Teaser Sketches

Sharing with you two preliminary sketches that are on their way to becoming full-fledged paintings.

Any guesses what these are?

Okay, I'll give you a hint. Both sketches are of food items, all edible stuff. Chew on that and let me know your responses. :)

All Things Found & Beautiful

I have an obsession for collecting little 'found' things whenever I go out to any place special. So I have everything - from bird feathers, to pine cones, to shells - stocked away in various corners of my home, each reminiscent of special memories, and associated with special places.

Today I thought I'd share with you some of these 'found' things, and how a little labour of love can turn these into pretty stuff that you can display around.

These are the things I collected with my kids on a recent visit to our local park. Basically seeds, pods and flowers from Eucalyptus and Neem trees.

I dried them in a corner of my table, taking care that they weren't directly exposed to the sun. After drying them for a couple of weeks, I painted them and....

They turned them into these little jewels!

Now all I need is a matching little plate to hold them.

A beautiful reminder of a special day! Do you have a penchant for any such 'found' things?

Abstract... On A Bottle!

I'm in experimental mode again. Primarily to cock a snook at the grey dullness of winter days, when the sun is hidden for days on end. Trying something new always helps shake off the inertia, and awakens a sense of renewal.

That is where this bottle comes from....

Its cheerful and multi-coloured motifs starting off as disparate elements, but finally coming together in a cohesive whole.

I even tried colouring the bottle from inside but since my paints are a little past their prime, and I mixed a tad too much water, the result was this grainy effect. I actually quite like it, especially its unpredictability. And it brings a certain transcluscence to the overall bottle.

What do you think of it?

Coconut Shell Birdhouse

For those of you who've been wondering where my regular posts disappeared, the explanation is simple. The freezing cold and chill of last month had clogged my brain cells, and I was rendered totally incapable of thinking (forget creative thinking!!). It is only now that the sun is out again that my creative juices are flowing once more.

So one of the first things I made this year was a coconut shell birdhouse.

Three uneven pieces of coconut shell joined together by glue. Tied up some string on a little twig to hang it, and it adds to the beauty of my greens now. Just waiting for its visitors! :)

I am hoping that when the flowers are out later this month, smaller birds like the wrens and the sunbirds will come and check this new residence out. I shall be ready with my camera, of course!

Since it is simple enough to make.... go on, try one yourself.

Bottle Art in SPAN magazine

The year sure started on an exciting note! Have been on such a high ever since one of my hand-painted bottles made it to the Jan-Feb 2012 issue of SPAN.

The issue focuses on the concept of Green Living, and carries my bottle art specimen in the centrespread (infographics section).


The SPAN team chose to feature my Beer Bottle Landscape in their article on reusability. Click here to see the article online.

A big thanks to the entire SPAN team, and especially to Hemant Bhatnagar.

Reaffirms my belief that a discarded bottle can turn into a home accessory! Only, you need that willingness to want to reduce your load on the planet, and a special set of eyes to appreciate the unusual. Are you game enough? :)

Versatile Blogger Award

Got nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by fellow blogger Yuvika of My Musings. Well, many thanks for choosing me, Yuvika. Am truly honoured! :) Must say the year has started on a great note...

But the award comes with a catch - now I have to follow a set of rules that I'm too lazy to jot down here.

For one, it involves tagging 15 more people for the award, which I confess is a tad difficult. Not because I do not want to share my appreciation of fellow bloggers, but simply because it is too tedious to go around informing each of them. So, all you wonderful bloggers on my blogroll, I nominate each one of you for being part of my daily inspiration!

As for sharing 7 random things about myself (another rule), here goes:

1. I am an adrenaline junkie - give me roller coasters and bumpy flights anyday. I'll be calm through all that turbulence.


2. I am a fairly private person; I simply cannot share everything with everyone.


3. I used to be a voracious reader till I had kids. Now if I get through the newspaper, I feel blessed. Writing has gone out of the window altogether.


4. I carried out my first business transaction in high school when I sold a set of handmade pressed-flower cards to a friend. Was a big deal for me, of course!


5. I love travelling but get to do very little of that now. Road, rail or air, anything goes... I find the journey to be a de-stresser, when I can be with myself.


6. My first job was as a casual announcer on the radio; did it for about 2 years and loved every minute of it!


7. I hate waking early but with two brats to be sent to school, I have little choice!

There, now you all know me that much better. :) Will be sharing another special piece of news soon. Till then, get creative!

Fruity Feast

First post of the new year, and I have a special treat for my readers.... A fruity feast to start the year with!

Sitting out in the sun and chomping on fruits is a favourite winter pastime for us. And for those of you who skip the daily intake, hanging some on your walls may just serve as a reminder. :)

So go on, indulge in some fruit-laden goodness for your health and your hearth. As I enjoy the holidays with my kids, friends, and a large dose of happiness and bonhomie!