Beauty Of Batik! For December 2017

Learn all about the history of the colourful art called Batik and how artisans in India are leaving an imprint with it…

Colour Stories

Batik is an ancient art that uses dyes and wax to create a visual magic on different kinds of fabrics. It is believed that the term is derived from the word `Ambatik' which translates to a piece of cloth with small dots or writing with wax or drawing in broken lines. It is an appreciated form of art across the globe but have you ever wondered how a Batik print is created?

The art of Batik involves 3 basic steps – waxing, dyeing and scraping (removing). Firstly, the wax is used to create designs on some pre-defined areas on the fabric. Secondly, the fabric is dyed and then the wax is taken off by scraping or by boiling the cloth so that the wax peels off. It results in a beautiful piece of cloth with unique designs. Traditionally, it used to be carried out on cotton or silk fabrics.

Origin and History
There are several theories regarding the place and period of the origin of Batik. In India, the roots of Batik can be traced to the 1st century AD. Traditionally, the only set of artisans who knew this art belonged to the Khatri community of Gujarat. Over a period of time, the art of Batik got lost and relegated into the background. However, in the 20th century, Batik was introduced in syllabus and taught in the University of Shanti Niketan, Kolkata.

Batik is an ancient art that uses dyes and wax to create a visual magic on different kinds of fabrics. It is believed that the term is derived from the word `Ambatik' which translates to a piece of cloth with small dots or writing with wax or drawing in broken lines. It is an appreciated form of art across the globe but have you ever wondered how a Batik print is created?

The art of Batik involves 3 basic steps – waxing, dyeing and scraping (removing). Firstly, the wax is used to create designs on some pre-defined areas on the fabric. Secondly, the fabric is dyed and then the wax is taken off by scraping or by boiling the cloth so that the wax peels off. It results in a beautiful piece of cloth with unique designs. Traditionally, it used to be carried out on cotton or silk fabrics.

Origin and History
There are several theories regarding the place and period of the origin of Batik. In India, the roots of Batik can be traced to the 1st century AD. Traditionally, the only set of artisans who knew this art belonged to the Khatri community of Gujarat. Over a period of time, the art of Batik got lost and relegated into the background. However, in the 20th century, Batik was introduced in syllabus and taught in the University of Shanti Niketan, Kolkata.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For December 2017

1. Did you know the colour blue has shown to slow heart rate and breathing, making you physically calmer? It is known to reduce respiratory rhythm and encourage mental activity, introspection, concentration and focus inwards. It is believed to be a good colour to aid in meditation or relaxation. It is also a colour that suggests peace. It is the colour of the clear sky and calm sea, both of which are linked to inner serenity, calm and clarity.
2. Did you know that yellow has a dark side to it and is the colour of caution and physical illnesses like jaundice, malaria and pestilence? Egoism, cowardice, betrayal and madness are the traits associated with yellow. It is no coincidence that the sources of yellow pigments are toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, chrome and urine.
3. Have you ever wondered why there are blue stars, yellow stars, red stars, but no green stars?  As it turns out, there are green stars, that is, stars that radiate much of their light in the green part of the spectrum.  However, the total combination of the full range of colours of a 'green' star appears white to the human eye.  If you pass the colour from a whitish star through a prism, you will be able to see all the colours, including green, spread out in a continuum.

Colour Quotes For December 2017

• The ones who are crazy enough to think they can colour the world are the ones who do.

  - Steve Jobs

• Pink isn't just a colour, it's an attitude!

  - Miley Cyrus

• Of all God's gifts to the sighted man, colour is holiest, the most divine, the most solemn.

  - John Ruskin

Colour Tips For December 2017

1. Painting edges can be a tricky affair. It helps to know the tricks of the trade on how to go about it. Wiggling the brush a little bit can help the paint release into tight corners. It is also a wonderful technique to fill in missed areas as you make a second pass. However, remember not to wiggle the brush too hard. Just a little vibration is all that is needed to get the perfect results.
2. When you are satisfied with the cut-in line while painting, apply a neater finish for a smooth look by feathering or thinning the edge. It is a simple technique wherein without reloading the brush, you need to drag the tips of the bristles lightly over the outside edge to spread the paint in a thin layer and get rid of excess build-up and any ridges present. This feathering step guarantees that the cut-in line does not show up as a stripe after rolling the walls.
3. Painting a room is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a new life. While DIY home projects can be a lot of fun, you would also want it to be as successful as possible. We bet you didn't know that there was a technique when it comes to dipping the paintbrush into the paint can? Plunging your brush too far into the paint is a wrong way to go about it. Dip it only a third of the way in. This way you will get enough paint on your brush without wasting or pushing the paint deep into the bristles, which is difficult to clean later. Remember this the next time you start a DIY project to save yourself some trouble.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For December 2017

1. An emotion a character experiences can be identified by what colour the character turns into. A character might turn red when they are either angered or embarrassed, yellow when happy, or blue when sad. The background might even change to the same colour the person is. At times, a character will change clothes to reflect what they are feeling on that particular day. Someone with an Aura Vision might be able to tell what mood another person is in by the colour their aura emits. Wondering what Aura Vision means? It is the ability of a person to perceive normally invisible Life Energy of others. Now isn't that interesting?
2. Did you know that the Seven Deadly Sins originally had colours associated with them? The sins are as follows: envy, pride, wrath, sloth, lust, greed, gluttony. Envy is green and that is where the whole Green-Eyed Monster idea came from, Pride is purple, which is the colour of royalty, Wrath is red, Sloth is light blue, Lust is blue and a horny person is said to have a 'blue mind', Gluttony is orange and greed is yellow.

Colours & Fashion For December 2017

Polka dots are derived from Old English 'dott' meaning 'speck.' In the 1840s, the polka was sweeping Europe and America. It was the latest dance craze, like the Charleston of the 1920s. The manufacturers began naming everything 'polka' to cash in on the trend. Everything from polka curtain bands, polka gauze, polka hats and many other products with the 'polka' name hit the market in the 1840s. In 1926, Miss America was photographed in a polka dot swimsuit and soon after, Disney introduced its cartoon character Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress and adorable matching bow.

Colours & Gems For December 2017

1. Paraiba Tourmaline
   Paraiba Tourmaline was discovered in the 1980s by Heitor Dimas Barbosa who spent several years digging in the hills of the Brazilian state of Paraiba on a hunch that something extraordinary was hidden there. Probably he knew he had hit the jackpot when he set eyes on his first, neon-bright Paraiba tourmaline. This gemstone comes in rare shades of electric blues and greens, reminiscent of the blue ocean shores of Paraiba, where this gem is mined. Interestingly, apart from Paraiba, these unique, bright blue and green colours are not seen in any other gemstone on the planet. Paraiba tourmaline has become one of the most sought-after gems in just a few decades.
2. Yellow Sapphire
   According to Vedic Astrology, the Yellow Sapphire is associated with the planet Jupiter, which rules both Sagittarius and Pisces. Known as Pukhraj, it may be a light pale yellow, or the colour of bright daffodils or even honey. It is believed to bring good luck and bring auspicious occurrences in one's life. It is also said to bring wealth, promotions and elevation of status and also bring in a good life partner into the wearer's life. It is also believed to cure thyroid-related ailments as well as insomnia. Apart from these, it is also believed to make one spiritual.

Colours & Nature For December 2017

1. Paradise Tanager
   The paradise tanager (Tangara chilensis) is a wonderfully multicolour, medium-sized songbird whose length varies between 13.5 and 15 cm. It has a light green head, black upper body plumage and sky blue underparts. The rump is yellow and red or all red depending on the subspecies. The beak is black and the legs are grey. Both sexes may be similar in colour, or the female may be quite duller than the male. Most tanager species are arboreal in habit, living in treetops, undergrowth or shrubbery. It eats fruits and insects. The birds' nesting behaviour varies, and the clutch size varies from two to four eggs.
2. Peacock Cichlid
   The Peacock Cichlid is a peaceful fish that has been popular with beginners as well as experts for decades. The fish comes within the haplochromis group and has dizzyingly bright colours like orange, red, yellow, blue, and even gold. It has vertical dark stripes along the body. Female and juvenile Peacock cichlids are usually du
3. ll in colour but the males transform as they mature, displaying a range of colours including blue, yellow, red, orange, gold and more. It is considered one of the most dazzling freshwater fish in the world.

Decor

Confused About Choosing A Paint Colour For Your Bedroom?

Picking the right colour from a myriad of shades available can be scary and confusing, right? Worry not; we are here to help you make the right choice when it comes to paint colours for bedrooms…

A bedroom is meant to be a perfect cosy oasis, where you can unwind and sleep without any disturbances. The colour you choose to paint it in depends on how you prefer your room – light and airy or dark and cosy. It also depends on whether you like solids or patterns on the walls. There are several decorative techniques out there that you can paint your bedroom walls in.

To create a tranquil, spa-like bedroom space, you can try soft neutrals with touches of warm browns and cool blues.

Soft green hues on the bedroom walls exude a sense of calm. It can lend personality to your bedroom space too.

White can create a soothing atmosphere. You can create the perfect getaway in your bedroom after a long day at work. Versatile in nature, an all-white bedroom works well with any decorating style or theme, making it the perfect option.

Pastels are a great idea in making a small room look larger and airy. You can try baby pink or powder blue on the walls for a soothing look.

You can add a romantic touch to your bedroom walls with a bold splash of red. It is also a classic shade that does not go out of style and is also a colour that can never go wrong in the bedroom.

Soft green hues on the bedroom walls exude a sense of calm. It can lend personality to your bedroom space too.

White can create a soothing atmosphere. You can create the perfect getaway in your bedroom after a long day at work. Versatile in nature, an all-white bedroom works well with any decorating style or theme, making it the perfect option.

Pastels are a great idea in making a small room look larger and airy. You can try baby pink or powder blue on the walls for a soothing look.

You can add a romantic touch to your bedroom walls with a bold splash of red. It is also a classic shade that does not go out of style and is also a colour that can never go wrong in the bedroom.

Warm browns can also create a sultry mood in the bedroom. If you don't like bold colours, you can try an accent wall and colour it bright.

You can also choose a muted shade of yellow or orange for a cheery look that doesn't overwhelm the bedroom.

At the end of the day, it is all about painting the walls in a colour that brings you peace and calm. You can try soothing colours or a wild, crazy colour that makes you happy! You can feel free to pick any colour that works for you and suits your personality.

No matter what paint colours for bedroom you choose, it is very important to combine it with the right accessories, floors, furniture, bedding and pillows to create a pretty bedroom!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For December 2017

Do you wish to increase your productivity in your home office? Achieve this using a few basic principles of Feng Shui. Read on to know how…

Energise your home office with Feng Shui!

It is very easy to Feng Shui your home office when you understand the basic Feng Shui principles. Read few tips and tricks to help you with it:

Place Your Desk in 'Command Position'

Wondering what the 'command position' is? Simply put, it is the position when sitting at your desk that puts you most in command of both your area and your work. This

 position stems from an ingrained need to have visible control over your surroundings.

If your work needs creativity, it would be ideal to have a view of the door from the chair, a solid wall behind you, and a pretty view out of a window. If your present room does not have this set-up, you might have to move your desk to another room. You could place a mirror in your room where you are able to see the door from your desk.

Even if you use your lap or a counter and not a desk, it is important to face the entrance from where you are working to feel the most in control and confident in your area.

Pay Attention to Your Southeast Corner

The southeast point of both your desk and your room should be set with items that are in balance with the southeast energies. As southeast is also the wealth corner, a small table top water fountain or a pretty potted flower next to a small fish tank would work to maximize the energy.

Highlight Your South Wall

Since the South area is the 'fame' area of Feng Shui, this is where you should focus all of your personal and professional accolades and accomplishments.

Become Colour Wise!

Colours play an important role in Feng Shui. Try a combination of gold and red or gold and lavender. If painting your home office in these colours is not possible, you can still add these colours by using pictures, wall hangings, art pieces, pillows, throws and flowers. You can opt for other colour combinations like yellow and red, orange and purple or grey and brown also.

Reiki For December 2017

Is your skin itchy, broken out, or covered in a rash or strange spots? Whatever your skin problem, try the power of Reiki to bid farewell to them...

Say Bye To Your Skin Problems With The Magical Touch Of Reiki!

Skin conditions can be caused due to deep emotional imbalances as well as low self-esteem. It may also result from infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with any irritant or allergen. You can try Reiki as an alternative or a complementary therapy to help relieve the symptoms of the skin condition. It is not necessarily a substitute for conventional treatments or medication, but it can work wonderfully alongside other treatments. This means that you can opt for Reiki healing in conjunction with your skin ointments and medication.

It may help manage your stress that can worsen your skin condition. It has a calming, soothing and deeply relaxing effect on the mind and body. By reducing stress and anxiety, the body can start to function more efficiently and enable its own healing process to improve the situation. The positive benefits are more than just skin deep and will have a greater effect with regular treatments.

It is a pure love system of healing which imparts gentle, balancing and purifying energies. A proper skin purifying program along with regular Reiki treatments can be a great healing therapy for skin conditions. A one hour Reiki treatment can bring deep relaxing peace, balance, clarity and healing for body, mind, emotions and spirit.

It can accelerate healing by clearing the energy field/auric field of toxic emotions, thereby allowing your physical body to clear and heal. Interestingly, you do not need to believe in Reiki in order to receive benefits. This universal life force energy is accessible to all life on our planet Earth, regardless of belief system, race, status or mind-set. Isn't that wonderful?

Vaastu For December 2017

Sleep is extremely essential for body. If you are suffering from insomnia, follow these simple Vaastu tips to sleep better...

Sleep plays a significant role in keeping you healthy, fit and energetic. However, if you have a disturbed sleep, you wake up several times at night or you have to rely on sleeping pills, this is an issue that you need to pay attention to. Having constant nightmares can become a problem in deep sleep too as all of this can take a toll on your energy, mood, health, and ability to function the whole day.

Read these Vaastu tips to cure insomnia and improve your blood circulation...

• The head should never face the North direction while sleeping. Have you ever wondered why people are told so and what the logic behind this is? It is because of the magnetic pull of Earth and the iron in our blood. It causes unnecessary pressure on the brain which may lead to disturbed sleep and health issues.
• Only a dead individual's head is kept towards the North. If one sleeps in this position, then he/she is believed to face major sickness and remain sleep deprived.
• If you ask the elders in your family, they will always suggest sleeping with the head facing south. This is probably the best sleeping position according to several cultures as well as traditions. Vaastu says sleeping in this position can make you rich and healthy, filling your life with happiness and prosperity. Sleeping in the south direction is believed to give you peace of mind as the direction is associated with positive energy.
• It is recommended that the head be placed towards the East for an undisturbed sleep. Sleeping with head in the East is believed to help with concentration, increase memory, good health and inclination towards spirituality. As per Vaastu Shastra, students are advised to sleep with their head in the East direction in order to increase memory, concentration and retention power of the brain.