Experiments with wooden Block prints and Polymer clay

Over the weekend I experimented something new. 

I have a whole bunch of wooden block prints that I have lying unused. Well, not totally, because I do use them for making thank you notes. But then the other day, I just thought of introducing a new line of products at my shops online.

So here they are. Polymer clay and block prints.

The lotus flower is the national flower of India and is also one of my favorite flowers.

A big sucker for paisley prints, but of course I had to make one.

What do u think of this bead? I added pewter bead caps and glass stones on this lovely turquoise blue polymer bead. I will be making more of these to get some really beautiful jewelry going.

Here is a another paisley pendant. Added a dash of gold and a bead.

What do you think?

Let me know in the comments below. I am hoping to make more of these and list them up on MY SHOP . 

Winner of the Saffron Hue Burp Cloth/Bib Giveaway

And here is the winner of the Saffron Hue Burp Cloth and Bib Giveaway

Congratulations Erin Lawrence from Octoberthings. I will be in touch with you very soon.

Saffron Hue: Block Print Fashion for Babies and Burp Cloth/Bib Giveaway

Not very long ago, I blogged about a special line of Kantha quilts for babies. See the post here.

Saffron Hue is the vision of two Stay-at-home moms who have brought block printing motifs and patterns to an  adorable baby collection. One hundred percent cotton and voile fabrics have been used to make a marvelous selection of Kantha quilts, lightweight blankets, swaddles, burp cloths and bibs and snuggle bags. Its a great pleasure to also announce their newly launched website.

And today, Saffron Hue,  is eager to give away one lucky Mommy and her baby a Burp Cloth with Bib from their collection.

Burp cloth with matching bib - Cinnamon

This 3 layer reversible bib is made of 100% cotton voile that matches the Saffron Hue collection. The two snap button in the front are easy to put on and take off and allows for use from the baby to its toddler years. 

All the designs are printed by hand using traditional Indian block printing techniques, thus making the products unique and special.

To enter this giveaway

1. Visit Saffron Hue's shop and tell me what your favorite print or collection is and leave me a comment telling me what it is (One entry)

2. Follow Saffron Hue on Facebook and mention it here on my blog that you did. (One entry)

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment on this blog.  Don't forget to add in your tweet 

 #ahkriti  #giveaway (One entry)

4. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC) and mention it below (One entry)

There - you have 4 ways to enter to win this Giveaway.

Contest is open to US and Canada residents only.

This giveaway will be open until  11:59 pm EST June 20, 2012. 

Winner will be chosen  via Random.org

So if you know a new mom or a mom to be , please spread the word or enter this giveaway!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! A winner HAS been Chosen!

All images courtesy of Saffron Hue

*This giveaway is in no way connected with Facebook or twitter.

Kantha quilts for babies

Saffron Hue  is a store exclusively for babies and they make some lovely Kantha quilts...in addititon to some great appliques, diaper pouches and oh so cute onesies.

Do you know a baby whose mommy will be thrilled to see this? 

Get these Kantha quilts quick! I don't think they have many in store.

Kantha quilts for babies

Kantha throws for babies

Image credits: Saffron Hue

Featured Artist: Indigene Craft

Welcome to Masala Mango Mantra's feature on  Indigene Craft - an online store for handmade indian crafts and clothings. Indigene Craft was started in 2010 by Jaya Bhatt and Ruchi Tripathi, graduates from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology, (NIFT) India. Handmade crafts have always been dear to both of them and they are very passionate about bringing an awareness about handmade crafts and fabrics of India on an international level.

I am a big sucker for block prints and of course Indian fashon.  I happened to be looking for some unique fashion in block prints  and was absolutely delighted to find Indigene Craft ! I can  say that my wardrobe will now boast of more chic Indo western fashion wear! So without much ado, lets get to know these young women entrepreneurs of Indigene Craft

When and what let you to open Indigene Craft?

Our interest in the traditional crafts of India and a long period of interaction with artisans, crafts persons and organisations involved with such products, lead us to start with our own venture "Indigene". We are keen to experiment with our experiences in this sector and give the products our own unique flavor.

How long does it take to make a collection?
We come up with a new collection 2-3 times a year as per season. This involves conceptualizing and planning at least 6 months in advance before the new range is ready.

How are you different from others?
Our emphasis lies in using traditional craft techniques (fabric, surface embellishment, styling etc.) to create products that are contemporary and for the modern market. This is what we feel our uniqueness is. We believe in bringing together the traditional and the modern in our products.

Do you plan to design clothes for children?
We have not yet ventured into kids wear. But it is definitely a potential market and we will gradually like to expand our product range by adding interesting kid’s garments in our range.

If you were not designing clothes, what would you be doing?
Both of us love design and this does not restrict us to just designing clothing. We have to experiment on different mediums like jewelry, natural fibre and even designing spaces. Hence the options are numerous.


How do you market your designs?
We have our own website on which we put up our collections every season. Apart from that, social network media like Facebook and of course word of mouth.

Any shows and events that Indigene Craft has participated in?
Until now Indigene has participated at one exhibition in Delhi and one showing in Bangalore with the ANT store. We plan to be a part of more organized exhibitions this year. As one of us is based in USA we are looking at being able to participate at a few community events in there.


Connect with Indigene Craft at 


Email: info@indigenecraft.com
Contact no: India 98119 70107 USA 315 480 3950
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indigenecraft
Website: www.indigenecraft.com
  

Friday Feature:THE SHOP

Welcome to The Shop- your ones stop store for beautiful handcrafted textiles for your home and fashion.

A family run business enterprise, The Shop claims that they develop new dyeing techniques, block and screen prints, machine and hand embroidery patterns and have quilting facilities all under one roof.  The Shop also takes pride in saying that when you purchase from them there are no middlemen involved and twice a year they showcase their new collections.

I get attracted to block prints like a magnet and that is how I found this wonderful store online.

Here are some of my favorites from The Shop

Patchwork dresses for girls

Easy Fit Jacket - a great spring find 

Summer dress to get all geared up for the beach

Printed and comfy kimonos

Beautiful Shower curtains to jazz up a bathroom

A treat for bag lovers

Want to grab and get more of these, you can shop HERE

Thanks to Sandhya Gorthi, Partner, of The Shop for giving me an opportunity to share this find.

Images Courtesy: The Shop

Breezy Block Prints from India

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Block prints have always been a fascination for me and I was disappointed that its not easy to shop for block prints decor in Canada. But thanks to the internet , one can get block printed decor and fabrics online. 

Block printing is widely used in India and the most prevalent states promoting this art in India are the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh in India.

If you live in India, you have an array of stores that sell block printed fabrics and decor. A few of my favourite stores that I haunt in India are:

1. Anokhi for their indo western chic dresses

Image courtsey: indo western chic block print dress  from anokhi

2. Soma for beautiful accessories and decor

Image courtesy: Block print accessories from soma

3. FabIndia for decor

Image courtesy: Cushion covers from fabindia

I am super happy that you can find block print fabrics and decor this side of the globe as well.  Find some block print inspiration from India from these stores...

West elm

Image courtesy: Handblocked Jaipur quilts/shams from westelm

 Saffron Marigold has a huge collection of block prints decor  for the home

I would never dream of having shower curtains in block print...but see...this is inspiration!

Image courtesy: Shower curtains from saffronmarigold

On Etsy you can also find a range of handmade block print creations as well.

Image courtesy: Hip Bloomers  in block print from urbanprairiegirl via etsy

Yes, my favourite paisley print can be found on the napkins...

Image courtesy: Handblock printed cotton napkins from bestillshop  via etsy

Novica is a store associated with National Geographic. Artisan handmade ethnic creations from the globe to be pounced upon...

Image source: Cotton tunic from novica

So did you get inspired by block prints now? 

Do you know of any stores that sell block print decor and fashion? Let me know. I would love to keep them on my favourite list!

Have a great day!