Bandhani - Binding Art, Emotions And Tradition Together! For April 2016

Colour Stories

The history of Bandhani or ‘tie and dye’ goes back to pre-historic times and has been passed on from one generation to the other. Let us explore more about this colourful and trendy textile art!

The textile industry in India has a colourful history comprising of diverse techniques and traditions. Bandhani is not merely a fabric; soaked in several colours, it is a companion for several womenfolk of the country. 'Tie and dye' or Bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bandh', meaning 'to tie'. The people who are involved in producing the designs on the fabric are known as 'Bandhej'. It is a popular and widespread textile art from the states of Gujarat to Rajasthan in India.

Different communities in Rajasthan have followed the tradition of wearing turbans with different patterns, making it easy to identify which community they belonged to. In the earlier days, the dyes were extracted from roots, leaves, flowers and berries.

'Tie and dye' as the name suggests first involves the tying of the fabric, usually cotton or silk, with thread at certain points and then submerging it into drums of colourful dyes. The fabric is then twisted and turned in the desired way. Each fold gives a different look altogether to create a range of patterns such as Mothra, Leheriya, Shikari and Ekdali.

This practice makes sure that no two tie-dyed cloths are the same, making each product truly unique. Fascinating motifs are created that include creepers, flowers, bells, webs and much more. An interesting aspect of the process is the local name given to each pattern according to the shapes they form.

Creating new motifs reflect the artistic sentiment and the innovative spirit of the artisans. Yet another interesting aspect of the process is that the artists grow a long nail or wear a ring with a tip on it on their little finger to push the cloth upwards to form a point that would be tied and left uncoloured.

The dominant colours in Bandhani are bright yellow, red, green, pink and maroon. Different colours convey different meanings in the world of Bandhani. While red represents a bride or a newly married girl, a yellow background conveys a lady who has recently delivered a child. The colours and patterns also indicate the community that the girl belongs to.

In Hindu tradition, a 'gharchola' is a saree woven with gold or silver zari thread, embellished with Bandhani, that a man gives to his bride, and the tie-dyed veil worn by the bride is known as a 'chunri'. Muslim brides, on the other hand, wear the 'chandrokhani'. Countless artisans have experimented with the process and it certainly looks like this textile art is here to stay!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For April 2016

1. According to a study, the taste of food is influenced by the colour of the vessel, pot or the cup containing it. It is how our brain receives the colour and the flavour. For example, a cup of coffee tastes intense when served in a white mug than in a clear glass mug. The psychological impact concerns contrast — what the coffee looks like! When you drink from a white cup, the coffee certainly looks browner. This could unconsciously suggest that it tastes more intense, more flavourful. Thus, the colour of the mug has an effect on the multisensory coffee drinking experience!
2. Have you heard of chromatophobia? It is the fear of colours! Chromatophobia can be caused due to intense negative experiences. The reactions can be mental, emotional and physical. The anxiety and fear may go from mild feelings of apprehension to a full-blown panic attack. The symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, obsessive thoughts, fear of losing control, difficulty in thinking about anything else other than the fear, anticipatory anxiety, which is worrying about upcoming events that involve colour, desire to flee from the situation, sadness, anger, hurt and guilt. Effective treatment involves psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy.
3. The Sun is white. Yes, you read it right! When viewed from space or a high altitude, it appears in its true colour of white. When viewed from a low altitude, atmospheric rendering makes it look yellowish. Using a prism, you can see how sunlight can be broken up into the spectrum of its colours: orange, red, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. When you mix all those colours together, you get white. The reason why the Sun looks yellow is owing to the light scattered by the atmosphere. The same scattering effect makes the sky appear blue instead of black during night time.

Colour Quotes For April 2016

• "Colour is a power which directly influences the soul."

  - Wassily Kandinsky

• "Colours are the smiles of nature."

  - Leigh Hunt

• "Painting is a mosaic of colours weaved into a seamless whole."

  - Igor Babailov

Colour Tips For April 2016

1. If you are looking to design the perfect accent wall, choosing the right colour is crucial. If you're planning on using a single solid colour, pick one slightly deeper, more vibrant or darker than the other walls. You can also use a colour from your favourite pillow cover or your favourite artwork for inspiration. After your wall is painted, primed and dried, pick a theme to decorate it with. Too many clashing colours, whether frames, artworks or prints, will take away from the colour of the wall. Pick neutral-coloured bedding and accessories to tie the look together.
2. When you are choosing a new rug, it is important to look at the room in its entirety to assess its colour scheme. You need to choose a rug that works with the colours in your room, one that either blends together with them or acts as a highlight, standing out! Too many colours can overwhelm a room and make it look cluttered, while not enough colour variation can leave a room looking dull and boring. Colour can be your most powerful design tool if you know how to use it effectively. Look for a rug which contrasts and complements your flooring.
3. The variety of paint colours for your kitchen cabinets can be overwhelming. You need to understand the style of your kitchen. If it is a traditional kitchen, opt for subdued colours such as white and cream. These light tones will let you experiment with vibrant colours elsewhere in the kitchen such as appliances and countertops. For a contemporary or modern style of kitchen, bright colours such as red, green, yellow and blue are recommended. Whether the style of your kitchen is traditional or modern, there are some classic paint colours for kitchen cabinets that will look great and work well.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For April 2016

1. Colours invoke emotions and are crucial to determine how your brand is viewed. Colour has often been associated with a person's emotions in art therapy. It may also influence a person's state of mind. Since the language of colour communicates faster than shapes and words, it works directly on our emotions and feelings. When one thinks of red and yellow, McDonalds is one of the brands that come to mind. Red triggers hunger, appetite and grabs attention, while yellow triggers happiness and playfulness, going well with the brand's image. This colour combination has influenced many other fast food chains too.
2. Colour is an incredible force, and Coca-Cola has used it to its advantage. Colour is not just a purely visual element; it is psychological and can trigger various feelings and emotions in the human body and mind. There is a long history of Coca-Cola with the colour red, so much so, that it is rumoured that Santa traditionally wears red because of it! The trademark Coca-Cola appeared in red in advertising as early as 1890s and consumers across the globe identify the very sight of red and white with Coca-Cola. Studies have shown that red triggers impulse buys while white evokes passion.

Colours & Fashion For April 2016

If you spend hours admiring the haute hair colours flaunted by gorgeous celebrities, you would know about rainbow hair colour. For those who don't, the watercolour effect is a mix of blue and purple tones, almost amethyst! No matter what the length, texture or colour of your hair, you can rock this look with the right attitude. There is a style and palette for every skin tone, eye colour and wardrobe! It looks like the vibrant colourful trend is here to stay. Even if you're not interested in trying this look, you'll surely fall in love with the amazing style!

Colours & Gems For April 2016

1. Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine and it is formed in extreme conditions. It is found in rocks created by volcanoes and sometimes due to meteors that land on the earth's surface. The most unique feature of the gem is its fresh lime green colour. Ancient Egyptians considered it a very spiritual stone. Ancient Romans referred to it as the 'evening emerald' owing to its green hue that made it look like deep green emeralds. It is believed to have healing properties and wade off evil spirits too. In Hawaii, the gemstone symbolizes the teardrops of the goddess, Pele.
2. Zircon is a gemstone that derives its name from Persian 'zargun' meaning golden-colored. The English word 'zircon' is derived from 'Zirkon', which is German for the word. It is often called Hyacinth or Jacinth. According to legend, a mythical hero named Hyacinthus was killed by Apollo because he envied his beauty, which was sealed in red zircon. The gem is believed to bring prosperity, and drive away plagues and evil spirits. It is also believed to prevent nightmares, provide wisdom, honour and riches to the wearer. The loss of lustre of the gem is considered a sign of danger.

Colours & Nature For April 2016

1. The two sexes see colours differently. So, the next time you hear a woman argue about a dress being lilac and not lavender, blame it on physiology. Neuroscientists have found that women excel at distinguishing among subtle distinctions in colour, unlike men. Research has proved that male and female brains process colours in slightly different ways. These intriguing findings come from experiments in which men and women were shown flashes of light and asked to name the colours they saw. All of them had normal vision. Researchers say that these differences in vision may be related to specific sets of thalamic neurons in the brain's primary visual cortex.
2. Tinamous are birds shaped like tiny ostriches that lay some of the most eye-catching eggs at the base of a tree or in a depression on the ground. Their shells have a mirror-like sheen and hard porcelain-like finish that is produced by a thin and extremely smooth cuticle comprising of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and possibly a mix of organic compounds like proteins. Colours vary according to the species, ranging from chocolate brown, green, blue, purple, violet, steel grey, lemon-yellow to red. In addition to this, one of the Tinamou species lay eggs that change colour depending on what angle you view them from!

Décor

Spice Up Your Small Balcony

A spacious balcony is really a dream for a lot of apartment dwellers. However, there is no need to feel disappointed. Even if your balcony is one of those tiny ones with hardly any space to walk, there is something here for you!

You can make your modest balcony a relaxing haven, where you can unwind with a cup of coffee in the morning and curl up with a book in the evening. You can realize your dreams of having a garden right in your balcony. You can add an element of natural beauty using vertical planters, seasonal delights, colourful perennials, and cacti or herbs that you can use in the kitchen, to name a few.

If space permits, you can keep a comfortable bench with trendy cushions and pillows that are available in a variety of forms, sizes and lovely colourful motifs. You can place simple side tables, bistro tables or a coffee table for a clean vibe. You can also add an outdoor floor rug to enhance the overall look of the place.

During winter, opt for a colour-coordinated carpet or rug that complements your balcony walls and furniture. This makes it a smug and cosy getaway for a book or a friendly rendezvous. During the rains, you can use smart weather-resistant furniture like folding chairs and add a shelf to save floor space. Railings are a wonderful accessory that you can make use of. You can use them to hang planters and creepers for a natural touch of soothing green. You can hang your favourite pictures on the walls for a personal touch.

Outdoor lighting improves the functionality of outdoor living spaces. They make the space safer and more comfortable. You can hang pretty wind chimes and small water fountains to lend an air of tranquillity. Outdoor sculptures and statues also work well in such spaces.

Displaying attractive scented candles are a good recommendation as they serve a dual purpose. Putting a tiny bookshelf is a good idea too. Another interesting way to deck up your balcony floor is by using colourful pebbles. For those chilled out evenings or lazy weekend mornings, you can tie up a colourful hammock as it is a great option when working with tight living spaces. All you need is a little bit of imagination and some clever ideas to make the most of your small balcony!

Give Your Home An Ethnic Touch With Warli!!

How do you blend elements from the Warli art form into your home? Keep reading to find out!

Artisans make masterpieces that speak of their excellence and skilled craftsmanship. In a culture-rich country like India, art comes as a heritage. Every state of India boasts of rich art and culture. Warli is a popular art from a little village in Maharashtra that has the same name.

Warli is one of the most intriguing forms of Indian art and is a real treat to the eyes. These paintings are the expressions of the lives of the tribe and the stories in the paintings revolve around birth, weddings, rituals, customs and celebrations. Predominately, the colour white is used on a red earthen background with stick-figure representations. The contrast combination of the mud-coloured background with the Warli design in white has an aesthetic effect wherever placed.

What makes Warli special is its versatility and visual appeal in decorating the interiors of homes. Warli paintings bring that amazing feel of sophistication and rawness into the entire interior settings of the home. This art form has several varieties of interesting designs. When it comes to this Indian art and design, your options are endless.

Warli in your Living Room

The paintings have a story to tell and living rooms make a great place to speak of a story! You can use a lovely rug under your table featuring a Warli painting. You could look for paintings depicting scenes of dances, festivals, trees, animals, hunting and farming. You can also add an earthy appeal by using it on table linens, lamps, bottles, pen stands, pots, clocks, pillows, cushion covers, chairs, tables, lights, desk and much more.

Warli in your Bedroom

We believe that bedrooms are a place of comfort and a place that you can call your own. You can bring the stories of this beautiful art form in bed linens, decals, curtains, wardrobes and mirror frames.

Paint your front door with Warli art for a traditional and rustic touch. You can decorate an empty wall with this uniquely Indian art form too. Warli painting is a good choice if you have a soft corner for traditional beauty. Go ahead and spruce up your home in this exotic manner!

Cheers To Your Home Juice Bar!

If you love concocting new drinks for friends and entertaining in your home, then a home juice bar is for you! Here is how to create a space that is original, functional and attractive enough to become the centrepiece of your home!

A home juice bar sets the tone for a room and creates a fun atmosphere, while at the same time advocating a healthy and fun lifestyle. Make it the corner in your house that brings people together and is the perfect place for an informal gathering.

Choose a whacky, creative design!

You can opt for a curved bar if you wish to place it in a corner or choose a rectangular design as it can fit anywhere. Once you have decided where to place your juice bar, consider what style of bar counter you wish to have. Make sure that the table tops have surfaces that are waterproof and heat resistant for convenience.

Make a statement with bar stools!

You can choose from several materials when picking up bar stools. You can pick from leather, wood, plastic, wrought iron, aluminium and chrome. Opt for bar stools that have high backs with padding on the seat and mid-back area for comfort.

Mix it up!

A home bar is incomplete without drink ware, a mixer, a blender, napkins, stirrers, umbrellas, straws, and other tools. Do not forget to include entertaining accessories such as a stereo system while setting up your juice bar. There must also be a cooler and refrigerator in order to keep the fruits, milk, yogurt and other ingredients chilled.

Accessorize for added style!

Choose coasters and other accessories to complement the colour scheme of your home juice bar. Lighting is also crucial when setting up a home bar. You can choose from track lighting and recess lighting. Some books on garnish and mixology are a great idea if you wish to impress your guests. Once you have a solid base, you need just a few fruits, veggies and few mixers to make some cool and creative juices and smoothies.

In addition to these juice bar essentials, keep a small trash and a bar towel handy in case you are washing glasses or using fresh ingredients. With these tips, setting up a home juice bar won't be as daunting as it may seem. So grab a glass of good health and get started!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For April 2016

Whether you love or hate the colour orange, here are ways to activate the Feng Shui power of this soft and warm colour.

Add a Splash of Orange!

The colour orange is a 'social colour' as it helps bring people closer, encouraging conversation and connection. Orange is the colour that sparks creativity and activity. Unbeknownst to most, the colour also has healing powers and can help one overcome shock, depression, abuse, and can also treat problems associated to ovaries, intestines, lower kidneys and back. Surrounding oneself in the colour can be motivating and energizing.

If you wish to bring people together in a room, paint an accent wall in orange. Orange is a welcoming colour for places like hallways that need warming up. For stimulating collaborations in your office, use a combination of orange and other warm colours. Since orange is an approachable colour, wear an orange accessory when you are meeting someone for the first time. As for corporate culture, the colour is also used in organizations as it has the ability to encourage and bring out a sense of power, giving one purpose and intention.

Orange flowers like gladiolus or begonias can add energy in any commercial space, especially in a hotel. Place orange pillows on your armchair or couch to bring energy into a dark room or a windowless office. If you suffer from winter depression, introducing the colour orange into your space may help cheer you up. Orange is a very appetizing colour and is great to use in restaurants. Thus, you see the versatility in this colour as it covers and is used in various walks of life!

The colour orange is a derivative of red and symbolic of the element of fire. It is a subtler version of red that can be used where the effects of red are desired, but not to a large extent, as red would bring too much fire element into a living space. For people who think that the colour red is too strong and the significance of the colour is too straightforward, orange might be a better idea.

Orange can be one of the Feng Shui colours for love as it stands for optimism, which will help in drawing new love into one's life. It can help increase passion in a relationship. It is also beneficial for people who have just moved into a new place and want to find some new friends. Avoid it in small rooms as it can bring out the rebel in you!

Reiki For April 2016

Do you see colours during a Reiki session and wonder if they have any messages for you? Or do you think your brain is just creating them because it is bored? Find out here!

Decoding Colours seen During Reiki Sessions!

Reiki is a system of healing which involves a Reiki practitioner who channels this healing energy (Reiki) to the receiver by placing the hands on or near the receiver. The Reiki energy then flows to the receiver, triggering a healing and re-balancing of that person's energy.

In fact, Reiki works with the body's own natural ability of healing itself, and the process simply accelerates this ability. Reiki healing also works on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of the being. It allows deep and complete healing to occur as it addresses the underlying cause of illness, as well as the symptoms.

Seeing colours against closed eyelids during a Reiki session is common when the person is highly relaxed. The colours themselves are an indication that you are letting go and aware of the energy flowing through your body. These colours are associated with the 'Chakras' which are the energy centres of the body. There are seven 'Chakras' and they each have an associated colour. Seeing colours whilst in treatment is a tranquil and harmonious experience, adding to the deeply relaxing aspect of Reiki.

Here are a few indications of what seeing colours can mean. Red is related to the physical body, heart and circulation. It is the darkest colour and creates friction. Red usually depicts worries, unforgiving nature, obsessions, anger, anxiety or nervousness. If it is a dark red, it may indicate frustration or anger. If it is a bright and clear red, it means energy and vitality.

If you see gold, it is the colour of spiritual clarity. The colours that are most commonly seen during Reiki treatment sessions are mauve, purple, pink, white, gold and blue and are all associated with our upper chakras, spiritual awareness, opening and connection.

Seeing colours is a beautiful experience and it is due to vibrations that a person experiences these colours. At times, the colours can be an indication of areas of the individual that are being healed during the treatment. The chakra colour associated to that area of the body can give an idea about what is being healed. Interesting, isn't it?

Vaastu For April 2016

A child’s room is a zone of recreation, fun and frolic. It is the most playful thing to design as it requires a lot of creativity. Here are pointers that you should consider while planning a child’s room according to Vaastu.

Make your child's room Vaastu-compliant for prosperity!

At its essence, Vaastu is a collection of ideas on how to create living and working environments that nurture our lives in a direction that promotes well-being. While designing a child's room, it is all about providing rest and rejuvenation. However, one needs to be practical while designing it. Every parent wishes to see their child's progress in life and creating a room as per Vaastu can give you positive results.

It is ideal to have a child's room in the west. Remember to keep the bed in the south-west where the child can sleep with the head towards the south or east. Do not keep the door of the room directly facing the bed. South-west is ideal for placing furniture. It is best to avoid any kind of furnishing in the middle or centre of the room as it creates obstruction.

It is also recommended to keep all the furnishing 3 inches away from the wall. Closets and cabinets should be placed in the south or the west. Avoid installing a television, computer or laptop in the room as they affect the child's concentration. However, they can be placed in the north or south-east direction.

It is also best to avoid placing any exposed mirror in the room. Do not place any kind of mirror in front of bed at all. Your child's study table should be facing the east, north or north-east. East is the most ideal direction as it paves way for improved concentration.

The child's study area should also be free of clutter and mess at all times. Good lighting is important and should be fixed in the south-east direction. Adding a touch of green or blue in the room is a good idea as they are proven to be soothing and calming colours. Creating a safe and calm zone for your child is crucial. These simple Feng Shui solutions will bring harmony and peace in your child's life.