Monday, April 25, 2011

The Color Caravan

I want to share so many things with you. Recently I came across some beautiful products by The Color Caravan.

The organisation is working in close collaboration with artisans and giving comtemporary context to traditional Indian art. 

I particularly loved the riot of colours and the simple but most appealing motifs painted on them. 

You will also instantly adore their unique products presented in the images below.









These boxes showcase exquisite and colourful Indian art and craft forms.



I am totally in love with these painted bottles. I am sure so are you...





From painted drawers to lamp shades, pen-stands, hooks, jewellery-- The Color Caravan has a variety of items in their kitty.





You may also like their DIY Folk Art and Craft kits on Madhubani painting, Pattachitra, Warli painting, Hand Block Printing, Chittara painting etc. and may order them online.




 
You can buy The Color Caravan  products at their exhibitions held in various cities as well as from the stores mentioned below. Online buying facility is also available with them.

So keep an eye for their flea-market-styled "Bizzare Bazaar" that showcases Indian Fashion, Craft, Bric-a-Brac, Music, Food and Drinks.
RETAIL STORES:
1. Sanatkada - The Craft Shop
130, Jagdish Chandra Bose Road, Qaiserbag, Lucknow -226001
Tel:0522-4077697

2. Bliss

180, Aram Nagar 1, 7 Bungalows, Versova, Andheri (west), Mumbai 400 061. Landmark – Legacy of China

3. Chaipatty™ Teafe

772, Opposite Foodworld, 100ft Road, Before 12th Main Signal, Indiranagar, Bangalore, India

# ONLINE:

If you are interested in placing an online order then please write to Swati Seth at swati.seth[at]thecolorcaravan[dot]com


Pics courtesy: The Color Caravan


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Beautiful Gardens

During winter, Delhi roads, gardens and traffic islands turn into riot of colours as the season-flowers are in full bloom till mid-March.

Be it at Lodi Garden, Nehru Park or just the colony gardens, you will spot flowers of different hues and varieties.

 





Rows of Dahlias, Pansies, Poppies, Roses, Aster, Calendula, Carnation, Petunia.... will instantly uplift your spirit.




While houses in Delhi still boast of huge gardens, those living in Mumbai have to be happy with just a few pots on the window sill. But don't lose heart. As poet Rabindranath Tagore said: "Kothao amar hariye jabar nei mana mone mone...." (Nothing impedes my wanderlust,
I spread my wings to the chimes of my song, in my imagination). You can surely visit places through your mind's eye.



So feast your eyes on these beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, nestled in the lap of nature.


Way to wonderland? 

 

Great for a tea party with your pals...




Straight out of a painting book....




Best for curling up with a novel!!


Images courtesy: House Beautiful, New England Home, Apartment Therapy and Elle Decor.




Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Designer Duo

Hi! I am back from my holidays and am a bit excited!
          In this post I will feature the house of a designer couple Chaitali and Anando Banerjee and their little son Dhruv.  This Delhi house of my sister-in-law Chaitali,  a textile designer, and brother Anando, a game designer, reflects an understated elegance. The furniture have been deliberately kept minimal to allow a lot of open space. The elevated ceiling, open staircase and low seating add height to the room.



A cozy corner

Lord Ganesha bestowing blessings from atop a hand-painted cabinet with an antique look



Do not miss the beautiful red and gold hand embroidered curtain







The focal point of the room, of course, is the bling staircase!!





An ornate mirror reflects the other corner, adding depth to the room....






The blooming garden on the rooftop...



 


     

            







The charming duo is very popular among friends and this terrace garden often transforms into a party venue in the evenings!!
  


          

           Chaitali's workshop overlooks her colourful garden. The bright flowers in the outdoors inspire her creations on textiles. Her specialities are printing, hand-painting and embroidery on sarees, dresses, t-shirts, jackets, skirts and even furnishings. She mostly retails from home, but one can catch her at exhibitions at the embassies and other such venues.


Fiery red flowers painted on a black and gold sari

Prints and paintings on Tussar saris

An elegant kurti 
 
 

Applique, print,painting, embroidery... you have it all here

Hand-painted skirt
Hand-painted Jacket
A Chiffon Sari
A Hand-painted Scarf/Dupatta
           
You may contact Chaitali to buy any of these  designer stuffs at mobile no: 919818884959.



Chaitali and Anando's artistic sense and an eye for detail could be noticed throughout the house-- whether it is their embroidered curtain, or lamp shades,door knobs or hand-painted cabinets.... 


A floral door knob

A painted shade

A painted cabinet acts as Chaitali's dresser!!!
    
I thank Chaitali and Anando for allowing me to showcase their beautiful house. Do feel free to leave a comment. We all would appreciate it!

      By the way, my fortnight long holiday was quite rejuvenating as I spent time with my parents, my brother and his family-- I specially treasure my time with my nephew. I went on a shopping spree with Chaitali and also bonded with an old school mate and some relatives! So what else do I need? 

Ciao....


Monday, April 4, 2011

Romancing the woods

In this age of plywood and particle boards, solid wood furniture hold a special place of their own. Remember those wooden cupboards, dressers and beds of your grandparents? Yes, they were heavy and occupied a lot of space-- but each of them had a character of its own. 

Have a look at these individually handcrafted furniture at Lombok and revisit the bygone eras.....

These pieces are manufactured in Lombok -- an island in Indonesia. Popular among both domestic and international tourists, Lombok is often termed as “an unspoiled Bali,” or “Bali’s sister island.” 


Interestingly called a Piano stool

Anyone for these blanket chests?

Chest of drawers to stash all your accessories...

This bench strikes a chord somewhere...

Planter's armchair
 
Aptly called Lazy chair
 I am sure this chair will make many of you nostalgic! Those summer vacations at the grandpa's place... Curling up with a book... or Taking a nap in the sun on the chair on a winter afternoon....


Tall boy chest to store my paper goodies!!
This Study Table can also be used as a dressing table


Lombok also has other accessories for your home... 

Windlights


For holding your blings!!!


 This ornate photo-frame is ideal for displaying your wedding pictures...


A mother-of-pearl frame

An artistic ceramic vase

So if you want to explore more, visit Lombok furniture here 

You may also be able to avail of their ongoing sale offer.