Wall Decal

Can you believe that we did this wall art in an hour!!!

It's not an actually painting but something called wall decal just a higher version of wall sticker we can say. I have been thinking for a while to transform this empty wall in our formal sitting room. I am no artist to do free hand painting, so found this cool wall decal idea on google. Where would we be without dear old google J

If interested, google wall decal. There are many models available for less than fifty bucks. This particular one I chose is a Magnolia tree with flowers. It came in two sheets (pic shown below) along with the instructions. We just had to cut it and stick to the wall piece by piece. You may need help of a second person for trunk and stems. My husband volunteered (rather I forced him) for  the good cause J

DIY: Center Pieces with Lentils

Glass vases need not always be for flower arrangements. This post is an example for that. I used  different kind of lentils and beans from my pantry to create these easy but beautiful centerpieces. It hardly takes 5 minutes to put everything together. It would be a fun project to do with kids. 

Try with any kind of lentils, beans or grains as long as the colors contrast well. Just layer them one after another in a clean glass vase. Top it with a candle and voila....you got a cool centerpiece ready to adorn any table.

Here is the list of what I used -

Green lentils 

Red lentils 

Black beans

Black eyed peas

Green peas

Split peas

Once you get bored with the look, take the top layer out, wash the remaining layers well and use it for soups or stews :)

DIY: Wall Decorative Item

Sometimes it's difficult to decide on what to buy for adding decorative touches at home. I usually prefer something simple to cover the bare walls. I also like to keep changing the style often, so I don't want to spend too much on decorative pieces. Today's craft is one such affordable item. My Sis made this easy to do wall piece with wooden craft sticks. You can buy them at any craft store or sometimes even at dollar store.

Also, you need sequins to add some bling :) . My mom sent me so many colors from India, the capital of sequins I would say. Gorgeous embroidery work is done in India using sequins. 

Mix and match different colored craft sticks and sequins for this craft.

Works well in powder room

What you need:

20 green craft sticks

20 blue craft sticks

80 silver color sequins

super glue

Steps to follow:

1. On a clean surface line up four craft sticks with alternate color
2. Leaving small width on outside of each stick and place small amount of glue at four points so that we can place four more sticks on top
3. At exactly right angles place four sticks on top of first four with alternate color.
4. Press them slightly with fingers to make sure they glue together.
5. Again place small amount of glue at each intersection for the sequins
6. Using a tooth pick, place sequins at these intersections and let the glue dry
7. This makes one square, similarly make other four and glue them all as shown in the picture.
8. Hang it anywhere using a pushpin.

DIY: Decorative Wall Frame

 

I do small crafts at home as an hobby. They are easy and fun to do. I thought why not share it with you all. So, I am starting DIY series to make these simple and affordable items for decorating your home.

I am starting the series with this simple wall decorative piece that works as a frame. Any kind of wood sticks/poles can be used for this craft, like bamboo or natural wood. Dry branches from any tree will work well too. The whole point is to use something easily available or reuse and not spend too much. I originally used these poles in a vase and I had couple left over. All I needed then was a twine to tie them. Once ready, it can be framed around any small decorative piece to enhance and focus it more. I have set up two of these frames with inexpensive Chinese hand fans. Alter the length of the sticks according to the frame size you want.

What you need:
2 wood sticks - 14 inches
2 wood stick - 12 inches
twine


Steps to follow:

1. Place the long and short sized sticks in a rectangle form.
2. The ends should be intersecting with 1.5 inch on both sticks outside of the intersection.
3. Tie them at four corners with twine.
4. Using clear push pins place it around any smaller decorative object. 

Kondapalli Toys

Farmer with Bullock Cart

Kondapalli toys are known for their intricate and colorful hand carved designs on wood. This time when I went to India, I visited Kondapalli village to get some of these toys from the local artisans there. They have quaint little shops in front of their house filled with these wooden toys and it's also their workshop. It was fascinating to watch them carve beautiful characters out of wood with simple tools. This craftsmanship is passed on to next generations within the family.

I am always a big fan of handicrafts, so I picked up some items for my home and also as gifts for friends here. If you ever come across these, please do buy them. They make gorgeous decorative pieces and it would also be an encouragement to handicrafts.

Festival Elephants

Pen Stand

Dasavatharalu - Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu

Handmade Gift Boxes

As a Diwali gift my friend Shwetha sent me these cute little diyas that she painted herself. Aren't they lovely!!! Not only I liked these but also the box she packed them in. Later I got to know that she made these beautiful gift boxes at home using scrap paper. I wanted to give them a try. As per Shwetha's suggestion I started with thick magazine papers as a practice. Check out the picture below, boxes came out perfect and colorful. All you need then is a nice ribbon to tie it on. They are super simple and easy to try. Scrap paper can be bought at any craft store. The Sky's your limit with colors and prints available in scrap paper. Here is the video link for step by step instructions.

Handmade Jewelry

Recently I went to a jewelry show hosted by my friend Mandakini. She makes these amazing handmade jewelry with precious, semi-precious stones and beads, pearls..etc. It was difficult to decide what to pick, as all her collection was beautiful. Don't mean to sound like a testimonial but her work is very neat and professional . There was this one piece made with mother of pearl, I really liked the colors and natural cut. If you are interested, please feel free to contact her. Here are some pictures -.

Pumpkin Swan

While we were shopping at our local grocery store, my husband found this small pumpkin that looks likes a swan. Isn’t it cute J .We were amazed at the similarities in shape. I got it immediately and here is the picture -

Kurti Collection

I don’t mean to brag but my Sis is real multi-talented. Just as a hobby she made many kurtis over the summer break and sold all of them. She designed and made them with 100% cotton bought here in US. Of course the accent fabric is from India. The pictures don’t do much justice as they were not taken in good light but all of her collection was beautiful.

Here are few pictures and you can find more here.

Gift Baskets

When it comes to gifts, I always prefer giving something personal to my family and friends, something that's useful to them. Gifts baskets perfectly match the description and ofcourse they look beautiful too. Recently for our house warming party, I created gourmet food baskets as hostess gifts. Our basket had Mango Nectarine jam, Apple Almond bread, Roasted spiced nuts and white wine. Except for wine, I made the rest at home. My Sis and Sis-in-law did an amazing job of gift wrapping these baskets.
It's very easy to put together a gift basket that looks very elegant and professional. You can buy individual items from store and assemble them all together. The contents can vary depending on occassion like Baked goods, chocolates, jams, cheese, wine, fruit, bath products, candles....etc.
I will post the recipes for Mango Nectarine jam, Apple Almond bread, Roasted spiced nuts soon but here is the proceduce to make a gift basket.

What you need:

1 Wicker basket (Dollar store is the best place to get this)
1 Roll of Cellophane transparent plastic wrapping sheet (Can find them in any craft store)
Decorative ribbon and bow
1 Tissue gift wrap sheet (Again Dollar store is the place. You get 20 or so in $1 pack)
Paper shred or old new papers

Steps to follow:

1. Take the wicker basket, line the bottom with paper shred or old news papers (crumble them).
2. Set up your contents in the basket to check if paper cushioning is enough. You can place more paper on one side to get different height for contents.
3. Now take the contents out and cover the bottom paper cushioning using tissue wrap. Tuck excess tissue to sides of the basket.
4. Place the contents so that they sit sturdy in the basket. Let tall items lie flat or at a low angle (ex: wine bottle)
5. Cut cellophane sheet with length atleast more than twice of basket size. If there is excess you can trim but not the other way. So have little extra to start with.
6. On a table, place the basket in center of cellophane sheet and bring all sides of sheet to top of the basket. Tie it firmly as a bundle with ribbon.
7. Cut excess if needed and stick a decorative bow.