Flourish Hearth 2nd Edition – A Pop-Up Event For Artisinal Crafts
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Flourish Hearth 2nd Edition – A Pop-Up Event For Artisinal Crafts

Flourish Hearth 2nd Edition, we came together in a moment of unity, leaving behind handprints as a symbol of co-creation and collaboration. Moving away from conventional lamp lighting, artisans, makers, and consumers joined hands—literally—to inaugurate in a way that reflects Flourish’s belief in a sustainable future through collective effort and artisanal empowerment. The welcome was warm, the smiles genuine, and the setting vibrant. There was a buzz in the air. And there was food! Most importantly, there was an electronic collection of art and craft from across the country. ‘Flourish Hearth’ was a pop-up event with a difference—artisinal craft for the conscious consumer. And it resonated as well as it educated. The entire shenanigan took place at the Shankara Foundation, Bengaluru.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Flourish (@flourish.india) As we sat there in the evening listening to some good live Sufi music, the ambience was connecting perfectly with the arrangements of stalls and everything else surrounding it. Artisinal Craftsmanship At Flourish The exhibit was more than just a showcase of crafts! The effort was to portray a successful way of shifting towards a sustainable way of living by using such crafts. Be it handbags, clothes, decorative items, accessories and so much more. Everything portrayed there had a cultural awareness and representation.     Top Picks At The Exhibit: Pattachitra Handicrafts And Lanterns: A very famous and traditional Indian Art form was seen at the Flourish exhibit, which is very well known in the areas of West Bengal and Odisha. It depicts folk tales and magnificent hand-made art on cloth pieces, but here the art form was revived and shown to people in many forms: lamp shades, wall hangings and so much more. Jewellery Exhibit: There were varieties of jewellery placed at the exhibit and if you are a jewellery fan, you will be having a very tough time in picking out selectively. Every piece and style was fantastic, traditional and fashionable too. Terracotta jewellery, beaded jewellery, metal jewellery, handcrafted pendants, and what not!     Banana Fibre Crafts With Natural Dye There was a a huge display for the crafts and daily use articles made with banana fibre and the dyes used were all natural dyes. Nothing beats the fact that it was sustainable, eco-friendly, and definitely stylish!  Kalamkari Stationary And Crafts I think the most amazing finding were the pens that were wrapped pretty well in kalamkari fabrics and styling and making them really unique. Why not have those on your desk or your table in the living room. And along with that there were boxes made out straw and other renewable sources and those were beautifully wrapped with handmade kalamkari art work. Leather Craft Items There is no exhibit that has nothing related to leather and if you are a person who wants a collection of unique leather products then this is the place where you can have them. Beaded Bangles: Beaded bangles have always always been in-style and these handcrafted ones were just stunning! Hand-woven Key Chains And Plush Toys Adorable key chains were displayed and every key chain was one of a kind. Beautiful designs and must haves for every person!  And yes, there were handwoven plush toys as well—the most adorable exhibit corner.   Other Exhibits At Flourish Grass Trays and Boxes Bamboo has always been a striking choice for many things for your daily households and upholstery. Nothing beats the authenticity of the bamboo trays, boxes, and so much more. Hand Decorated Clips These clips were nothing less than pretty, if these don’t get your attention then probably nothing will! Wooden Craft Items: There were many more things and the wooden craft items were definitely something to look for. Flourish Hearth, 2nd Edition: From pottery to pen, Kalamkari to the Indian adaptation of Shibori fabric to tatting and making masks from tamarind and sawdust, the range of crafts and skills on display was simply mind-blowing. There were workshops too where one could make their own creations. Time flew as we got immersed in conversations delving into details of various crafts. Amazingly awesome as they were, the poignancy in some cases was unmistakable—imagine there being just two families in India that are keeping an art form alive!   Disclaimer: This article is the personal note and experience by Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal – Editor- in- Chief (TheStyle.World)

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How Indian Crafts Are Getting Global Recognition
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How Indian Crafts Are Getting Global Recognition

Imagine a world where intricate embroidery, hand-woven tapestries, and gleaming metalwork transcend geographical borders. For centuries, Indian crafts have captivated the world with their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and meticulous artisanship. But in recent years, there’s been a surge in global recognition for these exquisite craft forms. India’s rich visual heritage boasts a staggering variety. From the meticulously woven silks of Kanchipuram, Dokhra from Odisha, enticing silver art of Bidri, and Sherpai Bowls to the vibrant clay figurines of Bengal, each region possesses its own unique craftmanship. This rich tapestry of talent is finally getting the recognition it deserves, with over 7 million skilled artisans and 67,000 exporters bringing Indian handicrafts to a worldwide audience. So, what’s behind this surge in appreciation? Here are some key factors increasing the demand of Indian Crafts: Unequalled Skills: Indian crafts boast a legacy of exceptional skills passed down through generations. Artisans possess an unmatched ability to breathe life into textiles, metals, and wood using techniques honed over centuries. The intricate details and flawless finishing of these crafts set them apart from mass-produced goods. A Celebration of Diversity: India’s vast geographical expanse translates into a stunning diversity of crafts. From the delicate embroidery of Kashmir to the block-printed wonders of Ajrakh, each region boasts its own unique style and specialty. This diversity caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making Indian crafts appealing to a global audience. A Story in Every Stitch: Each handcrafted product carries a unique story and cultural significance. Whether it’s a meticulously embroidered Phulkari shawl from Punjab or a hand-painted Madhubani artwork, these crafts embody the traditions and heritage of their regions. According to a report by the Indian Ministry of Textiles, India’s handloom exports rose 6.71% year-on-year to $11.7 billion in 2023–24, showcasing a significant rise in recent years. Embrace of Sustainability: In a world increasingly concerned about environmental impact, Indian crafts resonate with their eco-friendly nature. Many crafts use locally sourced materials and natural dyes, making them a sustainable alternative to factory-made products. This resonates with environmentally conscious consumers around the globe. Fusion with Modernity: While tradition remains at the core, Indian crafts are experiencing a refreshing revival through contemporary design interventions. Artisans are collaborating with designers to create pieces that bridge the gap between heritage and modernity. This fusion results in products that find a place in modern homes while preserving ancient techniques. Collaborations and Exhibitions: Collaborations between Indian artisans and international designers have further elevated the status of Indian crafts. These collaborations have resulted in innovative products that blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs, appealing to a wider audience. Moreover, international exhibitions and trade fairs, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the International Gifts & Handicraft Fair, and the International Folk Art Market, have provided Indian artisans with platforms to showcase their talents and attract global buyers. E-commerce and Online Marketplaces: The digital age has played a pivotal role in propelling Indian crafts onto the global stage. E-commerce platforms and online marketplaces have created a bridge between artisans and international consumers. This eliminates geographical barriers and allows artisans to showcase their work to a wider audience. Quality and Authenticity: One of the most compelling aspects of Indian crafts is the quality and authenticity they offer. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, these products are a far cry from mass-produced items. The global market’s growing inclination towards sustainable and ethically made products has further bolstered the demand for Indian crafts. Consumers are increasingly valuing the authenticity, artisanship, and cultural significance that Indian artisanal products bring. A report by Technavio predicts that the global handicrafts market will reach USD 723.6 billion at a CAGR of 13.1% by 2028, indicating a promising future for Indian crafts. This global recognition is not just about economic benefits. It’s about preserving a rich cultural heritage and empowering local artisans. Ensuring fair wages for artisans, protecting the intellectual property rights of traditional designs, and fostering sustainable practices are crucial aspects that need continuous attention. As Indian crafts find a place in homes worldwide, they carry with them the stories and traditions of India, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s cultural tapestry. The future of Indian crafts looks bright. With continued government support, innovation, and adaptation, these timeless art forms are poised to not only captivate the world but also inspire future generations of artisans to keep this incredible legacy alive.   Disclaimer: Neelam Chhiber, Director at Flourish Planet Private Limited, is the author of this article.

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DASTKAR BAZAAR BENGALURU
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DASTKAR BAZAAR BENGALURU

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Dastkar Bazaar celebrated its 16th edition of Handicrafts and lifestyle exhibition at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel in Namma Bengaluru. Over 1 lakh artisans apply for the Dastkaar Bazaar event every year.  Bringing in the creation of many crafts renewal and self-sustainable craft community development projects, which later grew independently into the most successful stories in the Indian Craft Sector. The event had more than 100 craftsmen groups from 20+ states across India within one platform. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10666″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10667″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] Dastkar Bazaar also provided funds through Artisan Support Funds by sending basic needs and wages. This gave a boost to all the artisans to sell their products on the marketing platforms under one roof. The DASTKAR BAZAAR offered a wide range of Handicraft products from lifestyle accessories, silver jewelry, carved furniture, decorative products, pottery & ceramics, fiber crafts, leather products, traditional paintings, hand-woven baskets, embroideries, block printed textiles etc. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10662″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10664″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] The event also included live workshops like pottery, nib painting, wooden carving and basket weaving. Dastkar released new range of products that were conceptualized during the lockdown period like Kantha Embroidery, Golden grass weaving, seashell products, leatherwork and Jamdani from West Bengal. Madhubani painting, silk weaving and wood crafts from Bihar. Pattachitra, Sabai grass weaving, Ikat weaving from Orissa. All these classified as East Indian Arts. Whereas Handicrafts from West India included like Patchwork, Dabu, Recycled fabric work, Meenakari, Miniature painting, Blue pottery and thread work from Rajasthan. Leatherwork, Ajrakh block printing, Applique work from Gujrat and Upcycled hand woven products and Crystal work from Maharashtra. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10675″ img_size=”638X768″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10668″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] From the North India Ari and sonzi embroidery and Pashminas from Jammu and Kashmir. Marble carving, Handloom weaving, Kite making, Khurja painted pottery and Crystal work from Uttar Pradesh. Sheep and yak wool weaving and Thangka painting from Himachal Pradesh and Jute work and patchwork from Uttarakhand. Lastly Handicrafts from South India included Kalamkari, Mangalgiri from Andhra Pradesh. Banana Fiber Weaving, Khadi weaving, Lambani embroideries, Metalwork and Mural paintings from Karnataka. Tanjore painting, Organic brushes from Tamil Nadu and Handloom weaving, Ikat Weaving, Kalamkari printing and Natural Dyeing from Telangana. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10659″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10663″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10670″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10661″ img_size=”967×768″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] The Dastkar Bazaar made a very significant impact on all, after a year of struggles during the pandemic and making the art work themselves gave people a sense of satisfaction. Along with the Handicrafts, the visitors could indulge themselves with lip smacking snacks from all across India. The event was a huge success. DASTKAR BAZAAR BENGALURU [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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