Throughout history, indigenous communities have prospered in a harmonious relationship with nature, depending on its offerings for sustenance. Rooted in cultural legacies handed down over generations, Indian crafts hold a special significance in maintaining this natural bond. A standout feature of these crafts is their unwavering sustainability.

In this article, let's explore these crafts and learn how we can adopt them on an individual basis, from the convenience of our homes. Join us on a nostalgic expedition through the past as we rediscover these crafts and reimagine them in modern and innovative ways!

1. Revitalizing Your Terracotta: Bringing New Life to Old Beauty

Have you ever noticed how our senses come alive and we feel rejuvenated after inhaling the aroma of wet soil following rainfall? The fragrance of damp earth contains a distinctive blend of organic compounds, including geosmin, released as rainwater interacts with the ground. These compounds are known to have a calming effect on the human mind.

It's no surprise that earthen materials have a relaxing influence on our minds. So, why not explore working with these natural substances and experience their effects firsthand? Terracotta, a material that many of us have in the form of pots, vases, and utensils at home, offers such an opportunity.

The term "terracotta" translates to "baked earth." Its natural resistance to heat and weather, durability, strength, and eco-friendly manufacturing process make it an exceptionally sustainable material. However, haven't you thought about giving a fresh look to your old terracotta items like utensils or decorative pieces. To breathe new life into your ageing terracotta possessions, consider these steps:

Start by cleaning your terracotta item with a pumice stone.
Gather a pumice stone, warm water, a soft-bristled brush or sponge, and a clean cloth.
Dampen the pumice stone and gently scrub the stained or soiled sections of the terracotta.
After scrubbing, cleanse the terracotta with mild soap and water to remove any residue.
Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into soapy water and gently cleanse the terracotta's surface. Rinse and thoroughly dry.
Once your item is clean, it's time to embrace your creative side and paint it.

Choose an art style closely connected to nature (for example, Warli), in harmony with the essence of your terracotta piece. The natural color of terracotta serves as a reminder of our bond with the earth and the world around us. It captures the warmth and solidity of natural elements, evoking a sense of grounding, and mirrors the beauty and harmony found in nature's own palette. So, grab your brushes and paints and let your artistic journey intertwine with the essence of the earth.

Picture Credits: Juniour Pencil and Chai on Pinterest

2. Round Paper Coasters

MyTriDesigns on Etsy

In a world where plastic dominates our daily lives, let us take a small step toward sustainability by creating something beautiful out of paper. It's time to transform our consumption habits into sustainable practices. And what better way to start than by replacing our plastic coaster with an eco-friendly alternative?

Utilize your household paper waste, infuse it with vibrant colors that resonate with your personality, and let your creativity flow as you craft a coaster that you'll cherish. You may not be a master artist, but everyone has their own unique color language—a palette that speaks to them, a pattern that converses with their soul. It's time to engage in a colorful dialogue and bring it to life on your coaster.

To embark on this project, gather some old papers/newspapers and decorative items such as mirrors, beads, paints, and more. Once you have your materials prepared, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut and Prepare the Paper Strips:
  - Cut old papers or newspapers into strips that are about 4-5 inches wide and 20-30 inches in length.
  - Roll these paper strips tightly into cylinders.
  - Apply glue at the end of each strip and stick the rolled paper to secure it.
  - Create around 5-10 of these rolled paper strips.
2. Form the Coaster Base:
  - Take one of the long rolled paper strips and start shaping it into a round form.
  - As you shape it, apply glue between the layers to hold them together.
  - Continue rolling the strips together until you achieve the desired diameter for your coaster.
  - Apply glue at the end and allow it to dry. The rolls will naturally flatten as they dry.
3. Pattern and Decoration:
  - Begin by making a rough pattern on the coiled paper. This can be simple lines, waves, or any design you prefer.
  - Now, it's time for the creative part – decorating the coaster!
  - If you have a specific design in mind, you can lightly sketch it onto the coaster using a pencil or fine-tip marker. This step is optional, as you can also paint freely without a sketch.
4. Select Colors and Start Painting:
  - Choose the acrylic paint colors you want to use for your coaster. Consider the theme, color scheme, or patterns you want to incorporate.
  - Start by painting the base color on the coaster. To cover the surface quickly and evenly, you can use a larger brush for this step.
  - Allow the base color to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
5. Add Details and Patterns:
  - Utilize smaller brushes to add intricate details, patterns, or designs to your coaster. These can include geometric shapes, lines, dots, or any other patterns you prefer.
  - Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to create texture and visual interest in your design.
6. Final Touches with Decorative Items:
  - If you'd like, you can enhance your coaster's appearance by adding decorative items like beads, mirrors, or other embellishments.

It is a common belief that every artwork is created when it deeply connects with the artist. Allow your inner artist to form a profound connection with the coaster and bring forth something enchanting!

Every small initiative matter! This could be yours. To start your journey in making your home plastic free and eco-friendly.

You can also refer to the Kashmiri Paper Mache Masterclass to make different patterns and paintings on the coasters.

3. Creative Clipboard Makeover

To embark on this transformation, gather an old clipboard or a discarded wooden board, clay dough rolls, decorative mirrors, and paints. Then, simply follow these steps:

Sketch Your Design: Use a pencil and ruler to draw your desired design on the old cardboard or wooden board. Let your creativity flow; perhaps choose a design inspired by nature or anything that resonates with your heart.
Revamping the Traditional Approach: Traditionally, Lipan art employs a dough made from animal dung, mud, or clay. However, for a modern twist, we'll use clay rolls created by mixing clay, paper pulp, and water.
Prepare the Clay Rolls: Once your dough is prepared, craft cylindrical rolls with a diameter of ½ to 1 cm using this mixture.
Crafting the Design: With these clay rolls, start by creating a border that acts like a frame for your artwork. Within this frame, you'll form decorative motifs, expressing your artistic vision.
Let Your Creation Dry: Allow your artwork to thoroughly dry, ensuring its structural integrity.
Add Vibrant Colors: Apply two coats of paint onto your creation, infusing it with vibrant hues. Let each coat of paint dry before proceeding.
Enhance with Mirrors: Incorporate geometric mirror pieces into your design. These will add an exquisite touch of elegance to your creation.
Final Touch: Display Your Art: Once your artwork is complete and dried, it's ready to be displayed. Consider hanging it on your walls, where it can shine as a testament to your creativity and sustainable practices.

With these steps, you'll save something from going to the trash and turn it into a beautiful piece of art that reflects your unique style and dedication to sustainable craftsmanship.

MeMeraki's Lippan Workshop (See More)

4. Needlework Magic: Transforming Fabrics

Mending textiles through embroidery holds deep emotional significance, often involving the restoration of items with sentimental value, such as heirlooms or cherished garments. This act of repair becomes a tribute to memories, a medium for storytelling, and a conduit for passing down family traditions. It adds layers of meaning to mended textiles, forging a connection between bygone eras, the present, and the future.

Among the various textile mending techniques, Sujani and Kantha embroidery stand out. Originating in regions like Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha in India, these methods are deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Resourcefulness led women in these areas to employ embroidery techniques to repurpose old clothing. This practice not only upholds cultural identity but also preserves traditional craftsmanship and knowledge, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.

These embroidery techniques involve the art of patching and stitching fabrics together, breathing new life into worn or damaged textiles. Rather than discarding well-loved pieces, this practice offers a sustainable solution by transforming them into functional works of art.

MeMeraki's Earth Day Special DIY Embroidery-Sustainability Workshop (See More)

To begin, you'll need the garment to mend, a small piece of fabric to cover the worn area, a needle, scissors, and thread. Follow these steps:

Choose the fabric for mending, whether one piece or multiple to cover the worn area.
Apply the patch of fabric to the worn area for mending.
Stitch both fabrics together using embroidery techniques.
Prior to stitching, sketch a rough pattern with a pencil.
Start by stitching around the edges of the patch.
Stitch first in one direction, then the other.

The process of mending through Sujani and Kantha embroidery offers more than just visual transformation. It's a meditative and mindful endeavor, as the rhythmic stitching motion and focused attention required for mending can have a calming effect on the mind.

Learning these activities on Environment Day offers a remarkable opportunity for various segments of society to actively contribute to our planet's well-being. College students, equipped with their creativity, can dive into art and craft projects that showcase their commitment to sustainability. Meanwhile, offices can foster a sense of collective responsibility by organizing eco-conscious activities for employees, sparking discussions about environmental impact and innovative solutions. From brainstorming "green" office practices to encouraging employee involvement in local cleanup initiatives, the celebration of Environment Day becomes a chance to ignite change. In schools, innovative ideas can transform the day into an educational and exciting experience. From tree-planting drives to interactive workshops on recycling, the possibilities are endless. As the world unites in these initiatives, it's a reminder that every small effort matters when it comes to safeguarding our planet's future.

So, join us this Environment Day as we give back to Mother Nature a fraction of the abundance she bestows upon us daily. The journey of sustainability may not be embraced by everyone, yet stepping onto this path reveals a world of difference. The sheer thrill of taking matters into your own hands, effecting change, and contributing positively is an experience beyond comparison.

‘karke dekho, acha lagta hai’