Garden Smarter, Not Harder
Posted by Sheela Cooper
Gardening season will soon be in full swing! Even if you love gardening, there’s no doubt that it is a lot of work, especially when it comes to mundane chores like weeding. I want to share some tips with you to help you garden more efficiently so that you can have more time for other hobbies, like shopping!
I’ve been an avid gardener for many years, and it has taken as many years for me to understand my garden space well enough to plant what works and thrives instead of choosing whatever plants catch my fancy at the garden center. I hope the things I’ve learned can help you have a more successful gardening experience.
Profile of a Paper Mache Artisan: Mr. Villayat Mir
Indian art forms have a rich history, with artisans passing their skills and knowledge from generation to generation for hundreds, or even thousands of years. At Home From India, we are proud to support skilled craftspeople throughout the country, who create our product collections. Every artisan has a unique story…they are immensely talented, and take pride in their art and the quality of the products they make every day.
Paper mache was introduced to India back in the 15th century, from Persia. Recently, we interviewed one of our paper mache artisans, Mr. Villayat Hussein Mir. During our conversation we learned about his background, his business and what he sees for the future of paper mache art. We hope our conversation provides some insight into the life of an Indian artisan.
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The Art of Kashmiri Paper Mache...the Story Behind the Craft
When you think of paper mache, the images that come to mind are likely more along the lines of an elementary school arts and crafts project than elegant artwork. However, the amazing art of Kashmiri paper mache has been passed down by experts, from generation to generation, for centuries.
Home From India is working to celebrate the art and artisans behind the products we carry in our store. Kashmiri paper mache is another beautiful way of brightening up your home and filling it with objects that will spark delight and discussion.
Can Cabinet Hardware Change Your Life?
Posted by Sheela Cooper:
Of course it can! Perhaps not in an earth-shattering way, but it can certainly beautify your space, make you smile, and in turn, change your life! And it goes beyond your cupboards and drawers – cabinet hardware has several “out of the box” uses that can not only make your space more beautiful, but also more functional.
Thanks to the creativity of today’s designers, we are no longer stuck with just nickel, brass, bronze, or wood cabinet knobs. There are numerous colorful options, including hand-painted, glass, and ceramic that can brighten up your space and transform an everyday drawer or cupboard door into something with character. Here’s a drawer with a fun, colorful knob:
The art of Indian basket weaving...the story behind the craft
Once again, Home From India is proud to feature a new handicraft based on some of the products we carry in our store! Indian basket weaving is an intricate and delicate art form that has resulted in many beautiful creations coming out of the region for hundreds of years.
The Art of Indian Block Printing...the story behind the craft
Handmade crafts from around the world are a great addition to your home. These items always tell the best stories, whether you picked them up yourself on your travels or received them from a friend on their way around the world.
At Home From India, we are proud to work with many skilled artisans throughout India, who specialize in unique handicrafts. We want to introduce these arts and their history to you, so that we can showcase the incredible amount of talent that goes into our products. This time, we are introducing the art of block printing. This process has been ongoing in India for centuries, resulting in beautiful textiles encompassing clothing, pillows, table runners, and other linens.
Indian block printing starts with wooden blocks, fabric, and dye. The blocks of wood are carved to create the design that will be put on the fabric.
DIY Upholstered Headboard
There are so many beautiful upholstered headboards available today, but they often come with a not-so-beautiful price tag. If you have a few basic tools, you can make a lovely upholstered headboard for under $100! When I made my headboard, my goal was to have a simple design that was lightweight and easy to hang. Keep reading if you’d like to make your own upholstered headboard!
Celebrate Spring Sale!
To celebrate the arrival of Spring and March Madness (one of my favorite times of the year!), we are offering 20% off of your entire purchase at homefromindia.com. Just use the discount code springmadness at checkout. Our sale runs through Sunday, March 27th....happy shopping!
A New Twist on Container Gardening
I recently read some articles about being creative with your container garden. You don't have to spend a lot of money on fancy planters to create a beautiful space...just upcycle items from your home!
Wheelbarrows, coffee tins, a teakettle, wooden crates and colanders are just a few examples of container inspiration...