In this post, our contributor Harish Panchabhai writes about his rendezvous with artist and Professor of Sculpture Gauri Gandhi. “Was it an unusual choice of study back in the day?” I asked, imagining myself to be a concerned Indian parent. ”No, it wasn’t unusual for me when I decided to take up fine arts to…
You Don’t Need A Marketing Plan
This is the first post of The #HustleMax Series By Soham Sabnis YOU DON’T NEED A MARKETING PLAN! What you need is a workable marketing plan. Try entering ‘marketing plan for startups’ in your Google search bar and you will find zillions of templates. Pro alert – most of the things you will find will…
This ‘Self-Made’ Weaver Started Crafting Due To Lack Of Access To Books
And Thank God she did! Or else we would not have known what lovely fabric we were missing. A copy editor by profession and a crafter at heart, her love for fabric and textures justifies the yarns of fabric that adorn the shelves of her beautiful studio- meet Swapna Eleswarapu of Swakrta. She thinks her…
My Experience As A Designer With Aham Bhumika
A guest post by the talented Aarti Badamikar on her experience while working with Aham Bhumika Aham Bhumika is an NGO based in Bhopal, working on education and women empowerment for over 3 years. They have skill-trained 40+ women in hand embroidery in the outskirts of Bhopal. Embroidery as a skill and a method of…
Bidriware – The Magnificent Metal Craft From The Fort of Bidar.
This is the first in a series of guest posts at The Handmade Co. where we invite individuals to contribute to our blog. In this post, Harish Panchabhai writes about ‘The Art of Bidriware’. ‘Delicate’ is not the word that comes to mind when someone says metal. However, bidri karigari is the perfect example of…
Saving The World, One Up-cycled Bag At A Time!
Ever wondered what happens when an Economics graduate studies art and gets inspired by the cause of saving the environment? Here is the answer: You get Bhairavi Malkani and her mind blowing work of sustainable fashion accessories. Today, we tell you the story of how A Creative Box, your one stop shop for upcycled products,…
Professional Photography For Small Business! What’s That?
“Customers buy my products only when they see and touch the product, but not online. Why?!!” lamented Lata, a crochet artist and friend who was considering closing her online store. I asked her if she considered professional photography of her products. She said “I do a good job myself. Plus, I don’t have the money…
Off Season? Here Are 5 Things You Can Still Do!
It is that time of the year again, when we all complain about business being slow. With the rains playing spoilsport, craft shows and flea markets pack up for the season. People tend to stay indoors or go out on weekend retreats. Which means, shopping exactly isn’t on their mind. How can an art business…
Where Are My Customers Hiding?
Passion- The buzzword that everyone is talking about. They tell you that you need to be passionate about your work and everything else will follow. That’s true, for every creative business to survive you do need passion. But for it to thrive – go beyond the regular sustenance- it needs something else. Paying customers! That’s…
Upcycled With Wired Expressions
A young crafter all of 20 years old, Joanna is an able multitasker. 2nd year student of BCom at Bangalore, she likes playing the piano, teaching kids, socializing and meeting new people. Phew! If only we knew half the things she does at her age. Since her school days Joanna has loved crafting and thus…
Romancing The Handwritten Alphabet
Meet Nikheel Aphale – Gold winner in Callihunt 2016, a competition to recognise talent in calligraphy across India. A trained graphic designer and calligrapher, Nikheel’s fascination with alphabets started at a very young age. Blessed with impeccable handwriting inherited from his mother, he impressed his teachers with shaping his letters. It earned him the honour…
5 Things To Know Before You Start Your Small Business
Are you an artist who has been creating exquisite handmade art for friends and family for a long time? If you are seriously contemplating turning your passion into a business, Congratulations! You have made the right decision. Here are some things you must know before you take the plunge. You are the captain of your…