Crafting Diwali: Handmade Decor Ideas for a Personal Touch


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By Aanya Yagnaraman

With Diwali just around the corner, many are searching for unique ways to enhance their home decor. This year, consider adding a personal touch to your Diwali decor with handcrafted items that exude charm and elegance. From beautifully crafted terracotta diyas to intricate wooden block tea lights, there's a wide array of options to choose from. Explore the world of Sholapith carvings, exquisite paper mache elephants, and personalized paper-mache tea light holders to make your decorations truly one-of-a-kind. To infuse your Diwali celebrations with cultural richness, you'll find hand-painted brass Diwali Pooja Thalis and sustainable, handmade baskets made from natural grass. And if you're feeling creative, why not try your hand at Usta Kala, a medieval art form that adds a touch of magic to your festive tableware? Discover the world of artisanal decor and bring a unique, personalized flair to your Diwali celebrations with MeMeraki this year.

 

Dolon Kundu's Earthy Leaf Terracotta Diyas

  

  

Diyas of course will be center to your home decor this Diwali. Why not pick something unique this time? These handmade Diyas will beautifully decorate your home with a touch of artistic flair!  The diyas are made by artist Dolon Kundu, which blends nature's tones - deep greens, rich browns, and earthy ochres. The carefully crafted leaf motifs honor the sacredness of nature in Hindu culture, inviting you to illuminate your spaces with the warm glow of tradition and artistry. 

 

Sheesham Wooden Block art Diya by Vikas Singh

 

Handmade Decor Ideas

 

Another diya suggestion comes in the form of intricately carved wooden block tea lights, making for a stunning addition to your Diwali decor collection. When artfully arranged, they create a mesmerizing ensemble of radiant lights, casting a luminous glow that captures attention from a distance and reveals intricate artistry up close. The designs gracing these exquisite wood block diyas are inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of Vikas, a skilled artisan with a heritage spanning three generations in wood block making. These diyas are machine-crafted under the watchful eye of Vikas Ji himself, ensuring the designs meet his exacting standards and are sourced directly from him.

  

Whispered Intricacies: Shola Pith Carvings of Elegance Sholapith by Arup Malakar

 

 

Arup Makakar's captivating Sholapith carving of a chrysanthemum is a splendid addition to elevate your Diwali decor in multiple meaningful ways. While celebrating the festival of lights, consider incorporating this exquisite artwork as a Rangoli accent. Let its intricate details enhance the overall aesthetic of your rangoli, infusing elegance and cultural richness into the vibrant patterns and colors of the festival.

Furthermore, within your sacred pooja room, let the chrysanthemum carving find its place, enriching the spiritual ambiance with its intricate design that symbolizes purity and beauty. Whether it graces the center of your prayer space or adorns the walls, this artwork brings a unique sense of grace and sophistication to your Diwali celebrations, adding an extra layer of depth and significance to this special occasion. Arup Makakar's creation truly transports you to a realm where the timeless beauty of the chrysanthemum comes to life, making your Diwali festivities all the more enchanting and memorable.


Kashmir Paper Mache Elephants

 

 

 

Kashmir Paper Mache, renowned for its exquisite beauty and traditionally associated with Christmas, offers a unique and exciting opportunity for you this Diwali with these intricately designed elephants! In Indian culture, elephants hold a special place, symbolizing good luck, wisdom, and prosperity. During Diwali, the festival of lights and new beginnings, these elephant-themed paper mache creations take on added significance. They embody the spirit of auspiciousness, ushering in positive energies and blessings for the year ahead.

Incorporating paper mache elephants into your Diwali decor is a delightful idea. They can serve as captivating centerpiece ornaments, adorning your home with their elegance while carrying with them the promise of good fortune.

For those feeling creative, why not embark on the journey of crafting your own paper-mache tea light holders? If you have plenty of newspapers at your disposal, you're already equipped for this imaginative endeavor! To learn more about crafting your own diyas, click here.

To ensure you're well-prepared, consider enrolling in the MeMeraki masterclass, and getting the DIY kit

  

Diwali Pooja Thali (Handpainted Brass)

 

 

This work of art is meticulously crafted by our skilled Pattachitra Artist, Apindra Swain, and is adorned with the signature golden, red, and green hues reminiscent of the majestic temples of Puri in Odisha. It's more than just a thaali; it's a masterpiece that carries the royal charm of Odisha's temples, infusing a sense of cultural heritage into your Diwali rituals and adding a touch of regal elegance to your celebrations.

 

Sabai Handmade Basket

 

 

This unique basket is not just a functional item but a conversation starter at your dinner table, serving as an elegant bread (roti) basket. It also makes for a thoughtful and sustainable packaging option for the Diwali gifts you plan to share this festive season.

The Sabai Handmade Basket with Cover in a natural grass color is a part of our exclusive 'Jiyo for MeMeraki' limited edition capsule collection and is crafted from Sabai Grass sourced from the tribal regions of North Odisha. This Mayurbhanj Bobei Ghasa product stands out for its exceptional flexibility and strength. For generations, traditional communities have harnessed this natural fiber without harming the environment, using it primarily to make ropes for their daily needs. Now, in collaboration with Jiyo's designer, Pankaj Saroj, artisans from the villages of Mayurbhanj have reimagined Sabai Grass, blending scientific innovation with aesthetic product design. They proudly refer to it as the 'Tedha Medha' design, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and modernity in an eco-friendly and stylish manner.

 

Usta Kala Decor

 

 

In the spirit of Diwali, why not try your hand at Usta Kala? Usta Kala is an art form from Rajasthan and the term "Usta" is derived from the Persian language, meaning to decorate and the term "Kala" means art. It is believed to have originated in Iran and was brought to India by the Mughals in the 16th century. Usta Kala is created by using a variety of techniques, including gold leafing, hand-painting, and stenciling. The designs are often inspired by nature, mythology, and religious motifs. You can use it to decorate bowls or plates and will make your Diwali feast look even more festive.

To craft your own Usta Kala bowl, gather a few essential items: a plain bowl, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and a pencil. You have the creative freedom to choose any design you fancy, or you can opt to follow our exclusive masterclass and recreate the same exquisite pattern taught during the session!

 

As Diwali approaches, let us embark on a journey of creativity and tradition, weaving the magic of handcrafted artistry into our celebrations. May your festivities shine as bright as the Diwali lights, illuminating your home with warmth, culture, and the timeless beauty of artisanal creations. Happy Diwali!

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