The Finale Piece & A Coffee Jar Makeover!

 Welcome back to the editor’s desk! I absolutely remember the round canvas piece from your reel, and adding a coffee jar cover makeover to this post is the perfect way to double down on that beautiful "upcycled decor" theme.

No need to send pictures—I can picture the transformation perfectly. Here is a warm, inviting draft for your blog that connects your final round masterpiece with your fresh kitchen upcycling project

Hello again, creative souls!

If you caught my last post, you saw how I turned discarded cake bases into two completely different styles of Lippan art (the traditional lotus and the modern geometric lines). But as I teased in my recent Reel, there was a third, round piece waiting in the wings.

Today, I’m finally sharing the grand finale of that trio, along with a fun, quick kitchen makeover hack that will have you looking at your groceries in a whole new light!

This third piece brings us back to the classic, satisfying symmetry of a circular canvas.

Because the base is perfectly round, I wanted the design to radiate outwards seamlessly. It strikes a beautiful balance between the two pieces I shared last week. It has the intricate mirror work and clay lines of traditional Lippan art, but with a clean, balanced layout that feels incredibly fresh. Hanging all three of these pieces together has completely transformed my space!

Speaking of transforming things, my creative mode didn't stop at the cake bases. I happened to look at an empty coffee jar sitting on the counter and thought... why stop at the canvas?

The jar itself was great, but the plain plastic cover was begging for some personality. So, I gave it a complete makeover!

Using a bit of clay, a dash of paint, and a few strategically placed mirrors, I brought the elegance of Lippan art right onto the lid. Now, instead of a boring grocery jar hidden away in the pantry, it’s a beautiful, statement decor piece that sits proudly on my counter.

It is incredibly satisfying to look around a room and realize that some of your favorite decor pieces started out as everyday waste material. Whether it's a sturdy MDF cake base or a simple coffee jar lid, a little bit of imagination can turn anything into art.

Have you tried upcycling anything in your home lately?

And now that all three are officially out—which of the three cake-base Lippan arts ended up being your ultimate favorite?

Let’s chat in the comment section below! 👇

Beyond the Canvas: Giving New Life to Old Cake Bases (Two New Lippan Art Pieces!)

 Hello, art lovers!

Today, the creative spark took over, and I finally sat down to complete a brand-new art piece. I’ll admit, I got a little lazy about posting my previous work, so today you are getting a double treat! I am sharing two completely different Lippan art pieces, each with its own unique vibe.

But before we dive into the designs, I have to talk about the canvas itself. If you know me, you know my work heavily focuses on reusing and repurposing.

Here is my latest favorite hack: instead of buying brand-new MDF boards from the store, I used old cake bases! Most cake bases these days are made of thin, sturdy MDF. So why throw them away when they can be the perfect foundation for beautiful art? Next time you bring a cake home, save that base and use it as your next canvas!

Now, let me introduce you to the new pieces.

Piece 1: Traditional Lotus

The piece I finished today is deeply rooted in tradition. It is inspired by the timeless lotus motif, a classic in Indian art. To elevate the design and add a layer of texture, I blended traditional Lippan work with a little bit of dot mandala art. The combination makes the whole piece look incredibly intricate, detailed, and elegant.

Piece 2: Modern Geometric Vibrancy

In complete contrast to the first, last week’s piece takes a plunge into the modern art form. There are no traditional motifs here—just clean, rectangular lines intersecting to form a bold geometrical pattern. I used vivid, bright colors to give it a striking, contemporary edge that really pops.

I love how different these two turned out, despite using the exact same recycled material as a base. It just goes to show how versatile Lippan art can be!

Which one appeals to you more? Are you team traditional lotus, or team modern geometric? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. If you love the idea of eco-friendly crafting, don’t forget to check out my posts from last year. I uploaded three other Lippan art pieces made entirely from waste materials. Go check them out for more upcycling inspiration!

A Hug in a Cup: Finding Joy in the Mini Moments!!

 Sometimes, the best kind of creativity is the one that doesn't require a grand plan. It’s the kind that sparks spontaneously on a quiet afternoon, born out of a simple craving for warmth, comfort, and a good brew.

Yesterday, I felt compelled to make something small, sweet, and entirely for myself.

This is my latest mini canvas painting—a little tribute to my absolute love for tea. I wanted it to feel alive, so I used a 3D relief texture to give the teacup, saucer, and rising steam a physical, sculptural presence against a bright, cheerful background. Every time I look at it, it feels exactly like what the text says: a hug in a cup.

Right now, it’s sitting fresh on its little wooden easel right on my workspace. I initially thought about waiting until I had the "perfect" kitchen corner styled and ready before sharing it. But art isn't about perfection; it's about the raw joy of the process. Why wait to share a blessing when it's beautiful right now?

It will find its permanent home near the kettle soon enough, but for tonight, it’s a perfect reminder to slow down, appreciate the little things, and always make time for a comforting cup of tea.

How do you take your comfort on a rainy or quiet day? Let me know in the comments!

How to Organize Your Drawers for $0 (and Save the Planet)

 

Let’s be honest: those sleek plastic drawer organizers add up fast. But what if the best solution is actually sitting in your recycling bin?

​I’ve started organizing my drawers using sturdy leftover boxes—think iPhone packaging, gift boxes, or shipping containers. It’s a win-win-win:

1. ​It saves money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
2. ​It saves the planet by reducing plastic demand and reusing waste.
3. ​It’s guilt-free. If a box gets worn out or dirty, I don't feel bad tossing it because it was free!

​You can easily beautify these with some scrap cloth or pretty paper, but even bare boxes look a million times better than a messy drawer. Are you ready to give your "trash" a second life?

​My Lipan Art Secret: It's Made of Trash!

 

I created this stunning Lipan artwork using almost entirely recycled materials!

You won't believe what this Lipan artwork is made of. No pricey MDF or pottery clay here!

​I built the entire thing from packing cardboard and made the textured "clay" myself using paper mache. It was decorated just like any beautiful mandala—mirrors and bright colors to bring it to life.

​I love using waste materials because home decor trends are always changing. Why spend a fortune and feel guilty later? Creating art this way is cheap, sustainable, and completely guilt-free.

​Need a mental reset? If you have a few hours, ditch the screen. Working on projects like this won't give you instant gratification, but the moment you see your final piece? That's a dopamine rush you earned.

DIY:There Were Three: My Diwali Wall Art

The final look is complete! I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I finished two more small Lipan art plates today.

Truthfully, I wasn't even planning on making them, but my husband’s excitement was all the inspiration I needed! He was so amazed by the first piece that he insisted I complete two more so we could install the entire set on the wall outside our main door, perfectly themed for Diwali.

Even though I was completely exhausted, I knew that if I put it off, that feeling of laziness would win. So, I started working on them late last night. Pushing through the tired hours was totally worth it. Seeing all three pieces together now, transforming a plain wall, is such a satisfying moment.

That’s the difference between a few minutes of mindless scrolling and an hour of real creativity: no easy dopamine, just the deep satisfaction of seeing your effort come to life.

What do you think of the complete set? Let me know in the comments!

DIY: bottle art!!

 As Diwali approaches and mood is all set to decorate the house. I ended up decorating a small corner. 

I did dot mandala art on two bottles with similar patterns to create a symmetrical look around the Buddha statue. I have used gold and silver metallic acrylic colour for the same. 

Easy DIY: A golden lamp shade makeover!!

There's a special kind of magic in the air as Diwali approaches, isn't there? It’s that time of year when we sweep out the old and welcome the new, filling our homes with light, love, and a fresh sense of joy.

Inspired by this spirit of renewal, I decided to start with a small project to brighten up a corner of my room. I’m so excited to share my first festive DIY: giving my old lampshade (plain off white shade)a glamorous golden makeover. It was such an easy project, and I'm absolutely in love with its new, warm glow.

I hope this little project inspires you to add a personal touch to your own festive decor!

Shifting my mood: one thread at a time!!

 Today was one of those days where everything felt like an uphill battle. The irritation was palpable, and I just couldn't shake it. But then, in the evening, I stumbled upon a piece of my past that offered an unexpected solace: a pure silk saree I bought during my Bangalore days, about 15 or 16 years ago.

I vividly recall buying a collection of these beautiful silk sarees, each a different design and unique color. Funnily enough, my mother and aunt ended up "claiming" two of them without a word, even though I'd bought them for myself. They both looked stunning in them at my wedding reception, so I couldn't really complain!

I still had two left. One I've worn regularly, but this specific one had been at my in-laws' house for years. I finally brought it back on my last visit and had been experimenting with different blouses. Tonight, however, I was curious to see if it would look better with its original blouse or a contrasting one. This simple, focused activity of styling the saree was incredibly therapeutic. It was like the irritation just melted away.

From there, I moved on to another project: giving a small grocery cabinet a much-needed facelift. It was a time-consuming task, but by the time I finished, I felt a profound sense of calm and accomplishment.

These moments of irritation often stem from a recurring thought: the feeling that people don't truly choose me for who I am. Instead, it feels like I'm chosen only when it's convenient or when they find me useful. It’s a tough realization to sit with.

What’s the answer when people don't choose you? You can't force anyone, can you? I just wish I was inherently "good enough" that they naturally would. And so, another day draws to a close. Perhaps I overthink these things. It's probably not even worth the mental energy, right?

Some more from my needle!!

 These are my long long back works, some are as old as 12 to 13 yrs and some even before that. 

Another bottle art!!

 A few years back during Pandemic I learnt this dot mandala technique, didn't purchase any special tool to do any of them. I just used an ear bud, match stick and a normal stick to create all of my bottle art that I have put before including this one.

If you are a newbie then try these things first before you end up buying those fancy dot mandala tools. Sometimes our common sense is better than just wasting money without trying and knowing if we want to pursue that art form. 

Bottle art is a great option to reuse and recycle old bottles. Great option for those who have alcohol drinkers at home. 😂 As you can notice I don't have any alcohol bottles, needless to now say why it's so. 😂 I wish I could..

A joyful Karthik Purnima celebration at Hyderabad!!

 Karthik Purnima dawned with a beautiful golden sunrise over Hyderabad, setting the perfect tone for the day. The air was crisp and fresh, and I could feel the excitement building as it was time for our annual celebration, a day that held both tradition and fun.

In our native, the festival was synonymous with sailing boats in river Kathajodi. My family and I had spent the previous evening crafting colorful little boats out of paper and thermocol and decorating them with flowers and lamp. As I held my creation in my hands, I felt a rush of joy; each boat was a heartfelt offering to the waters, symbolizing our hopes and prayers.

Arriving at the lake, I was greeted by the sight of birds chirping over the lake. Sun was rising and its rays were glittering over the water surface. Finally, it was time to sail our boats. We gathered by the water's edge, laughter and anticipation in the air. With a gentle push, I sent my boat gliding across the surface of the lake. The sight of colorful boats drifting serenely was mesmerizing, each one carrying our prayers and wishes, mingling with the water and the spirit of the moment.

Although we sailed our boats in a small pond enclosure made for Chhath Puja, it felt just as magical. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of togetherness and celebration. As I watched my boat sail away, I couldn’t help but smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the day, the weather, and my family I shared it with.

After we set up a small puja  for Lord Shiva at the nearby temple, I felt a sense of peace as I lit incense and offered flowers. The gentle sound of the temple bells in the distance mingled with the serenity of the lake, creating a soothing backdrop. The devotion filled the air, and I was grateful to be a part of such a timeless ritual. 

The temple was crowded with people putting rangoli, placing banana and coconut and diyas over it. The temple had little place due to the large crowd. However, we could still do our prayers and Darshan peacefully.

As the sun began to rise, casting a mesmerizing glow over the lake, I realized how special days like this are. Karthik Purnima was not just about the rituals but about creating memories, celebrating traditions, and sharing joy with loved ones. It was a day that would forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the beauty of nature and the power of community.

Children's day!!

 What should I share today.  Feeling thoughtless and somehow happy at the face of adversities.  Today is children's day, and I am trying to embrace the child within me. 

Here I share with you a rangoli for Panchuka Day 3. Very simple and without much colour, depicting my mood for simple things in life.

 

Bada Osa: A Celebration at Dhabaleswar Temple !!

 The Dhabaleswar Temple, situated on an island in the Mahanadi River near Cuttack, Odisha, is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the region. As a center of faith and spirituality, it attracts devotees from far and wide. Among the numerous rituals and festivals celebrated at this temple, "Bada Osa" stands out as a significant event that draws immense participation and devotion.

The Essence of Bada Osa

"Bada Osa," which translates to "Great Fasting" in Odia, is observed in the month of Kartika, typically falling between October and November. This festival is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highly regarded by the devotees who participate in it as a means of demonstrating their faith, penance, and devotion.

During Bada Osa, thousands of devotees engage in a day-long fast, offering prayers, performing rituals, and participating in cultural festivities. The day is marked by an atmosphere of spiritual fervor and communal harmony, as families and friends come together to seek blessings from the deity.

Rituals and Celebrations

On the day of Bada Osa, devotees begin their celebrations with early morning rituals. Many choose to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Mahanadi River before heading to the temple. The pilgrimage to Dhabaleswar is often an exhilarating experience as devotees travel by boat to reach the temple, enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

Once at the temple, devotees participate in special "puja" (worship) ceremonies. The priests perform elaborate rituals involving offerings of flowers, fruits, and traditional delicacies to Lord Shiva. Devotees also light "diyas" (oil lamps) to illuminate the temple, enhancing its divine ambiance.

The highlights of the festival include the recitation of sacred texts, chanting of mantras, and community prayers. The temple premises are often adorned with colorful decorations, and stalls set up by local vendors offer a variety of food, handicrafts, and religious items.

Additionally, Bada Osa holds significance for its association with the traditions and customs of the local population. The rituals performed during this festival are steeped in the cultural identity of the region, contributing to the preservation of Odisha's rich spiritual heritage.

Bada Osa at Dhabaleswar Temple is a remarkable festival that embodies the spirit of devotion and the cultural richness of Odisha. It is an occasion where faith takes center stage, drawing countless devotees who seek blessings, love, and hope from Lord Shiva. As the community comes together to celebrate, the allure of Bada Osa continues to inspire generations, reinforcing the temple's place as a sacred hub of spirituality and culture in eastern India. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, experiencing Bada Osa at Dhabaleswar Temple is a journey into the heart of devotion and a glimpse into the vibrant traditions of Odisha.

My painting!!

 This painting I made for my cousin's house warming ceremony. Gifted him much before he finished his house. But, till today he has not put it up in his house. 😂 

I always prefered making personalized gifts. And he liked and complemented me.  Though I don't get more time now to pursue my talents such as crafting, painting, embroidery, origami and all. But, I am very enthusiastic in learning these things apart from writing my journal. Now, this blog is a kind of journal for me. 

May be I will forget my beautiful memories as I grow older so I write it here. I can read and reread and never forget it. 🤩 Enough of my non-sense, now let me share this pic. It's a painting of Lord Jagannath and an Odishi dancer dancing before him. 

My Diwali Puja and Rangolis!!

 Felt really satisfied to see my Rangolis and how they turned. Spent nearly 1 1/2 hours creating these and that's the real me time for me today. 

My son was posing with big smile on his face and he himself was willing to pose. I always had great difficulty making him pose before. But, today for a change he was all smiles and willing to be clicked. 

So, this serves the purpose I planned so much for Diwali. 

Sharing my Rangolis and a picture of the lords while I was doing puja. 

Happy Diwali 🪔 

😃

An easy DIY !!

 With Diwali round the corner my day went by decluttering my house. As I planned to teach my little kid to do some crafts, still managed to get a pen stand done by him from an old tin can. Instead of buying a lot many things it's always better to reduce and reuse things. 

Now a days a lot many varieties of DIY kits are coming in market to make so many interesting decor items. I really like them so much that I feel like buying so many of them. But, this time I am being mindful of it so I refrained from buying anything. All I did was re-using my old card stocks and stickers to make this useful pen stand with my son. Although unwillingly he agreed he started enjoying making this easy craft. 

Hope you too will like this little creativity of we mother and son duo.

Thankyou. 

Life during Covid!!

 Here, I share with you my first ever pattachitra trial. It's a painting of my beloved Lord Jagannath. 

I made it during first phase of COVID in year 2020. Unfortunately, had to give up my job. I didn't wanted to and tried my best to get a transfer to my native but didn't get it. 

Things at my home was too complicated, my son was too young and my father had to undergo dialysis. I was offered a managerial role but the condition was to shift to either to Pune or Chennai. Being a new mother this was way too much for me to commit. 

Only my father didn't wish me to leave my job. And ofcourse my in-laws never want me to leave job. 😂 But, I had no one standing behind me to support at that time. Well, life has its own plans which willingly or unwillingly we have to follow. 

I left my job just before COVID started. Had I been in that job it would have given me a WFH even today. But, my purpose in life was something bigger may be, because that is how I want to remember it. 

I was there taking care of my parents when non of my brothers could come and stay there. I supported them in his initial days of Dialysis. I was running between hospitals, medicines, doctor visits and emotionally being present their to support for my parents. It was a tough phase. Both me and my mom had tough time handling a small kid and my father. 

It is definitely yet another blessing in disguise for me. Can a married daughter in India do this? I did it, and ofcourse faced backlash from my in-laws even though they didn't needed me. 

May be my sole purpose in this life is to serve others. If so then why not my parents first. Don't know why people assume that if a married daughter takes care of her parents, she won't serve her in-laws.  From where they get this ridiculous idea, I can't understand. Whatever it may be it's their perception and now I feel if I being a woman can do for my parents, I am not stopping your son to take care of you. Let him do. 

Let it be. Well it happened without even deliberately planning to do so. But, people judge me as per their own nature. That will be there right. All are not so progressive in their outlook even though they claim it or boast it. Which does not go well with me?? 

Thankfully my youngest brother could come back before the 2nd phase of COVID and was there when finally my father had to depart. Those last few months he was too scared to go to hospital. Every day he would make excuses not to go for dialysis. And then the toughest time came when he was not responding well and we were struggling to find a hospital bed for him.

It was a nightmare to see him in that condition and not knowing what and how to find a bed. Finally got a bed after long struggle. And got some relief. After 8 days he left us. It was good that his pain came to an end. How long could he have suffered? And why? It was a Friday, the luckiest day of my father. He was born on Friday. All his good things happened to him on Fridays. I was born on Friday my youngest brother was also born on Friday night. And my father left us on a Friday. 

During this phase to keep my mind calm I did many paintings. It helps in spending some time in peace. Well we three siblings have this creativity in us. 

We need to pursue our hobbies to keep us in good state of mind during difficult phases. Though now I don't find time. I have to focus on other things, as life decides. 

Tassels my first trial.!!

 This two I made during my maternity leave. 

One is on my mom's saree and the other one is just a trial on my old dupatta. 

Thankyou 

Crochet and cross stitch cloth.

 This one I made to cover a corner table. I love the final outcome of it. What do you think ??

Thanks.