Pipli Applique Work from Odisha

Hello Art and Handicraft Lovers....

From a long time I was thinking about starting a series of post regarding various Art forms and Handicrafts of India that has gained recognition both at national and international level. Just took a pen and wrote down few of them that came to mind and it's tough to believe that I don't know much about the varieties, still had a long list of names. Really proud that we have so many varieties in India. Different states & areas are specialised in different varieties of art and handicraft. Now which one to choose first. Confusion is very obvious. We all are somewhere little bit biased or inclined towards our home town or home state, even I. So my first post is on "Pipli Applique Work" from my home state Odisha.

Pipli Applique or Patchwork is a traditional handicraft, that got its name from the name of the place where it is made. Pipli is small town on the way from Bhubaneswar (state capital) to Puri (Jagannath Dham). This traditional handwork is mainly made with cotton fabric. Decorative motives and animals are cut from Colorful fabrics and then are stitched on other contrasting color fabric. Mainly they are sewn in with running stitch, back stitch and chain stitch. Various size and shape of mirrors along with some laces are also used to beautify the applique work.

A framed pipli applique work at my parents place, commonly known as Pipli Chandua.

Applique work lantern in my living room...

Applique work on a traditional hand fan..gives it a classic look.

Image source: Nishaslifestyle

Now they are trying various modern and unconventional patterns of applique design.

Image source: Thehindubusinessline

There is a wide variety of umbrellas with applique work. Small are for regular use to get protected from the scorching rays of sun and some are of huge size used as garden umbrellas.

Image source: Pipiliapplique

Have a look on hanging letter holder or letter rack, it can hold your letters or documents or knick knacks and with that will beautify your wall.

Image source: Chitra Ramaswamy's Travelouge

They offer a wide range of products with applique work such as hand bags, ladies purses, wall hangings, cushion covers, lamp shades and many more, that even I don't know.

Image source: eSamskriti.com

So if ever you get a chance to visit this small town, don't forget to bring one with you. One good news is that there are many online stores also who have a wide range of pipili applique work products. I am thinking of trying my hands on this work. If I succeed, I'll surely share with you all.

Entryway/Foyer of My Home

A home that has a foyer or an entryway, there is something special about it. I am lucky that my home have small entryway. But I am so sorry, almost before a year I have made a post on entrance of my home and it took me so long to travel the distance from entrance to entryway. All entryways says "Welcome...come on in" and to me it is equally a special space like other rooms/spaces of home. 

While decorating the foyer of my home few things that I considered are:

First Lighting: Foyer of my home doesn't have access to direct sunlight. So lighting was the most important element. This requirement was fulfilled by few ceiling lights and a mosaic lamp. You can use hanging lamps, floor lamps, table lamp/side table lamp according to your need and convenience. 

Second Storage: To me in apartment style home all spaces should be utilized functionally. This objective can be fulfilled by console tables with drawers or a dresser or umbrella stand or coat stands or large baskets. This is also according to your need and demand of the space. I personally don't like, but I have a shoe rack at my foyer. As there was no other better place where it can be kept.

Third Rug: Rugs or rug runners are must at entryway to keep your living room clean. It also enhances the look of the floor.

Fourth decorating the wall: Though I have not added a mirror at my foyer, but it was first on the list. I was thinking of adding a huge size mirror, as reflection of the space makes it look double of the original size. Wall can be decorated by using wall papers or having a family photo collage or wall decals or some painting. I have few tribal paintings from Odisha at the entryway.

Fifth some personal touch: If you want to make a space lively personal touch is must. Family photos, travel souvenirs, handicrafts and of course some handmade items can bring in the magic. My hand painted bottles are the center of attraction here.

Sixth few plants: If you are a plant lover, obviously you will love to have some greens here.

The most important thing is whatever you have at your foyer it should be well organised and clutter free. This is usually a small space so it shouldn't be over crowded. I don't have any key stand at this place, so sometimes a small ceramic spice drawer holds keys. Sometimes I use few golden grass baskets to hold keys. 

Few more items, an antique look bell and two hanging tea light holders at entryway. 

So how does your entryway or foyer look like...
I hope the tips I have shared will help you to beautify your foyer.

Some Tin Can Tea Light Holders @ Home

Internet is flooded with tin can tea light holder DIY ideas. So I’ll not claim that it is my original idea. But I have made something new and will not share with you all, that's impossible. It's really a very easy DIY & even a non DIY person can unhesitatingly attempt this. 

Few easy steps and tin can tea light holder is ready. 

• Draw the pattern you want to see on the cans.
• Fill your tin with water and freeze overnight.
• Using a hammer punch holes on the pattern you have drawn of the can.
• Allow the ice to melt.
• Paint the can using oil based paint.
• Decorate the can (if you wish to).

I painted my cans in red and white as I wanted them to look beautiful even when the candle is not lit inside it.