Many candle makers are just not satisfied simply with making candles. They want to tackle more creative projects that allow more artistic freedom. Maybe you want a candle that does more than the ordinary. Maybe it is an enticing appearance you want to produce in your candle. Under this auspice, there are candle making crafts that might provide the artistic challenge that you are seeking.

Aromatherapy has long been considered a treatment for many maladies. This doesn’t mean that mixing any scent into a candle will cure whatever ails you, but many fragrances do have soothing qualities. It is not like taking a pill for an ache, but more of a gentle prodding to make a person improve physically in some ways and relax their mental state.

Look at how the use of aromatherapy is applied at a health spa. Essential oils are applied by massage or olfaction to promote a better feeling to the members. The same therapeutic values are transferred from burning candles.

Natural essential oils should be used in candles for aromatherapy. Man-made fragrance oils do not possess the same properties, even though they have similar aromas.

Some of the fragrances and their therapeutic values are:

* Sage is for treatment of insomnia and aids in relaxation.

* Valerian is helpful in clearing the mind and relieving stress.

* Chamomile helps a person to relax and aids in relieving sleeplessness and anxiety.

* Peppermint helps with digestive problems, as well as headaches and muscle aches.

* Eucalyptus is for boosting the immune system and treatment of respiratory problems.

* Rosemary treats the emotions and provides mental uplift.

* Lavender calms and gives peace of mind. The scent of grapefruit provides a similar calming effect.

* Geranium provides relaxation and uplift. In females, it serves to balance hormones.

* Lemon is also for raising the spirits, much like grapefruit.

* Ylang Ylang is a soothing antidepressant.

Synergy is a blend of essential oils in which more than one essence is used to provide a more enhanced effect. The blends produced from the combination of essential oils focus on specific ailments or mood enhancement. For instance, combining eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary makes for a candle that opens the sinuses, refreshes the mental facilities, and stimulates concentration.

Orange, grapefruit, and clove combine to awaken the senses and refresh the spirit, while the combination of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg stimulates and invigorates. Lavender, marjoram, and lemongrass produce an aroma to soothe the nerves and relax the body, leading to a deeper and more peaceful and restful sleep.

Any candle can be created in conjunction with these essential oils to produce aromatherapy treatments. Caution needs to be taken to assure that the burning of any candle with essential oils does not have a harmful effect on people taking medications or who have other health conditions.

Aromatherapy is only one way to make an expression with your candles. There are many other candle making crafts you may want to pursue. You may even create an entirely new one. Your creative edge in candle making always has the possibility of making your candles stand apart from everyone else’s. Don’t be afraid to experiment and produce a totally unique and new sensation.

Third Chandigarh National Crafts Mela to be held at Kalagram from October 8 to 17 is going to have the theme ”Colours and Sounds of South India”. The event’s theme last year was related to the culture of north-eastern states.

Folk traditions of southern states ‘ Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka ‘ and union territories Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be on show at the festival.

South Indian handicraft has its own charm and glory which have attracted the attention of large number of tourists from across the globe. The popular South India Handicrafts are:

Woodcrafts

Woodwork is a popular craft in South India because this region is endowed with abundant forests which are rich in different varieties of wood. Wooden handicrafts includes items like carved figurines, decorative pieces, furniture and accessories, utensils, beads, panels and many more. Woodcraft of South India has distinct styles which are known across the world. Channapatna in Karnataka and Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh are known across the world for its wooden toys. Karnataka is famous for carvings and exquisitely beautiful decorative pieces made from sandalwood.

Stone Carving

Stone carving is another major handicraft of South India. During South India Tour tourist can see varieties of stoneware made up of yellow lime stone and colored white marble. Some of them are in filigreed, fretted marble or sandstone. One can see the best of stone carvings in South Indian temples whose intricate carvings are known across the globe. Some of the places where one can see the best of stone carvings are Meenakshi and Rameshwaram Temple of Tamil Nadu, Tirupati and Gundala Mallikarjuna Swami Temple of Andhra Pradesh and Cave and Vithala Temple of Karnataka.

South India is the area encompassing states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. These four states are famous across the globe for its natural and cultural diversities. These states are also famous across the globe for its arts and crafts. The popular handicrafts of these states are:

Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known across the globe for its wide range of South Indian silk saris which are famous for its fabrics, design and colorful compositions. Among all the silk garments Kanchipuram silk is the most popular one. The other popular handicrafts of this state are objects made from palm leaves and Palmyra fibers, metal ware, brass and bronze statues, hand woven clothes and beautiful jewellery.

Handicrafts of Kerala

Kerala popularly known as God’s Own Country is renowned for its speckled charm of nature. Along with the natural beauty this state is also known for its handicrafts which are popular across the globe. Some of the popular handicrafts of Kerala are ivory, gold and silver jewellery, bamboo mat paintings, different types of lamps, Kathakali masks and dolls.

Punjab is a happening place in India. Various craft forms often synchronize with the popular folk music and produce an enchanting effect. People of Punjab are said to be very hard working and diligent at their vocation. Phulakri is predominantly a handiwork of the female folks of Punjab. The literal meaning of phulkari is flowering. This craft involves the embroidery of the flowering patterns on dupattas, shawls and other garments.

Evolution of the Craft:

Phulkari is done with huge interest and enthusiasm by the women. They started doing it in the backdrop of remaining free at home while their husbands were working away in the fields. It started off in the sixteenth century as amateurish disposition and evolved to a developed craft in 19th century.

How Phulkari is Done:

This craft is done as making artistic small darn stitch over the cloth. These stitches are done in innumerable designs making the cloth immensely beautiful. When the stitches are made all over the body of the cloth, the prepared piece is called “Bagh”. The base cloth used for this purpose is home-spun, locally-woven and dyed khadi. The thread used is silk yarn also called Pat, that is imported from the various corners of Kashmir, Bengal, China and Afghanistan.

Colors and Designs:

The popular colors used in making phulkari are golden, yellow, crimson, orange, green, blue and pink. You may get to see plenty of designs in geometrical as well as natural patterns. Among figures, prominently of flowers, leaves, birds, animals and of human are popular. The figures of vegetables, pots, buildings, rivers, sun and moon are also displayed quite often. The baghs carrying dhoop-chhaon (sun-shade) patterns are very popular all over Punjab. Similarly, Dhaniya bagh (coriander), Motia Bagh (jasmine), Satranga Bagh (rainbow), Leheria Bagh (wavy) etc. are also very famous. Most sought after phulkaris are said to be Sainehi Phulkaris that carry the scenes of rural Punjab.

Significance of Phulkaris:

Phulkari craft has played a significant role in defining the popular mood of Punjab. The phulkari designing and the scenes displayed on the clothes has been inspiration for various folk songs and other cultural activities. They show the feelings and emotions of the people. Phulkari done garments are exchanged in the familial ties essentially. It is said that bride when leaves for the house of groom, she is given many sets of Baghs to be worn in the in-law’s home. They have some religious significance too. They are used as the canopy over the holy scripture of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.

India, the land of diverse cultures, of diverse customs, of diverse languages and habits, and of diverse arts and crafts, yet united together by a single bond, its cultural richness, its art and craft, known to the world since ages. Patchwork, a sibling of the rich handcraft and art of the Indian subcontinent.

Also known as piecing, patchwork involves joining together pieces of fabric into a larger design. Patches of various shapes and colors lead to the making of a larger design, usually based on repeat patterns. Patchwork, one of the primary construction techniques of quilting, is often combined with appliqué. Basic geometric shapes are usually used in the making of most of the patch work items which need precise joining so that it lies without puckers.

Patch work in India is mainly associated with the westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, though Punjab and Orissa also practices this craft. Various coloured and patterned fabrics of different shapes and sizes are together on a plain background. An important feature characterizing Indian patchwork is that the stitches of the patches are not hidden but are done with jazzy shades which get highlighted, adding a more artistic appeal.

Making its way to India from Europe and Arabia, patchwork in an important craft in the country now, creating a unique art making dramatic use of colour. Gujarati patchwork items are the most well known ones. Highly ornamented with motifs, the magical spell of patch work items lies in the contors of each individual. Glaring motifs of trees, birds and animals in bold colors can be seen in each patchwork item – shaped patches sewn unto cotton cloth.

Expressing the stark monotony of the engulfing deserts, the patchwork items of the westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan reveal the imaginations and innovations of the craftsman. Bold and beautiful, created with warmth and artistry, patch work still remains the integral art of the western states.

From patchwork quilts and bedcovers to patchwork wall hangings , runners and cushion covers, the range of patchwork items is a great one. When used in the making of a quilt, the large colorful composite patchwork becomes the top of a three layered quilt, the middle layer being the batting and the bottom layer the backing. The patchwork quilts are tinged with warmth and color, an artistic appeal sprinkled all through. A patchwork quilt is a respite from the staid conventional ones.

Patch work bedcovers and patchwork bed spreads are a modern way to give a traditional touch. A karwachauth celebration with a patchwork bedcover becomes more celebrative. A patchwork bedcover would make any festival more celebrative, more colorful.

A newer trend is setting in of using patchwork in decorative items. Patch work wall hangings are a traditional way to add color to every living room. Mounted onto a plain staid background, a patchwork wall hanging looks gorgeous and fashionable.

Take a break from staid leather, black and brown use patchwork cushion covers, an easy way to earn compliments, and approvals for your designer outlook.

The oldest known form of jewellery is 100,000 years old and made from shells. In the past jewellery has even been used as currency because of its valuable gemstones and metals. Indian jewelry was often traded for goods and became very much in demand by colonists. American Indian jewelry used natural stone that was native to a particular area but similar items to hold the beads together for making a unique piece of natural stone jewelry.

There are pieces that have a purpose, a brooch is used to hold a woman’s scarf or other clothing in place and there are many headpieces designed to decorate and hold a woman’s hair in place. Although the first pieces of jewellery were made from all natural materials including animals’ teeth and wood, these earlier pieces usually had a specific purpose. They were often used as a way to identify different groups of people, or tribes, for trading goods and services and as a show of wealth.

Jewellery has been used to decorate all different parts of the body and is still used for functional purposes as well like cuff links, hair pins and belt buckles. There is a high demand for decorative jewelry that is made from less valuable man made materials like plastic beads and gold or silver plated chains that can be easily produced. This type of jewellery is mainly used to compliment an outfit, make a statement and for religious purposes.

There is still a high demand for high quality pieces made from natural stones and minerals like diamonds and gold. These pieces are usually made with high quality gold or sterling silver and precious or semi precious stones. Because these stones are natural there will be no two that are exactly alike in clarity and color.

American Indian jewelry and the beadwork it is famous for was very advanced for its time. There was fine grinding of the natural stones like turquoise and coral and precisely fine carvings of wood and bone to make the beautiful jewelry that was so valuable to each tribe. Much of the fine stitching, porcupine quills and precious gems used to create these decorative and valuable pieces have been replaced with metal wires and glass beads making them easier to mass produce.

Modern technology has made it easier to produce large amounts of quality jewellery but many of the American Indian tribes still make jewellery in order to subsidize their communities. Making Indian jewelry is a skill and tradition handed down through many generations.

Handicraft is an art form which is acquainted for the livelihood and support for human beings. Bamboo crafts has always been played a vital role in Indian culture. At present scenario, handicraft products are highly acclaimed for the decorative purposes which is quite popular amongst the generation of present scenario. Bamboo crafts manufacturers render a huge variety of furniture and other decorative items which are made out of bamboo sticks. As per the ever-changing market trends, various B2B portal have been included a huge variety of bamboo made products. You will find an immense variety of different kind of bamboo made products in numerous styles and design patterns in the form of furniture, decorative items, mats, basket, lamp shades, table top item and many more. Bamboo crafting is the oldest traditional art work which is mostly practiced by the rural people. In ancient time, It has been used for multiple domestic utility purposes for keeping goods.

There is a broad marketplace of handicraft products in the global marketplace. Bamboo crafts manufacturers introduce you an enticing range of Eco-friendly products which are extremely used for its unique yet stylish appearance. These are usually known as a clean and pure product so that highly used for religious purposes mostly at holy places. It has its own significance which is available in the market at most affordable prices. Bamboo crafts manufacturers are offering a huge variety of versatile handcrafted products that exhibit the true craftsmanship of artisans.

Market leading manufacturers have been found the marketplace for displaying their products, at B2B portal where they cannot just display their products but also introduce the special features of their products. The visitors can also get the informative knowledge of all listed products which has been displayed on any portal. The organizations also get the business profit through these B2B marketplace. Visitors can also get the complete detailed information of any company and their products along with the contact number so that one can directly deals with them. These products are extensively used for various purposes and also appreciated for its unique yet aesthetic look as well as light weight.

You will be privileged by availing these products from the largest B2B portal at eworldtradefair.com, who has been encompassed a huge variety of handcrafted products.

Wooden Handicraft:- “Handicraft”, as the name suggests, is the traditional art of creating useful and decorative items entirely by hand. Thus, wooden handicraft is a craft where skilled labor is employed to decorate or carve wood to create items with bare minimum tools. India takes the pride of superlative craftsmanship which reflects the right shades of traditional beauty and style. Important to mention here is the fact that goods involving mass production or machinery are not considered as “Handicraft”.

Types:- Now moving on, we find that wooden handicrafts can be segregated under the following categories. They are:

* Antique Woodcraft
* Wooden furniture
* Wooden Gift Items
* Wooden Kitchen accessories
* Wooden Toys and Games
* Wooden Statues
* Wooden blinds for corporate as well as domestic purposes

The Industry:- India is one of the chief exporters of wooden handicrafts in the global market. The factors that have added to the benefit of this industry from India’s perspective are:

* A low capital investment and other resources
* Scope of employment for about six million artisans (becoming the second largest employment provider after agriculture)
* Scope of earning for the women folk, who, constitute a large section of the handicrafts industry

Wooden Handicraft Suppliers:-

Each state mentioned have a unique workmanship which add to the value of that product from that region. The Indian states which contribute to the growth of this sector are:

* Uttar Pradesh
* Arunachal Pradesh
* Rajasthan
* Gujarat
* Madhya Pradesh
* West Bengal
* Karnataka
* Andhra Pradesh
* Tamil Nadu
* Kashmir

Apart from these states and the related business centre, many B2B market places have emerged to eradicate the gap between demand and supply. At the very click of the mouse, an array of suppliers and manufacturers line up to satisfy every individual need.

Right from antique handicrafts, wooden furniture designs to kitchen accessories and gift items, these market places have the solution to every problem.

Conclusion:- The Indian craftsmen of each state create these handicrafts using wood that is available locally. Some of the the most common varieties used to make Indian handicrafts are:

* Teak,
* Sheesham,
* Sal,
* Oak,
* Mango,
* Ebony and
* Mahogany

Worth mentioning here is the fact that Sandalwood, rosewood and walnut are the exotic varieties and are highly expensive raw materials. Hence, they are used in producing very niche and high end furniture and decorative items.

Although, Decentralization of this sector, perennial Deforestation, Lack of Infrastructure and Working Capital, and above all Poor Marketing Strategies have been a major concern in the growth and development of this sector, one cannot deny the following landmarks too:

* Indian Wooden Handicrafts has emerged as one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for India
* Considered to be an important export commodity for India
* India’s handicraft exports show a consistent increase of sixteen per cent every year

Introduction

India is a diversified country having varied range of cultures and customs. The Indian art and craft have become world famous. There is huge demand of Indian embroidered garments. There is huge variety of embroideries done in India, here are few of them which have got more fame in terms of popularity in international market : -

Zardozi embroidery

Zardozi work is an ancient form of embroidery basically done with gold or silver zari threads. It is also known as metal embroidery. Although now-a-days it is also done with colored metal threads. The word ‘Zardozi’ is derived by combining two words Zar and Dozi which in Persian language means gold and embroidery respectively. Therefore it is clear that this art of embroidery was originated in Persia which was bought to India by Moghuls. Initially it was done with real metal threads of gold and silver. It was done on clothes for the rich and royal, wall hangings, bedsheets, etc. In between the application of pearls and precious stones looks stunning on it. Basically it is done on silk, crepe, brocade and velvet fabrics. Zardozi embroidery saw its decline during the reign of Aurangzeb. It was revived after the independence.

Zardozi work is an extension of zari embroidery which is done with crochet hook. The embroidery done gives the appearance of chain stitch. The things required for doing zardozi are beads, dabka, coiled wires, sequins, etc.

As zardozi is done with coiled metal wires studded with stones, beads, etc is heavy in weight therefore is done on fabrics that are thick and heavy like silk, velvet, stain, crepe, etc. Thus the choice of fabrics is also royal and expensive. The design to be done is first traced on the fabric, then it is spread on the wooden frame. Further the embroidery is done by picking up single thread in the needle and sewing it into the cloth. This art requires patience and is quite complicated. Expertise is required to do it properly.

Earlier zardozi was done on wearable garments and bedspreads mainly for royal families. But now it has got into the reach of common people also. Clothes with zardozi are an integral part for any wedding or important functions as it depicts royalty. Apart from wearable garments, zardozi is also done on cushion covers, table cloths, wall hangings, fabric purses, etc. This embroidery is a costly affair.

Mirror Embroidery

Mirror embroidery is the specialty of Gujarat state. This work also originated in Persia during 13th century. Mirror work is never done alone, it is generally in combination with other types of stitches or embroideries. This embroidery is done with both large and small mirrors. Basically it was more utilized by Jats community. It is embroidered using colorful threads like red, green, blue, yellow, black, maroon, etc.

This art apart from Gujarat state is also practiced in neighboring state of Rajasthan and in appliqué art of Orissa. Many different types of stitches like cross stitch, buttonhole stitch and satin stitch are used in its combination. This art is often done by the aid of machine embroidery, but in some places it is still done through hand work which is more time consuming and a costly affair in comparison to the former technique. The mirrors used are of different shapes and sizes like round shape, diamond shape, square shape, etc. However round shape is the most common shape of mirrors used in this form of embroidery.

Mirror work is done on different fabrics and types of garments. Apart from ethnic garments it is crafted even on indo western clothes. It has huge demand in western countries. Mirror work is done on cushion covers, purses, bedsheets, curtains, wearable garments, wall hangings, decorative items, laces, etc. This embroidery has also seen the limelight of international ramp shows too.

Kantha Embroidery

Kantha is the traditional form of embroidery of West Bengal. It is running style of stitch. The embroidery is done on many layers of cloth. It is done on quilts, bedsheets, blankets, saris, salwar suits, stoles, napkins, etc.

It is also known as ‘Dorukha’. This word means making worn out garments into beautiful garments. Therefore it is also known as recycling art. In earlier times the worn out silk or muslin clothes where used to be put in piles and stitched together. It is believed that its date of origin lies during the era of Lord Buddha. They used to drape themselves with rags of clothes that were stitched together.

The artists usually embroidery images of human beings, animals, flowers, geometric designs and mythological figures. Generally the worker selects the figure of embroidery to which they relate to. There are different types of kantha done- Sujani kantha, Durjani kantha, Lep kantha, Archilata kantha, Rumal kantha and Oaar kantha.

Different types of patterns like jaal, folk life designs, dhan chori, etc are done in kantha embroidery. The rural women of West Bengal usually do it on cotton saris with thread taken from the borders of the sari and done all over.

Chikankari Embroidery

The state of Uttar Pradesh especially the city of Lucknow is considered to be the hub of Chikankari embroidery. Chikankari is derived from the word Chakeen that means elegant patterns on the fabric which is a Persian word. Earlier it was done with white thread on muslin clothes. However now it is been done on various types of fabrics like cotton, linen nylon, georgette, chiffon and synthetic fabrics. Apart from wearable garments it is also done on various other things like curtains, bedsheets, table cloths, pillow covers and cushion covers.

Unlike earlier times it is not only done on white colored cloths but also fabrics of various colors. But the thread used for the embroidery is generally white. Various motifs are embroidered through it like floral motifs which include flowers like rose, lotus, jasmine, creepers, etc.

There are many types of stitches used to make beautiful chikankari embroidery like chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, French knots and running stitch. The most beautiful is the motif having design created in the form of net or jhali all over the garment by generating thread tension. Shadow work is also done by chikan embroidery which is done on the opposite side of the garment.

There are three types of chikankari stitches ;

1) Jali work – It is done in the form of net design spread all over the fabric.

2) Flat stitches – The flat stitches are delicate and very fine stitch. It gives the look as if the embroidery is itself the texture of the garment.

3) Embossed stitches – This stitch provides beaded type of look to the garment.

In international apparel market also the demand of chikankari embroidered garments have seen a steep rise. The artisans of Uttar Pradesh earn foreign currency for the country. Many high profile designers intricate this form of art in their collections.

Handicrafts form a fundamental part of India’s rich cultural heritage and provide the individual style which is unique to the state it belongs to. Artists create breathtaking designs that have captured the imagination of the user populous worldwide. Sandalwood craft is quite famous, mainly in the southern part of India.

Sandalwood is believed to be scented by the Gods. Sandalwood or Chandan as it is called in Hindi, is considered sanctified by most of the Indians. Idols and prayer beads are made out of this wood. There are various other crafts which make use of this wood. Karnataka, is one such state in India, where Sandalwood is found in abundance and so evidently, there are various items available of this wood.

The innumerable objects made of this wood are popular for their style presentation and above all for their unique fragrance If you ever happen to visit any handicraft store in South, you will be inevitable drawn to the fragrance of sandalwood. At times, the other objects which are not necessarily made of sandalwood also acquire the smell of sandalwood.

The most popular objects that are made in the sandal wood are figurines of deities like Ganesh, Laxmi, Krishna, Shiva and so many others. Elephant and other animal statues, small pooja temples for homes are other items which are very famous among the masses.Other smaller items made of sandalwood are paper knives, key chains, book marks, screens and chess sets etc. Very famous craft of this wood is the statues made of Lord Krishna, which are very popular among devotees. There is a peculiar style wherein the Lord is seen standing cross legged with a flute in his hand. This particular image is very popular to the experts of the sandalwood craft.

Other regions in addition to Karnataka are Tamil Nadu and Andhra, where this art is practiced with lot of devotion. The sandalwood craft is really an amazing creation. With the abundance of sandalwood forests as well as the hoard of the royal elephants, it is a storehouse of ideas for any good artist. A major portion of images made in this area is found to depict the royal figures enjoying elephant ride. The intricate designs made on such sculptures are really amazing and reveals the expertise and efficiency and above all the patience of the craftsmen. The unique fragrance of these masterpieces will take you to a world of piety and everlasting bliss.