Organising my Stash-1

Hello there. Hope you are all doing well. I am slowly recovering. It will take some more time but I am feeling better than before. It is really boring to be in bed not able to do anything. 

Before I became ill I was organising my stash. I have mounds and mounds of paper cuttings on different subjects-health, beauty, arts and crafts, rangoli and other designs, recipes, gardening, spiritual and many more. I also have lots of cuttings from various news papers or magazines containing some photographs, ads or designs which inspire me to create some new designs or crafts or sewing.

I started with my paper clippings ( from 1986 on wards...). All kept in a number of huge bags. It is quite a herculean task just to organise one bag. But I am through with three bags now. I am segregating them into different topics and filing in different files. But before I could finish off with the material in those three bags, I fell ill and had to stay away from them as the dust in the clippings could increase my allergy. 

Now I started organising my craft supplies. First I had to sort the materials from each bag and pool all similar ones at one place. Then I have put them in the boxes.

Here is a glimpse...

Flower shaped and star shaped ones.

Leaf and square shaped discs and triangular shaped beads.

Different coloured, matte and glitter or shiny sequin in different sizes.

I have used a 35 cell box for storing sequins. The problem with this box is if it gets toppled, then everything will be a mess. I could not get a box with small containers or boxes with lid in a big box instead of this partitioned one. Well I am looking out for them.  If I can get hold of something like that, then, I can transfer all these to that container. As of now this will have to do.

Some more of my stash and storage in next posts......

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Summertime.....

Hi friends, it is a huge relief to know that all my medical tests went well and nothing to fear there. The reason for such a severe allergy-no body knows. May be it is stress the doc said, as I am going through a very difficult phase in my life and it is quite traumatic. But I have immense faith in God, blessings of my elders, wishes of my friends.

I would like to thank all my friends, who have been sending me wishes and praying for my recovery. Thanks a lot. It is at these times, when I feel happy and grateful to all of you out there.

It will take much more time for my recovery and I still feel very weak with all those medicines and all. 

It is summertime here. Very hot during the day. I am really worried about my garden, as water scarcity has hit our water supplies. I still somehow try to water all my plants myself in spite of my illness. I need to move some of them into shade-may be this week end I will get someone to do it for me. But still every summer there are causalities. It is really sad to loose plants. 

One more big problem -termites. Can some one please tell me what to do. I lost two full grown mango trees and some plantain trees in the past few years. Now I am battling for the life of Yellow Champaka (Magnolia) known as Simhachala Sampenga in Telugu. I brought it from Simhachalam. One old lady was selling the sapling just outside the entrance of Simhachalam Lord Narasimha Swami's temple. I think of it as Prasad from the Lord. Nothing seems to work with these termites.

Well any way, I leave with these yellow button roses that bloomed in my garden recently. To all my friends and well wishers.....

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Rangoli-268

Ugadi Special

Friends Wish you all a very Happy New Year, celebrating as Ugadi by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, as Gudipadava-by Maharashtra, as Thapna-by Rajasthan, as Cheti-Chand by Sindhis, as Sajibu Nongma Panaba Cheiroba. These are all based on lunar calenders. This is month of Chaitra.

I am sorry due to my ill health and frequent power cuts, I could not post this Rangoli before the festival. Actually I drew it while lying on the bed, and so difficult to do so. But don't have a choice as I can't sit for long.

Since today is the beginning of Spring time (known as Vasanta kaalam), and nine days from today till Sri Rama Navami are celebrated as Chaitra(name of the Month) Navaratris(nine days), worshipping Mother Lalitha or Durga, you can use this Rangoli any time.

This is 21 to 1 straight dots.

I have drawn mangoes, which are raw and small at this time. These are used by us today in a special chutney known as Ugadi Pachchadi. Since this is the onset of spring, there are flowers every where. So I have also used flowers. The hearts (orange and lavender coloured) drawn like an arrow has been used here as Cupid's arrow(Manmadha Bhanam)- after all this is the season for love and love is in the air for all creatures.

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Lakshmi Bangles

Well though I am not feeling well, I just can't keep myself posting some lovely pieces of Jewellery, I laid my hands on recently. Well they are a pair of Lakshmi Bangles. These are made of one gram gold and have the circular Lakshmi coins on the bangles. They are studded with 7 stones of white, red and green. They are the latest ones in the market. Just have a look.

Many other designs are available in these bangles. But I loved only these. Aren't they cute? These will keep the shine for a long time, if used carefully, without coming into contact with water and stored properly. 

Well so what do you say?

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Hello

Hello Friends. I am still not feeling well. I am suffering from some severe allergy, which is not getting under control. For the past two months it has gone from bad to worse. Though, it is not fatal, the pain, itching sensation and the inconvenience is unbearable. I am not able to sit for long time. Added to that, the medication (not much affective in controlling allergy)makes me feel very drowsy and weak. 

With all that, I am not able to do anything much. All the time, I am laying down on my back the bead and not even able to turn on my sides, as it hurts. For a few minutes at a time, I am able to sit. Well this week I will get the tests(prescribed) by the doctor done for knowing the cause of the allergy. 

I have so many ideas going on in my mind. But I am frustrated as I am not able to do anything at all. I don't even have energy to do the TAST stitches. So bear with me.

I will post as soon as I recover and start with my crafts and arts.....

It is quite hot here, being the summer season.With frequent power cuts, the heat is unbearable....Well hoping to be back soon.......

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Hi There

Friends, I am not well and also going through a very difficult phase in my life. I need time to sort out my life and come out of the crisis I am facing now. So I am not able to post on my blogs. Please bear with me. I will be back as soon as I can. God Bless You all.....

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Storage For Bangles-4

My previous posts on Storage solutions for bangles are here:

http://summersofindia.blogspot.in/search/label/Storage%20for%20Bangles

This time, I am showing you a leather case for storing Bangles.

This is a smaller sized one. Bigger sized(longer) and one having two rows are also available.

Inside it is padded with velvet or suede or felt. The separators (round disks you can see) are removable and one can place them as per ones needs. I feel this one is good for bangles made of gold and other precious materials. It is easy to carry in travels. 

So if one is going for a marriage in some distant place, one can carry the required bangles in this case.

Remember the jewellery case I posted about in one of my previous posts?

Here it is. Bangles as well as other jewellery can also be stored and carried. 

Well  that's all for now. Watch out for more in my next posts.....

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Recycled Crafts-Clock

Clock From Recycled Materials

Though I recycle so many materials and make many articles, I don't find time to share all of them with you. Here are my previous posts on Recycled Crafts:

http://summersofindia.blogspot.in/search/label/Recycled%20Crafts

This time, I share with you a clock made from recycled materials.

This clock was actually made by my brother and it was entirely his idea except for the face of the clock which is a recycled wedding card.

The clock kit is available in the market which includes the arms of the clock. This one is battery operated. The face of the clock is recycled Wedding Card with Ganesha. Entire card was used as it was sturdy enough. This was my idea. 

The numbers came from an old calender. The face of the clock was covered with acetate sheet. Apart from that, pieces of thermocol  were used as the frame on the back side for sticking the wedding card as well as for hiding the clock machine. 

So this is one way to use the wedding cards.

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Bindi-The Forehead Art

Part-8

I am back with some more designs. 

You can see the oval, melon seed and paisley designs combined with dots, crescent half moon) and other shapes.  

Some more of the designs here. This also contains, the Kalyana Tilakam (Bindi worn by the bride) with variations.

The swan is one of my favourites. Hope you like my Bindi designs. Do try them. Some may be big which suit for bigger and round faces. Some may be suitable for party or special occasions  But do try them and see.

Please let me know if you have any comments and suggestions or queries. They are always welcome.

Many more designs to come in my next posts...keep a watch

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Pearls Set

Who doesn't like pearls-white and milky.

This neck piece is made of creamy white seed pearls, bigger sized round pearls, gold beads, red and green cut beads. The pendants with matching earrings are made of white stone studded metallic drops with antique finish. 

It was worth all the effort put into it, choosing the materials or assembling them. The design is trendy and not too heavy. It can be worn with most of the dresses or saris. Not too flashy so OK for small parties or gatherings and also for office wear on special occasions. 

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Rangoli-267

Republic Day Special

27 dots 7 rows in the center, straight dots, 25, 23, 21, to 7. 

Wishing you all                               

A very Happy Republic Day on the 

occasion of 64th Republic Day......

Update:
Someone asked me how I get ideas for Rangolis. For this Republic day I wanted to create something different, unique and creative and also big. 

I started as usual with our national flag. Then I went on to add lotus which is our national flower. Then I got stuck. I had lots of dots before me in a haphazard fashion. I kept on trying different shapes. I struggled like that for nearly 2-3 days. Then I thought I could fit in some peacocks(our national bird). But that too was very difficult. I could some how fit the birds. But I struggled with their tails. Once I was satisfied by the peacocks, there still were some loose dots left in the center. Then I drew some lotus buds carried by the peacocks. Suddenly it was a perfect Rangoli. 

My struggles and trails were worth it because this Rangoli gave me immense satisfaction. 

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Painted Saris-Ganesha

Here I am with one more painted sari. This is once again a pure cotton sari from the looms of  West Bengal. Very fine and soft. It is greyish green with green and yellow borders on either side. It is painted beautifully by the artisans from Bengal. 

It has a wider border- yellow on one side and green on the other. These have been painted on. 

The whole sari has been painted with these designs.

But what caught my eye was this beautiful Ganesha painted with green colour on a yellow coloured pallu. I have been wanting to paint this leaf Ganesha since long. But I was not so sure whether it is good to paint gods or goddesses on the clothes we wear. When I found this one I just bought it. But now I am having second thoughts as to whether it is OK to wear with Ganesha on it?

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Rangoli - 266

As an artist, I keep on looking out for inspirations. Sometimes, even without our effort, we come across certain things, which inspire us. Here is one such thing:

This is a door mat which I purchased sometime back. I thought it looked like a colourful Rangoli. It will be simple and easy to draw. Isn't it?


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Footwear Fashion-6

For Ladies only...

 Bright in colour, with a multi coloured ceramic bead...it caught my eye....

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Footwear Fashions-5

For Ladies only....

Looked so colourful, soft and good on the feet. A bit costly, but worth it. Available in other colours too....

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Footwear Fashions-4

For Ladies only.....

This is simple and comfortable. Easy on pocket. 

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Rangoli-265

Chariot or Ratham Rangoli

This was drawn with the help of dots. You can see the dots in black. Even other wise this can be drawn without dots to.. Try it out and let me know. This can be expanded to get a bigger Rangoli.

I enjoyed creating and bringing these Rangolis to you this season. It was really a challenge to create so many new ones. I stuck to medium to small sized ones. Also I kept them simple and easy. One regret I have is that I could not cover many subjects in my Rangolis like, animals, birds etc. Also I could not bring you the complicated Chain Rangolis or bigger Rangolis.  It takes a lot of time for me to create, develop a Rangoli and draw it neatly, then colour and post.  Many a time even if a small thing goes wrong, I have to abandon it and draw again. 

My attempt this year was to post consistently and continuously at least one Rangoli a day. Well I enjoyed it all. Hope you have enjoyed my creations.

Now I am going to take a short break from these Rangolis. I need to concentrate on so many other things, which i have been neglecting of late.  

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Rangoli-264

Chariot or Ratham Rangoli

Another Ratham(chariot) Rangoli that can be drawn on Kanumu, Mukkanumu or the Ratha Saptami festival.

Place the dots as shown and draw the Rangoli. This can also be expanded to get a bigger Rangoli. The flags are extra.

This is easiest one of the chain or Mellicka Rangoli. I din't want to attempt a too complicated Rangoli. But in future I will post some.  Hope you like this one.

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Rangoli-263

Ratham or Chariot Rangoli

Ratham means chariot. This Rangoli is drawn on the day after Makara Sankranti konwn as Kanumu. This chariot is drawn inwards(entering the house) on Kanumu. on the next day known as Mukkanumu, the chariot is drawn leaving the house. Those I have posted previously are here:

http://summersofindia.blogspot.in/search/label/Ratham%20muggu

Here is one more Rangoli:

Four Chariots. 21 to 1 straight dots....The flag is drawn extra(i.e., no dots )

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Rangoli-262

Makar Sankranti-Pongal Special Rangoli

This is 25 to 1 straight dots.

Celebrating the festival of Makar Sankranti...In the state of Andhra Pradesh, this festival is  a harvest festival but involves, spiritual and religious aspects too. Sun's transit to the Zodiac Sign of Makara (Capricorn) starts the auspicious period of 6 months known as Uttarayana. It is a four day festival. Thanks giving to Sun for the bountiful crop, praying to Lord Vishnu during the month starting from Sun entering DhanurRashi(Sagittarius) ends on Makara Sankranti day. Goddess Gauri is also worshipped by young maidens asking for a good husband and a happy married life during this whole month. I will write about that separately.

This Rangoli, consists of Pongali pots. Pongali-sweet one is rice pudding, cooked with milk and jaggery, where as the other one (spicy) is rice cooked along with husked, split green gram and vegetables, green peppers and black pepper. These are offered to Gods as thanks giving. Sugar canes-harvested and brought to home. Kites and Rangolis. The green ones with orange flowers are Gobbillu-made of cow dung and prayed too. 

I wanted my Rangoli to reflect the spirit of Sankranti as celebrated by us....Hope it does...

Wishing you all Happy and Prosperous Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Lohri.....

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GREETINGS

Wishing you all a very Happy Prosperous, Fun filled Lohri, Pongal &  Makar Sankranti

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