Eco-friendly handicraft creativity to the fore

People love to see novel things. The seven-day handicraft exhibit organised by Swayambhar NARI from Shantiniketan, West Bengal, at YWCA, Secunderabad, was one such event that displayed handicrafts like artworks, garments, household items and more.

The event, which began on Tuesday, exhibited and sold finest handmade, eco-friendly and recycled products. Collections showcased include hand-embroidered sarees, dress materials, jewellery, block printing, Batique items, bags and slipplers made from jute materials, silk and cotton kurtas, dress materials, tassar printed sarees and dokra.

Sudeshua Paul, organiser of the event said, “We exhibit and sell our designs to educate the tribals and slum children at West Bengal. At the same time we teach them handicraft works and how to do business so that they can live an independent life.”

Commenting on the exhibits showcased she added, “We don’t use plastic in our designs; they are mostly handwork. Our designs are available pan India. However, the ones sold here are exclusive.”

Notable items from the exhibit

Waterproof ornaments made from waste papers, chains in coloured cloth with lockets designed in cardboard, kantha-worked chains with painted figures on its locket are of noteworthy mention.

Three-piece sarees, inspired by the Assam sarees, creatively displayed with many pleats was quite impressive. Khesh sarees made using old sarees teared into thin strips and weaved, was another highlight.

The best part of the show was the designer grass mats made of grass that is dried in sun and weaved later. In all, the pieces showcased were not only attractive to see, but practical to purchase and use.

By Chitra Saikumar