Jewels from God's Island

The island of Bali is popular all over the world for its azure blue waters and the vast stretch of sandy beaches. However, this famed Island of the Gods also boasts of a varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides -- all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture.

       But the island of Bali also produces some fantastic jewellery, especially in silver, making it truely a paradise on earth. 

      Bali jewels are handmade by silversmiths using exquisite carving techniques that are centuries old. Each piece of jewellery reflects the passion and the hardwork of the artisans.

And takes a place of pride in the owner's collection.

A Carnelian Cuff

Flower Set

Silver on Rubber Cuff

 

Temple Bell Danglers

Cocktail Rings

An Onyx Bracelet

Onyx Pendant

Amethyst Dome  Ring

Bracelet

Carved Hoops

If you have a penchant for silver and are always looking for unusual and exquisite handmade pieces, grab some Bali jewels and be the cynosure of all eyes at the parties.

Images courtesy: www.novica.com,www.bali-beads.com.

Home Office

       When I was doing a regular job, my homemaker cousin often used to say that it is fun to dress up and go out everyday. Yes, to some extent it is true. But now that I work from home and at my own pace and pleasure, I am enjoying the benefits of  a freelancer. Though working from home also needs a tremendous amount of self-discipline, it is also great to watch the world rush by at office time when I do not have to worry about the traffic on the road,the train timings or the weather!  And yeah, a modest Home Office adds to the charm!

    First identify a place where to set up your office. If possible, avoid your living room or media room as you will get easily distracted or disturbed.

A study in crimson

             

  

Black and grey

      If one is lucky enough to have a spare room for office, there are lots of advantages! But many have small offices in their bedrooms, dining rooms or study. If you expect clients at home, you may consider setting up the meeting area somewhere in the living room as it would not entail taking them inside your bedroom. 

    Since I find space management a very exciting concept, I marvel at attractive small home offices that retain their individuality as well as blend with the decor of that room.

     
     Have a look!

An interior designer's office

An interesting desk

Aesthetic look

Modern look

Soft Look

A French style office

Floral Design

   

  Therefore, an office need not look boring and all serious! When you are designing a home office, experiment with colours, textures, prints and decor styles. A cheerful office will drive away the Monday blues.

          
  Images via Elle Decor, Style at Home, Ideal Home, Living Etc, House to Home.
 

Lotus Sutra

It sometimes happens with me that I repeatedly come across images of a particular thing and it guides me to do my blog. This week it is `Kamal' and so I present a collage of Lotus for you. But first some  facts about this flower.

     Lotus is one of the most sacred and popular symbols in Hindu religion.

       It is said that Lord Brahma emerged from the  navel of Lord Vishnu sitting on a lotus. Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning, is shown sitting on a lotus. Lotus flower is a symbol of eternity, plenty and good fortune and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is usually depicted with a lotus flower. Both the heart and feet are often compared with lotus in Hindu religion. Even the eyes of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana, were described as a pair of full-blown lotus-- gentle and calm.

Melange, Chennai

      

      According to mythology, Lord Rama, before crossing the sea to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana, was worshipping the Sea God, and needed 100 lotus flowers for the ritual. But he could find only 99 and promptly plucked his own eye, which was compared to the lotus by the sages, and offered to the God. Pleased by his devotion, the Sea God guided Rama in His mission.

Carved ceramic incence burner

Korean Pot Images webei-mono.com

            

Images courtesy: yogagoat.etsy.com

Throughout many cultures, the lotus has been a powerful image and a spiritual symbol.

    In Buddhism, the lotus refers to the Buddha. Images of Lord Buddha are typically positioned on a lotus — usually a double lotus — with petals facing both up and down. The protrusion sometimes found on the Buddha's head is also portrayed as a lotus.

               

In stone 
Courtesy Siamese Dream

 

Courtesy Lotus-sculpture

     Because the lotus rises from unclean water to blossom as a pure, uncontaminated flower, it is a symbol of purity and resurrection. In Chinese,  blooming lotus symbolizes love and harmony between husband and wife.

     The Lotus Sutra is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential sutras, or sacred scriptures, of Buddhism.

So, here are some images of lotus, moulded in different media, in different cultures.

Lotus painting 
Courtesy artsite.me

Origami Lotus 
Courtesy Butterflyeyes

Lotus carved in soap 
Courtesy soapcarvingart.com

Thai painting

Lotus Temple, Delhi



Batik Wall Hanging
Courtesy Ten Thousand Villages





Lotus lamp



Mixing Prints and Patterns

While doing up our personal spaces, we mostly think of co-ordinating colours and prints of the furnishings and wall papers. But often we come across interiors where several patterns have been mixed, making an overall colourful collage.

Experts say that bigger prints should be balanced with smaller prints. Colours need not match perfectly. Different shades of the same colour will also do the trick as long as the blending is perfect.

Also while mixing multiple prints, do add some accents like a white pillow, or plain poster, or a white wall, where the eyes can take rest and break the monotony of the print overload.

Balance florals  and prints with stripes and checks. Each pattern should be repeated at least once in the room.

If the room is small, choose smaller prints in muted shades and coordinate them with small and medium polka dots. In a bigger room also, smaller prints make a soothing effect.

But some of these pictures would show you as to how you can break free of the rules and yet portray a harmonious and stylish look with all bold prints co-habiting peacefully.

So what are you waiting for? Have fun with prints, dots, stripes, checks...!!! You may send me some pictures of your rooms!

Pics courtesy: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Country Living.
You may also see Room Splendour for ideas on mixing.