Materials Needed:

• Cotton rope or cord (3-5mm thickness) - available at most hardware stores or online
• Wooden dowel or driftwood (30-50cm long)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional: wooden beads for decoration

Time Required:

3-4 hours for beginners

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut 8-12 pieces of rope, each about 2 meters long (adjust based on your desired hanging length).
2. Fold each rope in half and attach to the wooden dowel using a Lark's Head Knot: fold the rope in half, place the loop over the dowel, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten.
3. Arrange the ropes side by side on the dowel.
4. Create a row of Square Knots: Take four adjacent cords. Use the outer two cords to tie knots around the middle two cords. Repeat across the row.
5. Continue creating patterns with Square Knots, Spiral Knots, or Half-Hitch Knots, leaving spaces between rows as desired.
6. Add wooden beads by threading them onto certain strands if desired.
7. Once you've reached your desired length, trim the bottom ends to create a straight or V-shaped edge.

Where to Buy Materials in India:

Cotton rope can be found at hardware stores like HomeStop or ordered online from Amazon India or Flipkart. Wooden dowels are available at most carpenter shops or craft stores like Itsy Bitsy.

Cost Estimate:

₹300-600 depending on the size and materials used

Materials Needed:

• Clean glass bottles (wine bottles, sauce bottles, etc.)
• Acrylic paints (Fevicryl or Camel brand work well)
• Paintbrushes
• Masking tape
• Sandpaper (optional - for creating a matte surface)
• Clear varnish or Mod Podge for sealing
• Optional: jute twine, fabric scraps, or lace for embellishment

Time Required:

1-2 hours plus drying time

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove all labels from the bottles and clean thoroughly with soap and water.
2. If desired, lightly sand the surface of the glass to help the paint adhere better.
3. Use masking tape to create patterns or block off sections if you want to leave some areas clear.
4. Apply a base coat of paint and let it dry completely.
5. Add additional design elements: stripes, dots, or motifs inspired by Indian folk art like warli or madhubani.
6. For a distressed look, lightly sand some areas after the paint dries.
7. Wrap jute twine around the neck of the bottle or add other embellishments as desired.
8. Apply a coat of clear varnish to protect the paint.

Design Ideas with an Indian Touch:

• Paint bottles white and add warli-style figures in black
• Create paisley patterns in vibrant colors inspired by Indian textiles
• Use gold and metallic accents to create a luxurious look
• Apply mehndi-inspired patterns for an intricate, delicate design

Where to Buy Materials in India:

Acrylic paints are available at stationery shops or art supply stores like Camel and Fevicryl. Other supplies can be found at craft stores or online marketplaces.

Cost Estimate:

₹200-400 for multiple bottles (excluding the bottles if recycled)

Materials Needed:

• Wooden embroidery hoops in various sizes (6-12 inches diameter)
• Fabric pieces (traditional Indian fabrics like brocade, ikat, or block-printed cotton work beautifully)
• Scissors
• Iron
• Optional: embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery floss

Time Required:

1-2 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Iron your fabric pieces to remove any wrinkles.
2. Separate the inner and outer rings of each embroidery hoop.
3. Cut fabric pieces slightly larger than each hoop.
4. Place the fabric over the inner hoop, then press the outer hoop down over it, sandwiching the fabric between the two rings.
5. Tighten the screw on the outer hoop to secure the fabric tightly.
6. Carefully trim excess fabric from the back, leaving about 1-2 cm all around.
7. Optional: Add embellishments like hand embroidery, beads, or sequins to enhance the design.
8. Arrange multiple hoops on your wall in a pleasing composition.

Fabric Suggestions:

• Banarasi silk or brocade for a luxurious look
• Block-printed cotton from Jaipur or Sanganer
• Ikat fabrics from Pochampally or Orissa
• Phulkari embroidered fabrics from Punjab
• Kalamkari hand-painted textiles from Andhra Pradesh

Where to Buy Materials in India:

Embroidery hoops can be found at craft stores or online. Fabrics can be purchased from local markets, textile shops, or online platforms like Fabindia, Jaypore, or even from old sarees and dupattas you no longer use.

Cost Estimate:

₹500-800 for a set of 3-5 hoops (cost will vary based on fabric choice)

Materials Needed:

• Terracotta pots in various sizes
• Acrylic paints (including white for base coat)
• Paintbrushes of different sizes
• Clear acrylic sealer spray
• Optional: painter's tape for creating patterns
• Optional: stencils or stamps for designs

Time Required:

2-3 hours plus drying time

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean the terracotta pots thoroughly and let them dry completely.
2. Apply a base coat of white or light-colored paint to create a good canvas for your designs (may require 2 coats).
3. Let the base coat dry completely.
4. Create your design:
   • Color Block: Use painter's tape to create geometric patterns
   • Ombré Effect: Blend colors gradually from bottom to top
   • Folk Art: Paint traditional Indian motifs like peacocks, elephants, or floral patterns
   • Modern Designs: Create polka dots, stripes, or abstract patterns
5. Allow all paint to dry completely.
6. Apply a clear acrylic sealer to protect your design, especially if the pots will be outdoors.

Design Ideas with an Indian Touch:

• Madhubani-inspired fish and bird motifs
• Warli-style figures and patterns
• Gond art animals and trees
• Traditional rangoli patterns around the rim
• Mandala designs in vibrant colors

Where to Buy Materials in India:

Terracotta pots are available at nurseries, garden supply stores, and even roadside vendors. Paints and supplies can be found at stationery or art supply stores in most cities.

Cost Estimate:

₹300-600 depending on the number and size of pots

Materials Needed:

• Round mirror (20-30 cm diameter)
• Jute, cotton, or wool yarn in colors of your choice
• Large embroidery hoop or sturdy cardboard ring (about 15-20 cm larger than your mirror)
• Strong glue (like Fevicol)
• Scissors
• Optional: beads, tassels, or other embellishments

Time Required:

4-5 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. If using cardboard, cut out a large ring that will frame your mirror. The inner circle should be slightly smaller than your mirror.
2. Apply glue to the back edge of the mirror and position it in the center of your hoop or cardboard ring.
3. Begin the weaving process:
   • Tie one end of your yarn to the hoop/ring.
   • Wrap the yarn around the ring, crossing over the center (mirror) in different directions to create a web-like pattern.
   • As you work, vary the spacing and angles to create an interesting pattern.
   • Change yarn colors as desired to create a colorful design.
4. Continue weaving until you're satisfied with the density of the pattern.
5. Secure the end of the yarn with glue.
6. Add decorative elements like tassels, beads, or small pompoms if desired.
7. Attach a strong string or wire to the back for hanging.

Color Scheme Ideas:

• Earthy tones of rust, terracotta, and ochre for a bohemian look
• Vibrant blues and greens inspired by peacock colors
• Reds, oranges, and yellows for a warm, festive appearance
• Monochromatic with different shades of a single color for an elegant effect

Where to Buy Materials in India:

Mirrors can be purchased at home decor stores or glass shops. Yarn is available at craft stores, knitting supply shops, or online. For a budget option, you can also unravel old sweaters for yarn.

Cost Estimate:

₹600-1000 depending on the mirror and yarn quality