Mandalas for relaxation

Mandalas, meaning “circles” in Sanskrit, are known to boost the immune system, by reducing the stress, activating the brain stem, imaginative thinking and connecting with our emotions.

How emotions are linked to Mandala?

I always used to think that Mandala is very complex as it has so many concentric circles and the precision while drawing should be followed. I was so hesitant at the beginning to give it a try as I had assumed that this will induce stress instead of relaxation. When I started drawing patterns and colouring them with different shades of black, I realised that I could create patterns using strokes and it was really satisfying.

Your mood decides the pattern and how intricate the design is. The Mandala art internalises the unconscious emotions within us.

If you observe further, Mandalas go from the centre outwards. The colors and shapes indicate our sub-conscious thinking. Thereby, we are connecting with ourselves, rebuilding and freeing us from inhibitions.

My daughter and I recently started creating a few Mandala designs of our own. Thus far, it has been a very relaxing and refreshing activity during these prolonged periods of being at home.

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Try it out and share your thoughts 🙂

Regards,

Sriranjini

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Butterfly, the flying flower

The English poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850) wrote at least two poems titled “The Butterfly.” In one of these, which begins with the line “I’ve watched you now a full half-hour,” the speaker describes his contemplation of a butterfly that sits quietly on a yellow flower in a garden. The speaker welcomes the butterfly as a reminder of his joyous youth.

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The above quilled art reminds me of that poem. Here are a few lines from the poem.

          I've watched you now a full half-hour;
          Self-poised upon that yellow flower
          And, little Butterfly! indeed
          I know not if you sleep or feed.
          How motionless!--not frozen seas
          More motionless! and then
          What joy awaits you, when the breeze
          Hath found you out among the trees,
          And calls you forth again!

 

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Cheers,

Sriranjini

Quilled Fusion Earring (Jhumka)

Jhumkas and silk sarees are traditional South Indian attire for weddings and grand occasions. The Jhumka is quilled into domes and attached using beads and danglers. The crystals and the flower shaped beads are chosen based on the color of the dress and user preference. These earrings are very lightweight and waterproof.

I have put together instructables for this at http://www.instructables.com/id/Quilled-Fusion-Earring-Jhumka/

 

Happy Quilling 🙂

The wings of creativity in quilling

tight coil set1

As the subject goes, I enjoy and admire the way an ordinary paper can be turned into such a beautiful creation 🙂 When I started quilling, the first lesson I learnt was about making a loose coil and a tight coil. I mastered that and went past the other techniques not knowing what a beautiful artefact that coiling can make 🙂

I was wondering what jewellery to create next after trying the dome shaped earrings, pendants, weaved and honey-comb coiled creations. I happened to see a similar pattern when I was browsing the Internet and my creative mind got into action!

My daughter was so surprised when I made 140 tight coils. Phew! I can now boast of my incredible patience levels for having completed this set in 2 days. The next task is to decide whether to keep this set for myself or sell it 🙂

Thanks for encouraging me with your likes and personal comments..

Please share your views @indulge.creativity@gmail.com

tight coil set2

Jhumka – Double layer

I made this for my friend on the occasion of Onam festival. The double-layered Jhumka is quilled into domes of two different sizes and were attached using beads and danglers. I quilled the earring using colour combinations of golden yellow and red to match with silk sarees. The golden stripes add elegance to the jewellery 🙂 Jhumkas and silk sarees are traditional South Indian attire for weddings and grand occasions.

Jhumka_two layer           Jhumka_two layer1

Hello there..

Hello there..

I am blogging to showcase my interests and as a testimonial to my passion for creativity. Over the last decade I have been engrossed with my job, family and kids. I decided to take a break from work and dedicate my energy and time to take care of my two wonderful kids – aged 9 and 5. My interests range from photography, cooking, quilling, poster/greeting card making to attending the Carnatic music classes with my kids.

As Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam said,

“Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level.”

“Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great!”

Through this blog, I would like to share my ideas to serve as an inspiration to the next generation.

For custom orders contact me @indulge.creativity@gmail.com

My blogs:

Eat to live and live to eat @ ssriranjini.wordpress.com

Photography @ ranjiniphotography.wordpress.com

Fun time with kids @ funtimewithkids.wordpress.com

I will be updating the content of these blogs gradually as I am currently curating the numerous pictures and recipes that I have created over the years. I hope that through blogging I can engage myself productively and discover my hidden talents.
Happy Reading 🙂