A beaded lace and organza Bib necklace......

This ooak beaded lace and organza bib necklace is made of different kinds of beads ,stones and sequins in pastel and soft tones of orange ,pink , brown with touches of white and copper . Its an exquisite piece of handmade jewelry...

 

 

 

 

A bengali couple wearing traditional wedding outfits.....

These exotic dolls, dressed in traditional bengali wedding outfits made with brocade silk fabric and handmade golden trims. The bride is wearing a red (traditional color for bengali wedding)silk brocade "sari "with a matching silk top and a sheer golden veil to match with it. The groom is adorned with beige colored silk "dhoti" with golden trims and a silk long top to pair with it.

This pair of doll is wearing handcrafted jewelry and accessories. The inspiration for these dolls are my older sisters and brother-in-laws on their wedding days. I grew up watching this elaborate, over the top wedding celebration in my family.
Hopefully these dolls will also give glimpse to the rich indian culture and tradition .
I have used terracotta for the base of the dolls and also polymer clay ,paper mache, wires, beads to contruct the dolls structure. This pair is (approx) 20 " in height. This Bengali  couple looks magnificent!!

Exotic leaves.....

                                                                                                                                           

This ooak, multi color beaded bib necklace is created to give it a look of exotic leaves.I have used different color beads and acrylic gems on black silk fabric .The bib necklace hangs from a string of stones and silver findings. The length of this necklace can be adjusted.

 

 

 

An exotic wearable piece of art....

OOAK, handmade ,exotic and colorful, beaded necklace. I have used different kinds of beads and stones to give this piece an exotic look. This necklace has a red leather backing.

Manipuri dancer from India...

Manipuri, one of the main styles of Classical Dances originated in the beautiful ,picturesque and secluded state of Manipur in the north-eastern corner of India. The geographical location of this state ,surrounded by the mountains has kept the people of Manipur away from the influence of other states, and hence this region has been able to retain its unique traditional culture, aesthetics, values, conventions and ethics.

The origin of Manipuri dance can be traced back to ancient times and is associated with rituals and traditional festivals of the state.

I have used terracotta, paper mache ,polymer clay, wires, silk, chiffon, organza, beads, sequins etc to make this doll. It is about 14" tall . Excellent for interior décor, gallery and gift items...

 

Spring Time !!!

Last night  while watching Project Runway....I completed one of my spring wearable art piece ......

Its OOAK, beaded bib necklace with different shades of pink beads and Lucite flowers which gives this statement wearable art an interesting color and texture. Its done on ultra suede with a leather backing .Wear it with your little black or white dress in your spring time garden parties and steal the show :).The bib necklace hangs by strands of pink crystals and ends with a toggle and sweet little cherry martini charm.

 

 

 

Kathakali dolls from Kerala

Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. The costume is the most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali. The makeup is very elaborate and the costumes are very large and heavy.
In 1988, I went to Kerala on a vacation with my parents and my daughter . I felt so blessed to be able to share the experiences of this trip to Kerala which is also known as 'Gods own country' with my loved ones.It was during this visit that I learnt about the culture and traditions of kerala and was over whelmed by the performances and costumes of Kathakali dancers. This doll is based on my memories from the trip to kerala.

I made this doll using paper mache ,clay and terracotta and wires as the basic structure of the doll and for the elaborate costume I used silk, various trims, rhinestone settings, beads, paints and handmade jewelry. This doll is an exquisite creation.......
This OOAK art doll is from my 'Exotic indian' dolls collection and can be an excellent interior decor,  gift items for every reason you can think of ...except its not for children .