Book Folding

Reading a book is like a treasure hunt, if you follow the  right trail of clues then you find a chest full of knowledge and if you are not paying attention then you are just lost somewhere. Some books you want to preserve forever but some books you just want to pass on. Today I want to show the way to convert the pass on books as cherished treasure. Book folding not only create a masterpiece but a very good stress buster too. Also it enhance the motor skill and hand eye coordination in kids

Bird house

Kids will love to make this and you can be more creative with it and add clay birds too. This is done by simple folds and if you are new to book folding you can find the tutorial over here http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-birdhouses.html

I used a hard cover book to make this bird house and left with book cover with spine. Don't through away the spine as next project will make you bring all old books into life.

Book cover purse

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-purseclutch-from-a-Book/

 
These are just beginner ideas. You can make anything by folding pages of a book. Only thing you need is patience.

Enjoy Naisha Crafting!!!!!!

Play with Clay

As the title of the post suggests I played around with different type of clay and the base materials to create the following

Salt dough is used on the Styrofoam piece to create this small table. Piece was left overnight to dry completely. Then I painted it black and did the golden dry brush once the black paint was dry 

 Another view. Perfect for my Ganesha idol.

 I used bread clay on plaster of paris flower shape base( home made) for this one. It can be used as candle holder or just like that

Store bought air dry clay was used on the recycled cardboard boxes to make the following 2 pieces.  Embellished it further with gems and 3D fabric paints.

Sometimes you just need a slight idea to spark creative fire. I hope i was successful in that with my clay ideas.
Please leave your valuable suggestions in comments.
Enjoy Naisha Crafting!!!!!

© Copyrighted to NaishaArts

Ganesha Murals

     Mural painting is inherently different from all other forms of pictorial art in that it is organically connected with architecture. In definition mural is a very large work of art which is usually applied to a ceiling or wall to create artistic element.These days Mural work is trending craft and there are various ways to achieve that grand feeling.
   
Main Feature of mural is the architectural/3D element which is achieved using different kind of texture mediums like POP,dental powder, white cement or market bought texture paste. Choice of medium depend on the availability,personal preference and the idea we are executing, as different materials have their on pros and cons.
 
 Multiple layers of 3D effect can be made using clay,shilpkar, mseal or any kind of non toxic putty. Once the design is made as per the satisfaction and completely dry color it with your choice of paints. After that only thing you have to do is admire your master piece.

 There is nothing right or wrong in mural making, each end product is a master piece Possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Here is my collection of  traditional to trendy Ganesha (based on the Ganesha pics taken from internet)

 Please leave your reviews/questions in the comments section.
Enjoy Naisha Crafting!!!!!

© This is copyrighted to Naisha Arts

My Art Work

Today's Post is not for sharing any tutorial but for sharing my art work with my readers

           The Support

 Depicting unconditional support Radha ji gave to Shri Krishna using Acrylics on Canvas

 Pure Love

  Kids heart is always pure and free from impurities of the world. portraying Radha Krishna using Acrylics  on canvas in monochrome technique

Shades of Life

Vibrant colors with warli tree of life design represents growth in life,wealth and relationships

 Chanting 

Ganesha Formed with different names of Ganesha create a holy chanting environment. I used texture medium on canvas with spray paints and 3D fabric paints

Monsoon

Dancing peacock in monsoon create an atmosphere of abundance, abundance of health, wealth and happiness. Also as per Vastu peacock painting are kept in house for protection. Acrylics on canvas with batik style background

 Meditation

   This Ganesha face is so calm that it create peacefulness inside out. This is soft pastels on pastel paper

Gaja

Gaja means elephant, the symbol of strength,dignity,good fortune,wisdom, protection , fertility and list is endless. Acrylics on canvas 

Mast Magan

   Ganesha (God of art and creativity) totally engrossed in his dance represents all the artists when they are working on their masterpiece . Acrylics on canvas

 Pushp

  Replicated the rose I got from temple on special occasion. Acrylics on canvas

   

Peace

 These snow-white flowers on a mountain top represent the feeling you get when you have achieved the desired whether it is materialistic things or inner peace. Acrylics on canvas

Happiness

 When you are happy deep inside to 'dil mor jaise naach uthta hai' ( heart dances like peacock). Acrylics on canvas

Blessing

Nothing is possible without Ganesha blessing. Soft pastels on pastel paper

I hope you like my art showcase. 

Enjoy Naisha Crafting!!!!!

Paper Gift Box making

Giving a handmade gift is awesome idea but we always struggle when it come to wrapping in attractive packaging.Today I am going to share with you various paper gift boxes which can be easily made at home and then decorated in our own style or in the style of the recipient. These boxes are good for wrapping small size gifts. We will continue in next post on how to wrap the odd shaped gifts.

 
    Most of the boxes are based on origami folds. First one is most common one, can be used to pack jewelry, some school supplies, chocolates etc. This is called pyramid box for the obvious reasons.

There are multiple ways to make a pyramid box and it is personal prefrence to chose a method. I have listed some links where you can download the template and make your very own pyramid box
  a. using a triangle as the starting point
http://blog.etsy.com/en/files/2011/12/pyramidscheme.jpg

   b.using a square as a starting point
http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box.html

   c. don't want to make a regular 4 sided pyramid then check the link below to download the multiple sided pyramids template
              http://www.korthalsaltes.com/model.php?name_en=multi+side+base+pyramids
    Pyramid are not limited to making gift boxes you can make lanterns too
                   

Next one is candy shaped box. Box itself looks so yummy. I am planning to make this for my next party. for now enjoy the video tutorial using the link below the pic.

http://www.paperkawaii.com/2014/01/17/sweet-origami-candy-box-video-tutorial/

When we talk about gift why we think about girls only. Boys need little pampering too. So box I am featuring  now is perfect for next fathers day gift wrapping

                                                         http://www.smile-recipe.net/?p=338

Next one which I am featuring is perfect for any kind of gift and can be made in diffrent sizes to suit your gifting needs. It is called pillow box and again there are multiple ways to make this one
   for a regular rectangular pillow box follow the link below the pic
 

                                             http://www.auntannie.com/BoxesBags/PillowBox/

for a square shape pillow box follow the next link
                                       

                                        http://www.handimania.com/diy/square-pillow-gift-box.html

Heart shaped gift box is perfect not just for valentine but for any special occasion for you loved ones. Follow your heart to the link below pic

 

  

http://origami.wonderhowto.com/how-to/fold-heart-shaped-box-for-valentines-day-415772/
   This one is too simple for you, learn how to make a designer heart shaped box
 

   http://origami.wonderhowto.com/how-to/fold-origami-paper-valentine-heart-313030/
   
    I hope I have given you enough ideas to wrap your special gifts for your specials ones. Please leave your thoughts in comments. Also let me know if you would like to know any other type of box.
   Enjoy Naisha Crafting!!!!!

Nail paint wire flowers

Lets welcome spring with the vibrant colors. Indian festival of colors "Holi " just passed now starts the festival of vibrant nails paint flowers which are so easy to make and there are so many variation you can add to it to customize to your needs. To make a basic nailpaint flower twist the wire in tear drop shape and apply nailpaint by starting from the narrow edge and going towards the round edge. The link below the picture has very nice picture tutorials on how to make a nailpaint flower. 

                                   Source :https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514677063640540005/

We are not limited to the round five petal flower. We can twist wire in lily shape also and see the outcome. Tutorial is in the link below.

Source: http://www.dollhouseminiaturesclub.freeservers.com/nailpolishflowers.htm

You can assemble the flowers and make a pretty necklace. Fun of making your own jewelry you can choose you own colors. size and style. To make this flower loom can be used to get equal shaped petals.

                                                               Source: Pinterest

We we have such pretty flowers then butterflies are sure to come. Another example of the nail paint on wire.

                                    Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RR9SdRVS-0

These are just few ideas for using wire with nailpaints. Creativity is only limited by your imagination. With nailpaints you can make any shape the wire can be twisted into. So lets spread out your creative wings to make something new.

Enjoy Naisha crafting.

  

    

Use Gems in Jewelry

     There is a saying that diamonds are girls best friends, but I feel girls enjoy all kind of gems and all kind of stylish jewelry made with those gems. Making your own jewelry with your own taste is just cherry on the cake.

     I come across many beads/gems which are so pretty but they do not have holes in it to thread into the jewelry. I am sure other people face the same issue.Today I am going to share some ideas that you can try for Gems or beads without holes

   

1. Drill a hole: If bead is thick enough or has a big surface like leaf shaped you can take a thinnest bit of the drill and make a hole in it and use. You can also look for bead reamers which are specially designed for beads. Some people use even stones they have collected from beach or sea glasses by drilling holes in those. You might find this video helpful for hole drilling.

Source :http://www.eternaltools.com/blog/how-to-drill-pebbles

2. Create a beads bezel : If bead is too delicate that you can not drill hole or you have ideas to reuse it in some other ways in future, you can go with the option of seed beads and make a frame around the Gem. A nice tutorial is in the link under picture

                            source: http://www.aroundthebeadingtable.com/Tutorials/PeyoteBezel.html

3. Create a bead bezel around irregular shape bead: If the shape of the bead is not regular eg a leaf shaped bead then you can stick the bead to a felt piece and make a bezel around it.Tutorial is in the link below pic.

Source: http://www.artbeads.com/seed-bead-peyote-stitch-bezel.html

4. Create a bezel using wire: Getting lazy or not too good with the bead work/needle work then there is another option. You can use thin jewelry wire to make a frame for Gem.

Source: http://eatbreathedesign.com/2011/04/20/wire-wrapped-bezel-for-cabochons/

5. Create a crochet bezel: Still did not find the perfect option suitable for your needs. don't worry we are not quite out of ideas as yet. If you don't have seed beads, you are not good with jewelry pliers still have a stone/shell you picked up from the beach and want to save it in the form of jewelry as it is very close to your heart, you can do the crochet around it make a frame and add a jump ring or make a crochet chain to it to add to you neck piece. I took the below pic from Pinterest and do not have pattern for it but I am sure the crochet lovers got the idea.

Crochet a stone

                                                crochet a sea glass or odd shaped beads
If you can not make your own pattern the you can buy the below pattern using the link http://framestr.com/online-video-tutorial-and-pdf-yoolapotion-charm-necklace-wire-crochet-cabochon-wire-jewelry-tutorial-yoola-bezel-pattern.html

I hope you got many ideas to use that basket full of gems/stone/sea glass you were saving for long time. I feel these ideas add so much character to the bead and to the finished jewelry bead that I can do it for the beads with the hole also.

Please share you stories in comments. Also let us know other ideas for using gems in your jewelry for the benefit of other readers 

Enjoy Naisha crafting!!!!