The most wonderful time of the year!

Returning to what used to be a regular activity (I mean updating this blog), indeed does feel like it is the most wonderful time of the year! Although my art journey is an ongoing activity in the background on-and-off, it has been more than 5 years since the last update on this blog, wow!!

On a gloomy weekend few weeks ago, I thoroughly indulged in making cards to be sent out to my folks. As I understand, none of these have made it in time (thanks to everything that's going on in the world around us!) but hoping these do reach their destination sometime soon. 

Meanwhile I thought I will share these virtually here.

Here's wishing all the readers and your dear ones a Merry Christmas and joyful holidays!

Funky handmade cards on recycled/handmade paper - 

Crafty bits.....another year of upcycling.

1. Paper upcycled ear rings.
2. Paper upcycled table placement/wall hanging
3. Fabric painted upcycled bed spread and pillow case.
4. Upcycled cereal box folders.
5. Upcycled crocheted plastic tote mat.
6. Fabric upcycled quilt.
7. Upcycled Jeans handbag.
8. Upcycled cereal box folders.
9. Crocheted winter hat.
10.Crocheted bead necklace.
11. Crocheted winter hat.
12. Crocheted necklace.

Weymouth coastal view

 Acrylic on stretched canvas

It was four years ago,  on a bright Sunday morning two of my friends and myself decided to walk a part of the Jurasic coastal line, stretching between Lulworth and Weymouth. It took us good part of the day,  as I vaguely rememeber,  with breaks in between for enjoying those beautiful coastal views. However towards the end of the walk just when we started feeling the pinch of the 16 miles walk, was this spectacular view, that left us making feel so fresh and relaxed - we could not have asked for more!

Here's my first version, an effort to re-live those moments by rendering acrylic on canvas. I had so much fun working on this sea-side view, and reflections,  I have promised myself to re-do this piece,  from scratch, to try and get the feel of the view that is as close to the one instilled in my mind as possible from that fine summer day!

Another sunset, Another Year!

I have been away from both Little arena and my painting brushes for almost an entire year. However I hurried to just finish working on this one before the dusk. Another year is gone by and here's wishing you all and your loved ones a very Happy New Year -an year that's filled with lots of pleasant surprises, cheer, health, peace and much more!

Oil on canvass boards

Nature's beauty

Oil on canvass board

 

New year, New hope!

Colour pencil on paper (11"x8")

As 2012 is coming to an end, this post is dedicated to my dear grandmother late Mrs.Saraswathi whom our family lost this year. May her soul rest in peace. She will continue to live in our hearts forever. 

This painting reminds me of the lamp that she lit day after day during her prayers, the songs she sung asking nothing for herself, but peace, harmony and happiness to prevail everywhere.

May peace prevail everywhere in the world,

May there be a new ray of hope, 

May there be oneness, equality and justice,

May this world be a safer and better place to live!

Two-sided Textured Vase (Glass bottle upcycle)

Two sided vase (from glass bottle)

  

Some of my friends often pull my leg saying "you don't need a bin at home". Well, I wish that was true!

I am overwhelmed by the amount of trash we produce. Hence a conscious effort to make a difference  in little ways that I can. If anything could be reused, upcycled, or recycled, then they simply don't deserve to go into the bin.  Now, this requires a lot of discipline, but isn't the effort worth it. I don't know how far this figure is correct, but something I read - 'recycling one glass jar saves enough energy to watch TV for 3 hours'. .

For the process I used in this vase - I cut the neck of  the glass bottle, I then used air brush technique on one side. For the other side I painted the surface with multiple layers of paint. Using a few used paper pieces I then removed upper layers of paint while the paint is still fresh to create a  textured surface. Not only the  cross-over from one side to the other is seamless but also makes a very appealing vase that can very well be a piece of decor at home.

......... And here is the end product.....

 Handmade paper woven vase

Recycled newspaper Vase

Handmade paper woven vase

I had my first go at weaving this vase in an effort to recycle newspaper. I am happy the way it has come out, as this is my first attempt in weaving newspaper. Although it may look a bit flimsy, but it's quite strong as  it's woven tightly. Another couple of layers of paint and then I can call it done.