My Fabric Painting

These days I am spring cleaning. I am going through everything, books, my papers, most of all my clothes-weeding out what I feel is not necessary or worn out. But you know what- some how most of it again creeps back into my closet or storage space, Some I feel I can't throw and some my mom feels so. It happens every time I start spring cleaning. But this time I am really weeding out some of it.

Well during the process I am organising my hobby projects-many unfinished but some finished ones. I am trying to draw a to do list so that I can finish off all my pending projects.

Here is one of my finished projects-fabric paint on odhni(scarf) done for my sis long time back. I even forgot it. Actually there was a time, I was much into painting- any sorts-from doors, windows, grills to fabric, paper....:). It is easy to paint than hand embroidery. These days, I don't have the time and I prefer to use natural light for painting.

Hmmm the above was a scene from  ancient Egyptian murals. I used very bright colours. My sis wanted something unique to wear for a get together in her college. I painted this on a white cotton scarf. Hope you like it.

I should take up painting once again....I love the feel of the brush on my fingers and playing with colours..there is a something soothing  in the act of painting, body, mind and soul...engrossed in it...I miss it very much...

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Beautiful Kerala-3

Kochi- The Queen of The Arabian Sea

Kochi or Cochin was known in ancient times to travelers and trades men as Cocym, Cochymn, Cohin, Kochi etc. The Jewish community settled in Kochi call it as Kogin and is in their seal of synagogue.It is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea or Gateway to Kerala. It is mostly known as Ernakulam which in fact is the main land of Kochi.

Kochi (Kochchi) means:

• From Malayalam words kochu azhi meaning a small laggon
• From word Kaci meaning harbour
• Named after river Kochchi which connects the backwaters to the sea
• Portugese and British called it as Cochin which remained for a long time
• In 1996 the name of Kochi was retained

Kochi is a port city on the west coast of India on the shores of Arabian Sea. Since ancient times this port city was known to Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Jews and Chinese and was an important spice trading center. Kochi has a coastline of 48 Kms and is well known for its backwaters. The climate here is Tropical Monsoon type. It is hot and humid and during rainy season there is  heavy rainfall from June to December .

We  find, Hindus, Christians, Muslims and followers of other religions living peacefully. Now for the details of my travels...


Day-1-kochi:


Well we all piled up in the van at the airport and headed towards the city very eager and excited.

This was the van we went around for the entire trip, from place to place as we traveled by road. It was roomy and comfortable and our driver was also a very good one. His driving skills put me at ease. Or else on our India roads, I am always nervous and edgy.

 See the lush greenery, paddy fields, surrounded by coconut and jack fruit trees.

Not the Big Ben but a clock tower on our way into the city. We reached the hotel in half an hour. It was a real charming place very beautifully done, oozing the old world charm, reminding me of old houses of South India with heavy wooden furniture made of teak, rosewood.

The coffee shop in the hotel where it is cozy and charming. We spent the evening here  and later had dinner as it was raining.

This was our suite. The wooden furniture and brass/copper fittings reminded me of old bungalows in India. My grans place was like that.

The front room divided into two by wooden partition fitted with glass. The above area for sitting, had a big TV and the sofa which could be turned in to a big bed at night. The one below is with a small table. The small wooden thing on the right actually a had a tiny refrigerator inside it.

The beds again were old fashioned made with wood and metal (brass perhaps) but comfortable. The wall paper with roses captured my attention.

 See the old lantern fitted with bulbs on either side of the beds.

The mirror, the desk and chair- look at them. Colonial style furniture. These days we don't find such pieces made of red wood or teak. But in our childhood we had so many of those. Later on many people threw them out saying that it was old fashioned furniture, heavy and was occupying lots of space. But now they cost you a fortune.

 This is the wardrobe with sliding doors.

See the luggage rack where you can place your luggage is made of wood and brass.


We all had a very sumptuous lunch, with Rotis, white steamed rice, curries, chutneys and  curds. Then took rest for an hour as it was very hot and humid.


Then we were to go for sight seeing....so watch out....

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Flower Arrangement

People always think that they need lot of expensive things to decorate their homes. But it is very much possible to decorate our homes, using less expensive things. Fresh flowers, from our own garden or growing wild are one of them.

Here is one arrangement of fresh flowers in water. This was in one of the resorts I visited in Kerala. All these flowers grow wild on the road side.

Terracotta tray filled with fresh cold water has been used. The flowers used are hibiscus, periwinkle, blue flowers(I don't know their name), daisies etc, which are quite common in our homes and also grow abundantly on road side. 

This arrangement will last easily for 3-4 hours. This can be placed on North-East corner (as per Vaastu) or in the living room or on the front porch, or on a table. Even in the garden this would look great.

One can use various sizes and shapes of terracotta, glass, metal, stone or other trays or bowls for such arrangements. Use of fragrant flowers will also fill the area with fragrance. or else one can add a few drops of aromatic oils or scents to the water.

So why don't you try it to please your guests.....

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