A Blast From the Past

I landed in Hyderabad, India a couple of days ago and found myself absolutely free (how deliciously joyful that feeling is!) for a few hours. Hyderabad is a city that is very close to my heart for a number of reasons. I decided to make good use of the time and went about doing some exploration by myself...

Reacquainting myself after years, I found myself at Shilparamam, a beautiful flea market/Indian artisans' showcase near Madhapur area. I had forgotten how beautiful local artists creations can be and why I hadn't been there sooner!! (Mental note: pinch self) I was mesmerized for hours strolling through the lanes of stalls filled with pretty things - I could set up camp here! 

Check out the things that had me going ga-ga!

Night Bazaar showcasing everything ethnic, vintage and breathtaking! (You know I'm afflicted with Color Frenzy!)

Lovely summer scarves:

B-e-a-utiful embellished vintage bags!!

 Handmade ethnic ones - so perfect for summer!!

                            

                           

These gorgeous Gujarati work wall hangings and table runners!

Handmade carved wooden boxes that had me wanting to replace every box in my home

Dizzying array of colorful jewelry that begged for a indulgence (I gave in - keep calm and sparkle)

I would call it as good a day as any!

- Cheers!

DIY : Aztec Pom Pom Shorts

I'm suffering from a serious case of Color Frenzy. I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about - you wake up one fine morning and suddenly fall in love with a color and want everything, everything, you own to be in THAT color. When I'm not afflicted with Color Frenzy, if someone makes the mistake of asking what my favorite color is, I just "hang" - until I hear at least one "Don't Bother" - whew!

I've literally thought of printing everything I own with Aztec - until the day came when I saw tattooed fish (yes, tattooed fish! A story for another day) at the pet shop and pictured my goldfishes with Aztec over them - A teeny bit too much - and I had to pick something and go nuts all over it! Not that we need an excuse to wear a plethora of colors all at one - but Summer's here! I'm still not over the Aztec and pom-pom fever we all had last time. 

To get to the point, here are some Aztec pom pom shorts (hurrah!)

Here's what you'll need:

• A pair of plain shorts 
• Fabric glue
• Pom pom (and other optional) trim
• Fabric paint (I used fabric paint pens)
• Cardboard cut out to width of the shorts' leg x 2
• A pen
• A needle

Step 1: On a piece of paper, decide on the pattern you want. Place the cardboard piece inside the shorts leg and draw the pattern on the shorts.

Step 2: Start outlining and filling in the pattern with fabric paint. Wait till the paint is completely dry before starting on the next leg or side - the one I used took about an hour to dry fully. On very small shapes, you can put a drop of paint and spread with a needle for more accuracy.

Step 3: Paint on all four sides (both legs front and back) of the shorts and leave overnight to hang and dry.

Step 4: Take the trim you chose and cut to leg size. Place around the shorts as shown. 

Step 5: Glue the trim to the shorts a side at a time with fabric glue. Wait to dry completely.

Step 6: Do the same with the pom pom trim and there you have it!

Nothing like flashing a bit of summer color around ;)

DIY Wallet Revamp

Oh wallet! How I love thee wallet! Why do you have to age wallet?

I got my favorite wallet as a birthday gift 3 years ago. Its not fancy-fancy, but something I could carry everywhere without being too offensive.

Look how pretty!

Fossil Pop-stitch Wallet

Years of daily use and the many, many unsuccessful attempts to clean it took a toll of my wallet's life and I had to replace it (:(). Of course, I didn't throw it away (never dispose, never!) and it quietly became another addition to the make-my-home-a-museum-of-curious-paraphernalia project.

Until recently, I stumbled upon it and thought "This could go well with my current colorful, ethnic madness".

If you are on the same train, then here's what you need: (Also, <3)

• A beloved old wallet
• Trims and laces of your favorite colors and varying thickness
• Fabric Glue (here)
• Leather needle (Optional)
• Super Glue (Optional)

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Cut out the trim of your choice to the length of the wallet, leaving an extra half inch on either side.

Step 2: Apply the fabric glue and carefully set to align with the edge of the wallet flap.

Step 3: Continue attaching trims you like one after the other up till the flap and back of the wallet are fully covered. Go nuts here, seriously!

Step 4: Fold over at edges underneath the flap and folds of the wallet and seal with super glue. You can also add a few stitches here and there for better sealing.

Step 5: Cut out the pom pom trim according to the length of the zip and the flap.

Step 6: Attach the final trimming inside the zip fold and underneath the flap of the wallet.

And the sad old wallet has reinvented itself to something I can actually use - what do you think?