Bells on my furniture

Bells have a special place in the Indian culture and each state has its own version. I bought a string of cow bells long ago and then happened upon this beautiful piece of kutch embroidery on a visit to Ahmedabad. I adorned my South Indian oonjal (swing) bench with a piece in which I fused both... Here to prevent the delicate embroidery from tearing, I stuck bakram behind the length of the embroidered...

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Junk to wall hanging in minutes...

The kitchen towel roll is one of the most versatile things I've come across. With a little modification it becomes a tunnel, a rainmaker,  a vase... the possibilities are endless. Today I'll show you how to make the cutest object of joy in minutes! Here's what you'll need. As always, substitute all accessories with whatever you have. That's the challenge and the fun of it! Here, I have cut...

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Thorans - How to make an Indian bunting

I could never resist the lure of beads and baubles available at craft shops. This time I ended up with a lot of red and gold. So I threaded up a few thorans. Here's a look at a festive one... Simple, yet festive! Same tanjore stone piece that was used in the napkin ring, different use... Making thorans is really simple and what's more, you can suit it to your decor, mood or theme....

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DIY : Easy ethnic napkin rings

Indian craft shops stock an abundance of bead and sequin based accents for use in traditional Indian clothes. Use these and craft wite to adorn your  napkins......       Here, I have stuck a sequin and tanjore style bead accent  to craft wire - which I wound around a kitchen towel holder (to keep its shape)          ...

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A splash of red

Red is a vibrant, rich and warm colour. I leave you with this beautiful red napkin, edged with a simple white hem. And that raffia covered napkin tie... it's to die for.  So simple and inspired! Image  : Furniture and Furnishing by Melanie Paine Have a great weekend!! ...

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Beautiful Bastar art

These metal marvels can give any home a facelift. Here, the rescue switch panels from boredom. Here is a bastar panel which is fixed on a TV receiver inlet.Looks so pretty and rustic..   Here are two ladies chatting and indulging in a bit of shringar atop an outdoor fan regulator.  This tribal chieftan complete with peacock feathers rules his fiefdom from atop...

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DIY : Easy evening bags

I call these bangle bags, though I sometimes use bracelets as well. They are easy to make and can be customised to your evening wear... Here, I have made a pouch using kadi print fabric. I then attached a couple of bracelets which had suitable colours as handles.Take a look... You will have to sew loops to attach the bracelets in place. There is an easy way to do this - nylon ribbons. The...

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A lingering calm...

Here's a tableau to start your week off on a serene and positive note. This is actually a gurgling fountain... makes the most beautiful tinkling noise. Close your eyes and smell the fragrant frangipani, the vanilla scented tea light and listen to the fountain... all of a sudden, the week ahead is filled with new exciting possibilitie...

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