Rediscover The Magic Of Macramé! For October 2017

Colour Stories

Macramé patterns are the perfect way to complete your home’s designs. Learn everything about them and add a colourful touch to your home!

Macramé comes from the 13th century Arabic weavers' word 'migramah' which means 'ornamental fringe', 'striped towel', or 'embroidered veil'. It is interesting to note that this refers to the decorative fringes on camels and horses that help to keep flies off the animal in the hot desert regions of Northern Africa. One of the earliest recorded uses of Macramé-style knots to be used as decoration has appeared in the carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Braiding and fringe-like plaiting adorned the costumes of the era and Macramé spread from North Africa to Spain with the Moors, and as a result spread to France, and then across the whole of Europe. It was introduced in England at the court of Mary II in the late 17th century. Queen Mary taught the art of Macramé to her ladies-in-waiting.

In the Western Hemisphere, Macramé is believed to have originated with 13th century Arab weavers. These artisans knotted the excess thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics into decorative fringes on shawls, veils and bath towels. Sailors spent their leisure time at sea making Macramé objects and either sold or bartered them when they landed. In this way, they spread the art to places such as China and the New World. 19th century British and American sailors made bell fringes, hammocks and belts from Macramé. They called Macramé 'McNamara's lace'.

Most Victorian homes were adorned by Macramé and it was used to make household items like bedspreads, curtains and tablecloths.

Though the popularity of Macramé faded, the craze came back during the 1970s as a means to make wall hangings, articles of clothing, bedspreads, small jean shorts, tablecloths, draperies, plant hangers and other furnishings. By the early 1980s Macramé had again begun to fall out of fashion as a decoration trend.

In the early 1970s, Macramé jewellery became popular with both the American young and old crowd. It was featured in handmade glass beads, necklaces, anklets and bracelets.

We think Macramé is a fun form of art that you can use to create stunning pieces to beautify your home. We totally dig it and hope you are inspired to go ahead and try your hand at it.

Happy knotting!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For October 2017

1. What do you think when you hear the word 'Flesh'? Surely not crayons, right? However, did you know that Crayola had included a crayon 'Flesh' in their pack of 64 crayons? During the Civil Rights movement in the early 60s, the crayon 'Flesh' was renamed 'Peach' for the sake of social harmony. It was also done in an attempt to avoid any legal issues, recognizing that skin comes in a variety of shades. Initially, it was renamed 'flesh tint' and 'pink beige' before the name 'peach' was finalised.
2. The most common colour for highlighters is yellow as it doesn't leave a shadow on the page when photocopied. Our eyes are most sensitive to the colours yellow and green, so they are the easiest colours for us to see, even when we are not looking directly at them. It is much more easily visible than red or blue. Interestingly, even people with red-green colour blindness can see yellow, which is why it is the most popular colour for highlighters.
3. Some women are Tetrachromatic. It is caused due to genetic mutation, wherein those with the condition have more receptors in their eyes to absorb colour than the rest of the people. The difference lies in the cones, which are structures in the eyes that are calibrated to absorb particular wavelengths of light and transmit them to the brain. The average individual has three cones, which enables them to see about one million colours while those who are Tetrachromatic have four cones, which makes them capable of picking up dimensions and nuances of colour, which is estimated to be a 100 million of them that the average person cannot see!

Colour Quotes For October 2017

• Any colour - so long as it is black

  - Henry Ford

• And all the colours I am inside have not been invented yet.

  - Shel Silverstein

• The heart never knows the colour of the skin.

  - Chief Dan George

Colour Tips For October 2017

1. Do you know how to remove paint from glass? All you need is hot vinegar. Heat up white vinegar in a microwave and use a cloth to wipe away the paint. It won't leave behind any streaks, residue or harmful fumes. Vinegar is non-toxic, which makes it safe to use around babies and pets and can be used to clean surfaces that touch food and drink. It is also highly economical. One gallon of white vinegar costs less than most quart-sized bottles of chemical glass cleaners. Get yourself a couple of spray bottles and a gallon of vinegar and you are set! Hope this DIY vinegar trick helps!
2. Did you know that your hair dryer can help remove a painter's tape? Scratching your head thinking what painter's tape is? It is a type of masking tape that makes your paint job easier and stress-free. However, when strips of perfect paint peel off along with the adhesive or you can't make the tape to come off at all, simply turn on your hair dryer on low heat about three inches from the wall. This helps soften the adhesive and ensure an even line, making it easy to remove the tape.
3. We are sure you must have come across the term about 'oil paints' and 'water-based paints'. Oil paints have a petroleum or alkyd base to their formulation while water-based paints have 'acrylic' or 'latex' in them, which is why they are sometimes referred to as 'latex paints' or 'acrylic paints.' How do you figure out whether the paint is oil or water-based? Simply wipe the surface with denatured alcohol. If the rag picks up the paint, it is water-based. If no paint rubs off on the rag, it is oil-based. Easy, isn't it?

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For October 2017

1. We know that colours evoke certain emotions in us. Let us take into account the connection between colours and emotions shown in the animated movie, 'Home.' The cute aliens, called 'Boov', featured in this movie change their colour based on their emotions and mood. They turn Red when angry, Green when they lie, Yellow when scared, Orange when excited or happy, and Pink when they feel love. They also go psychedelic while dancing! They are a visual delight and are also much-loved for it!
2. The storyline of the animated movie, 'Inside Out' is a visual of feelings portrayed in five specific colours that correlate to emotions. Some character colours were obvious while some were challenging to create. It was a daunting task to narrow down the human emotions namely Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, and to personify them in the movie. Sadness is literally Blue and shaped like a teardrop. Even her hair evokes water - like a waterfall coming down. Joy is depicted as a star, is golden in colour and illuminated. Having primary colours for all the emotions in the movie was difficult as it is difficult to take a picture of an emotion. However, by assigning specific colours to specific emotions, the movie made it simple for viewers to understand what was going on in Riley, the character's brain. It made them understand that Riley has happy memories when the ball is Yellow and that she has sad memories when the ball is Blue.

Colours & Fashion For October 2017

Pompoms are not just for cheerleaders. It has crept into the world of fashion and has the ability to transform any simple outfit in a jiffy! These vibrant, fuzzy adornments can help you achieve instant boho status with a girlie twist. It is everywhere - on stylish dresses, glamorous drop earrings, sporty bomber jackets, boho footwear and even ethnic purses. If you love to make a bold statement, this trend is perfect for you and is a wardrobe must-have! It has gained favour from celebrities, fashion bloggers and street style fashionistas all around the world. The key to nail this look is by not going overboard, but by trying to keep things simple and minimalistic.

Colours & Gems For October 2017

1. Petoskey
   Petoskey stone is a fossilized coral. It is a state stone of Michigan and is found along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the United States of America. It was formed by the fossilization of the ancient coral - Hexagonaria. These corals lived in warm shallow seas that covered Michigan during Devonian time about 350 million years ago. The name 'Petoskey' is derived from the word 'Petosegay', the name given to the son of a Frenchman who married an Ottawa Indian princess and later became the tribes' chief . The translation means 'rays of dawn' or 'rising sun.'
2. Opalite
   Opalite is a stone known by several names such as ice cream opal, opalized fluorite and opal fluorite. It is usually purple, lavender or white, sometimes with patches of mauve, yellowish-brown and black. It is also called 'Tiffany Stone', which presumably comes from the jewellery company of the same name that used it in some of their designs.
   Mined in the state of Utah, USA, this is a form of opalized stone that forms in mineralized nodules. It is composed of dolomite, opalized fluorite but often found with minerals like quartz and chalcedony. Opalite is believed to be a serene crystal. It is a stone of love, but only rewards faithful lovers. It is considered helpful for lasting romantic bonds.

Colours & Nature For October 2017

1. Spangled Cotinga
   The Spangled Cotinga is a beautiful bird known for its unique plumage. This has made it a target for hunters in the Amazon Rainforest. It does not sing but is known to make a whistling noise from its wings when it flies. The males are a bright Turquoise Blue with extensive black 'spangling' on the wings and back, with a light Purple throat. Seen most often from canopy towers or canopy walkways, it lives in fruiting trees. It is difficult to spot this bird from the ground as it is often perched on dead branches emerging from the top of the tallest trees. The beauty of this bird attracts birdwatchers from across the world.
2. Peacock Spider
   Maratus is known as the 'Peacock spider', owing to its spectacular colouring. Maratus is the spider genus of the family Salticidae. It is known for its dancing courtship ritual in which it displays its iridescent patterns on the upper surface of its abdomen, often enhanced with lateral flaps or bristles. It is small at just 3-5 mm, which makes it particularly difficult to spot. Females lack these bright colours, being cryptic in appearance. The male display and courtship dance is complex, which involves visual and vibratory signals to attract the female.

Decor

10 Things You Should Know Before Painting A Room

Though we recommend hiring professional painters for efficient and neat work, if you want to paint a room yourself, here are some things you should take a note of before hand -

1.) Prep the room
The first step which is also the key step is to remove the furniture from the room altogether, if possible. Cover the furniture if you can't remove it from the room. Dust and clean the walls and opt for a towel or vacuum cleaner to clean the surfaces.

2.) Choose the paint colours wisely
Dark areas in the room make colours appear darker. However, don't be afraid of colour. Experiment to see what works and you may be surprised with the results!

3.) Figure how much paint is required
There is nothing more annoying during a painting project than running out of paint halfway through the project. You do not want to have too much paint either. Using a paint calculator can help determine how much to buy.

4.) Use the right tools
The right tools are as critical to a good paint job as good quality paint. Select a roller cover with the appropriate nap size. In general, the rougher the surface, the longer the nap required.

5.) Paint from top to bottom
Plan on working from the top down. Paint the ceiling first, then the walls, and finish with the trim. To avoid lap patches, paint from one wet surface to another. Paint on a previously painted surface or dried surface if it is not possible.

6.) Think about lighting

White paint can look different throughout the day in natural light. It is best to test how it looks in the morning, afternoon, and late-day light. Consider cooler shades of whites that will reflect ambient light from lamps and overhead fixtures.

7.) Wall priming saves on paint
An important step in painting is wall priming. The wall primer seals the walls, offering a good base for the paint to stick to. However, cleaning the walls is extremely important before painting and is one step that cannot be skipped prior to painting.

8.) Brush before rolling
The concept of brushing the corners before or after rolling the walls can be slightly confusing. Use a top-quality brush to paint an inch out from corners, the ceilings and the baseboard.

9.) Prep your roller and paint brushes
Always be sure to prep your roller and brushes before painting. You don't want brush lint or bristles on your walls. Also, don't forget to tape!

10.) Put everything in one place
Save yourself the frustration to get the job done and make sure to put it all in one place. Painting requires brushes, rollers, paint trays, cloths and ladders.

These are ten things we think you needed to know for a hassle-free paint job. Now get set to paint!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For October 2017

Have you been around a negative person or someone who looks at you with envy? Protect yourself against those with malicious intentions using Feng Shui and the ‘Evil Eye’ charm. Read on to know how...

Wave goodbye to negative energy with the Hamsa Hand!

The Hamsa Hand also known as the Hamesh Hand is an old and a popular amulet for protection from the envious or 'Evil Eye'. It is one of the most effective and simple Feng Shui cures to ward off the evil eye. The words 'Hamsa' and 'Hamesh' mean 'five' and refer to the digits on the hand. The Hamsa Hand is also called the Hand of Miriam. The upheld hand is believed to deflect the negative energies of hostile forces.

Origins of the Hamsa Hand
The first Hamsa shape was found on Phoenician ritual stones in North Africa dating back to the pre-Islamic days. The Hamsa Hand appears both in a two-thumbed, bilaterally symmetrical form, and in a more natural form in which there is a single thumb. Since it protects against the 'Evil Eye', the design in some merges into another design called the Eye-in-Hand motif in Blue colour. The Hamsa symbol has become a common sighting due to the renewal of people's interest in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism.
The hand has always been associated with a female entity and several artists are using the image of the symbol in various aspects of their art including Hamsa jewelry, wall Hamsas, amulets, paintings and sculptures. The wearer of the Hamsa hand can wear it facing up or down and it is believed to give success, harmony and protection. It is also commonly found in a wide variety of varying aspects of art.

How to use the Hamsa Hand
It is best to carry the Hamsa hand always with you in a purse, pocket, handbag or a briefcase. You can also keep it in vehicles. In addition to appearing on necklaces and wall hangings, Hamsas can be found on earrings, bookmarks, mezuzahs, bracelets, key chains and candlesticks. Just like other good remedies, the Hamsa Hand needs to be cleansed.

Hope you find this article useful. We wish you all the luck and happiness in the world!

Reiki For October 2017

Did you know that Reiki can help in your journey to lose weight? If you are among those who wish to lose weight, you should probably read this! We have some tips that may help you in your pursuit…

Reiki is an alternative health practice wherein you or your practitioner's energy is used to stimulate the natural healing abilities of the body. There is little to no physical contact involved. Extra focus is placed on certain chakras and the needed energies are projected onto them.

If you wish to reap the benefits of Reiki, the first step is to love your body. You need to tell yourself that you love your body and observe how that makes you feel. If you feel any resistance, do not get anxious. Take a step back and just let it be. Start the flow of Reiki and invite feelings of peace within you. Repeat until you sense you are done for then, and resume later if you feel it helps.

Always Reiki the food you eat. Intend that healing energy is discharged into your body as the food is digested, and that it helps you become healthier, happier, making your body stronger.

Drink plenty of Reiki water with the aim that it gets into your body and cleanses it. Tell yourself that the water will remove the toxins that do not serve any purpose to your body.

If you wish to do the Reiki healing on yourself, sit in the upright position and keep your hands on your knees. Inhale and exhale comfortably and imagine a yellow light entering your body from the earth and spreading all over your body. Imagine this light is shining in the region of the solar plexus for as long as you can. Visualize that this light is draining all the negative energies from your body. This technique will give you some confidence in losing body weight and leading a healthy life.

Whether rooted in physical or psychological plane, Reiki helps by making you more aware of your body and its needs, including your appetite. It increases your willpower, allowing you to make healthier lifestyle choices. It also helps in reducing stress, preventing build-up of stress hormones such as cortisol, which is known to affect weight.

Here's hoping that you try Reiki for your overall wellbeing and succeed in losing weight!

Vaastu For October 2017

Are you troubled by negative energy in your house? The main entrance door holds an important place in your house. Learn how to attract positive energy into your house with a Vaastu-compliant main entrance door…

Vaastu for Main Entrance Door!

Main entrance door creates the first impression of your home. It works as not just a source of people entering the house, but energy as well. It lets the flow of cosmic energy inside or outside the house, promoting good health, wealth and harmony.

Facing Of The Main Door
The main door of your home should never face any religious place or an abandoned building as it is believed to be inauspicious and also brings in a lot of negative energy in your house. The main door should be the tallest and other doors should not be greater in size or in beauty to the main door. The entrance should be in the East or North direction.
Main entrance should always have threshold or a doorsill. The number of doors and windows in the house should be in even numbers like 2,4,6,8. The door should not be placed in the centre of the wall. It should always be off-centred. If a house is in the East direction, the entrance should be fixed towards East, so that the main door falls in the Northern half of that side. It is believed that this direction is auspicious. Avoid self-closing door.

Flow Of Energy
It is best to avoid any kind of obstruction in the main entrance door like walls, rails, staircase, poles and huge trees as it disrupts the energy flow into the house. A temple or a lamp post should not be opposite to the main door either. Also, see that the lift of the building is not facing the entrance.

Clockwise Opening
Main entrance door should always open in the clockwise direction. Anti-clockwise opening is considered to delay the work and cause difference of opinions among the family members.

No Dustbin
Keep the dustbin away from your main door. It is believed to bring in negative energy into the house in abundance.

Avoid Darkness
The main door should never be dark or dimly lit. Proper illumination is necessary. Brightness wards off the negative energy from the main door entrance.

Keep It Clutter-Free Keep the main door entrance free from any kind of clutter and make the surroundings absorb more positive energy.

Decorate For Positive Energy
Adorn the main door with flowers, lamps and incense sticks to ward off negative energy. It is also believed to attract wealth into the house. Hope you found these tips helpful. We wish that it brings happiness and prosperity into your lives!