choose from; also the massive volumes of production have rendered the prices relatively substantial. Though, the only issue which comes with such identical looking products is of "uniqueness". When it comes to gifting someone special or rather gifting someone special on a special occasion, one might find himself/herself in a difficult position. In such a situation gifting branded products seems to be the best option available. Surely, the branded products do come with an impressive price tag that gives a sense of pride to the one receiving the gift as well as to the one gifting them. Though again, it is not so difficult to differentiate a branded product from another, provided the tags/labels are still there on the product. Branded products without their respective tags/labels all look the same. That leaves us back to the "Catch-22" situation of "gifting someone special something special".

Moving on to "receiving a gift" from the "dilemma of gifting", I am quite sure of one thing. For me, the charm of my grand mother gifting me a stole that she knitted herself is more than possessing an original Gucci watch that colleagues at my workplace had pooled in to gift me on my last birthday. This puts me to the solution to my problem of "gifting". "Handmade gifts" command a special place and respect for everyone. One might forget gifting or receiving anything random, but anything made special with hands is worth remembering forever. The "uniqueness" associated with every product made "handmade" is that special branding that bonds people together.

The lure of a craft is something that never goes out of fashion. There are many options to procure handmade items if you cannot make one yourself. The good part is that the handmade craftsmen can customize products as per your requirements, or as per the likes and dislikes of the beloved you wish to gift handmade. So, if your friend is very fond of "Vintage", you can shop or get some vintage product like an etched "home decor product" crafted at many of the vintage handmade sellers.

The next roadblock might come in your way in the form of locating shops to buy "handmade" products. The good part is that many of the "handmade selling" craftsmen have opened their shops on the World Wide Web, making it much easier for the handmade buyers and sellers to connect with each other. Also, they just do not have their own exclusive handmade labels, but also showcase their handmade crafts through sites that exclusively cater to the "handmade products" as a genre. So, now you do not need to travel to

Ireland

to look for something for your vintage frenzy friend; or even to some store in your city that sells such items as a fake and expensive copy. You just have to visit virtually any of the sites that cater to handmade gifts, and your life will be much easier. Only an adage to follow is to zero in on a site where you can find the sellers of handmade gifts selling directly through a handmade products selling website instead of a site buying through the sellers and then retailing the products as theirs. Interacting with the sellers directly leaves you not only with the option of customizing your products, but also you know that the products are genuinely handmade and made by genuine people. The process is similar to looking for an inconspicuous art work in an "online art gallery".

There are many such sites that leave one with an option of creating handmade gifts by genuine craftsmen from all over the globe, of course ours is one such genuine.

Threads do the talking

2011-08-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Till now it had been individuals who used our site to present their own handmade label to the World. But now it seems we have got our first designer label on the block. Firstly, it was a feeling of apprehension to get such a reputed LABEL on board. It was more jittery to know that the same label is showcasing in the ongoing Lakme Fashion week. Apart from the other concerns of linking ourselves with a designer label, it was also a concern of sticking to our philosophy of "selling things only made by hand" and only showcasing the products made my "natural products".

But have to admit, all the concerns were ripped off once the products were showcased. Each product boasts off its thread, which is organic and speaks of its close to the Earth philosophy. Each product is unique, each and every thread along with its weave narrates an intricate story.

In fact really glad to know that the philosophy of Bhu:sattva is an extension of ours. They do not favour artificial dyes and harmful chemicals. Empowering the craftsmen and technicians is their motto, that is concurrent with ours too. Proud and delighted to be aligned with them. Wish there were more like them...

This one is my favourite of the lot!!!

Vanity Updates

2011-06-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

It really does not make much of a difference, but even a little amount of appreciation goes a long way in keeping our spirits and enthusiasm on a high. I am talking about the recent article that was in the press about us.

It was indeed a pleasure being appreciated by the local and respected DD news. It is a full page article on our business. The link is attached, do have a look.

Credits to Bhagyajit Bhuyan for covering the story. Thanks it means a lot to us.

http://www.ddinews.gov.in/Social/Aditi-+Handmadeselling.htm

Estonian Connection

2011-06-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

The only time I had heard about Estonia was when I was working for my last employer. Estonia forms one of the 3 parts of the Baltic, which has Lithuania and Latvia as well. It was a research project on the Pet food category for the exclusive Baltic region.The second instance was when I was reading the uber-hero novel by Karan Bajaj - "Johny Gone Down". The central character in the novel had an acquaintance from Estonia. I recall there was also a sarcasm mentioned in the novel relating tot he small size and the disconnect of this country with the rest of the World. And now finally, it was our very first customer - Vilve Molder, who acquainted me to her very own Estonian world.

Estonia restored its independence from the Russian Federation in 1991; and since then it is enjoying its independent status in the Northern Europe region. Today, Estonia has the highest GDP per person of any country that used to be part of the Soviet Union. It is listed as a High-Income economy by the World Bank. But the characteristic of Estonia that has helped us the most is that Estonia has the highest level of Internet freedom in the World. It probably could be the reason for getting our very first Seller from Estonia, Vilve Molder.

Vilve as she describes to us, is passionate about handmade crafts. Well, that does not come as a surprise considering Estonia boasts of some rich craft and culture that includes native blacksmith, native textile design and traditional handicraft. The craft that Vilve involves is more on the home decor subjects. She crafts trays and artifacts out of Juniper bark. Juniper is a coniferous tree, much like the tropical pines. In Estonian/European culture, it is known for its exorcism properties, hence used to ward off the evil spirits. The dishes/trays made out of Juniper bark are in beautiful shapes and small to big sizes with medium in between. They can be used as a home decor product to beautify the living rooms. An interesting anecdote of these Juniper dishes is that they spell out an aroma when a hot dish is put on them !!

Click on the link below to check out Vilve's Profile on our site, and also her exquisite collection.
http://www.handmadeselling.com/home_treasure

The Handmade Handkerchief

2011-06-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

The good old "Handkerchief" is what I miss many a times. I am sure making of kerchiefs must have been a very lucrative business some ages ago. Today I cannot even recall a single "handkerchief" maker. I have memories of my mother stacking unopened boxes of colourful sets of handkerchiefs in her wardrobe. The boxes used to have a transparent sheet as a cover displaying the bouquet of aligned kerchiefs in beautiful vivid colours. She used to match her outfits with a befitting colour from among the many coloured ones she had. Me and my younger sister used to entertain ourselves sensing the neatly stacked, crisp coloured set of feminine napkins. And today it is a thing of surprise to to find anyone with a "good old" handkerchief in their pockets purses. I fear how many of us could even spell the word HANDKERCHIEF correctly. It seems much like the physical handkerchief, its literal identity has also dwindled. It turned to "kerchief" and now just a small "hanky" replaces it all. The super-soft white coloured fragile paper tissue has replaced the entire era of cloth tissues. The major issue to reckon is that the paper tissues are so popular in the today's time of "Forest Conservation" and "Green Movements". Such irony you see.

Hope to see someone doing some really nice Vintage Art on handmade Handkerchiefs some day.
Please get in touch, we would love to showcase your art on our site.

Handicrafts, the way they have been

2011-06-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Over the last decade or so, handicraft pursuits have enjoyed an enormous upsurge in popularity. Traditional handicrafts, such as patchwork and quilting, tie-dying and batik, bead work and embroidery of all sorts - the origins and history of which in many cases, are lost in antiquity - have shot back into fashion, whilst new 'handicrafts' have emerged to meet the demands of contemporary living. All have been greatly enriched by the introduction of modern fabrics, colours and designs, which have done much to make handicrafts more exciting. Economy has doubtless had much to do with the current popularity. Clothes, gifts and all manner of household items, nursery and garden accessories - many examples of which will be found all around us can be made at home at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent shop-bought item. They have the advantage that they may be made in the sort of materials wanted to achieve a chosen effect. The traditional handicrafts are present till today with some exciting and unusual ways of using them, and recently popularized rafts, such as candle and collage making, and constructing mobiles and wall hangings - now have become so much part of the usual home decor. There have come up some enchanting patterns for making economical toys and some bright knitting, crochet and rugs, to name just a few. The materials available today are also in abundance, paper of different sorts; leather, suede and felt. In terms of techniques, applique work, smocking, various embroidery stitches, paper patterns, transferring of designs to fabrics, proves the enrichment of handicrafts making. Happily, the days are gone when handicraft pursuits were pastimes only for those people who were especially talented or had lots of spare times. Nowadays, anybody can try their hand at any number of different crafts, and we are sure we will be of help at all the stages of your handicraft making pursuits. Happy Handcrafting !!

How to attract more customers

2011-05-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

Let us admit it, we are all here to have more and more customers and make money. Money follows the sales of your products; which is in turn effect of lots of customers buying your products. Now the question that comes to our minds is, what is that leads the customers to buy our offerings??

For your little princess

2011-05-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hello guys, we have come up with our latest Newsletter. The trend in this one has been on showcasing the exclusive handmade jewellery for young girls.

We at handmadeselling consider ourselves really lucky that we have such diverse artists from all over who showcase their art on our site. It is indeed a privilege for us.

Our artist Kristin Hipple specializes in crafting beads and various motifs from clay. Looking at the chocolate beads that she makes, it is difficult to believe that they are not the real ones.

Another artist from Canada, Chantal Bernier is proficient in moulding silver and metal wires, turning them into beautiful piece of jewellery.

Do check out the latest newsletter which has the links to both if their remarkable crafts.

http://p0.vresp.com/JRB7nB

Link to the Jan Newsletter

2011-01-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

Please find the link to the Latest Newsletter

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/787663/d77e8e667e/TEST/TEST/

2010-11-15T01:06:00.000-08:00

Please find the link to the latest newsletter:

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/787663/195738a01a/TEST/TEST/

Copy and paste the above link in a new browser, in case the link does not work

2010-10-20T02:25:00.000-07:00

Very often we do not realise the power that lies within us and with us all the time. The power lies within our "hands". Our hands have the power to create. An individual is recognized by his contribution to the World. Ideas come through mind, but are executed through the hands. This core concept is emphasised at www.handmadeselling.com. We value the artist in each individual that is nurtured by his HANDS.

Launch

2010-05-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

Finally on the 9th of May, www.handmadeselling.com is launched. Currently on the testing phase, checking for any errors that could have cropped up. The idea is to have an error free site. Let me know if anyone comes across anything that you may seem is not befitting.

Thanks a ton!!

welcome

2010-02-26T01:13:00.001-08:00

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HANDMADE GIFTING

Online Vs. Offline

Pop-Tart Pop Art - PittGirl - April 2011 - Pittsburgh, PA

Crafty and unconvincing

Charm of "Handmade"

Threads do the talking

Vanity Updates

Estonian Connection

The Handmade Handkerchief

Handicrafts, the way they have been

How to attract more customers

For your little princess

Link to the Jan Newsletter

Launch

welcome