Search Results

Terracotta Foot Scrubbers Filter by Price ₹150.00 ₹285.00 Style Bat+Fish Bat+Star Fish+Bat+Star Fish+Star Sort by Terracotta Foot Scrubber | COMBO PACKS | 100% Pure Clay Price From ₹285.00 Style Add to Cart Terracotta Foot Scrubber | 100% Pure Clay | Fish Design Regular Price ₹250.00 Sale Price ₹150.00 Add to Cart Terracotta Foot Scrubber | 100% Pure Clay | Star Design Regular Price ₹250.00 Sale Price ₹150.00 Add to Cart Terracotta Foot Scrubber | 100% Pure Clay | Standard - Bat Design Regular Price ₹250.00 Sale Price ₹150.00 Add to Cart

Eco - Friendly Stationary Filter by Category All Home Décor Oral Care Price ₹60.00 ₹100.00 Quantity 5 10 15 20 25 50 Sort by Bamboo Holder | Toothbrush/Combs/Stationary | 3.5" Regular Price ₹85.00 Sale Price ₹60.00 Add to Cart SET Plantable Seed Pencils – Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Writing Tools with Seeds Price From ₹60.00 Quantity Add to Cart

Terracotta Greeting Cards Sort by Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Lord Ganesha | "Best Wishes" Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Lord Ganesha | Inspirational Poem Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Pre-Order Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Lord Buddha | "Om" Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Lord Ganesha | "Bhalo Theko" Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Maa Durga | "Shubhechha" Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Rabindranath Thakur Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | "Happy Birthday" Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart Greeting Cards Terracotta Greeting Card | Maa Kali (Face) Regular Price ₹425.00 Sale Price ₹349.00 Add to Cart

Have you ever come across a post or article that moved you so much that it led you to take action? That's exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon Houseofweaves' Instagram post on the struggles and amazing work of kharad weavers. As I delved deeper into this fascinating craft, I had the honour of interviewing Shree Samat Ji, a visionary and incredibly knowledgeable figure in kharad weaving. Through our conversation, I gained a deeper understanding of the inspiration and vision behind this beautiful and sustainable craft. Join me on this journey as I explore the world of kharad weaving, the artisans behind it, and the incredible impact it has on both the environment and society. Kharad weaving is a traditional weaving technique that originated in Kutch, a district in the Western state of Gujarat, India. It’s an ancient handwoven carpet making tradition that is approximately over 700 years old. These carpets are woven using natural threads, i.e. wools from goats, sheep and camels. Kharad weaving used wool from the camels traditionally, but as the number of camels decreased in the region sheep and goat wools are used nowadays. The wool is first washed, dyed, and spun into a yarn, then woven on handloom where the yarn turns into a fabric with a plain weave or twill weave. What makes Kharad weaving unique is that the fabric is woven with a slit in the middle, which is then cut to create two separate pieces of fabric. The edges of the fabric are then folded over and stitched together to create a strong, durable fabric that is often used for rugs, blankets, and other heavy-duty items. Kharad weaving is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process that requires a lot of skill and patience. The resulting fabric is beautiful, durable, and highly valued for its quality and craftsmanship. Today, Kharad weaving is still practiced by very few skilled artisans, who are working to preserve this traditional weaving technique and keep it alive for future generations. Shree Tejsi bhai and his son Samat Ji are renowned Kharad weavers from Kutch, Gujarat, India. They belong to a family of weavers who have been practicing the craft of Kharad weaving for generations. They are one of the last few families left practicing this age old weaving technique in India. Tejsi bhai is known for his exceptional skills in Kharad weaving. He has mastered the art of weaving using wool from the sheep that are bred in the region. What makes Tejsi bhai’s work unique is his ability to incorporate traditional designs and motifs into his weavings. He has developed new colour combinations, patterns, and designs, giving a modern touch to this traditional craft. Samat ji his son who is equally talented has also developed new weaving techniques to create more intricate and complex patterns to keep the craft relevant to changing times. The father - son duo has not only helped to preserve and promote Kharad weaving but has also created economic opportunities for local communities in the region. His efforts have helped bring recognition to the art of Kharad weaving and have made it more accessible to people all over the world. Shree Tejsi bhai has received several awards and recognition for his work in Kharad weaving, including the “National Award for Master Craftsman” by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in 2005. Samat ji, following his father’s footsteps has also earned plenty of recognition and several awards for his work in Kharad weaving. In 2013, he was awarded the “National Award for Master Craftsman” by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, for his outstanding contribution to Kharad weaving. He has also received awards from the Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya, a centre for traditional art and crafts education in Kutch. A Sustainable and Animal-Friendly Textile Production Method During my interview with Samat ji, he provided me with numerous reasons why kharad weaving is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice that is kind to animals and the planet. He highlighted the use of natural fibers, the absence of harmful chemicals, the handmade process, the low-waste production, and the durability of the final product. His insights into the craft helped me understand why it is so important to support sustainable textile production and preserve the traditional knowledge of skilled artisans. Ethical treatment of livestock: Since the kharad weavers are a Pastoral community, they have traditionally relied on livestock for their livelihoods, and they have developed unique ways of caring for their animals. Pastoral communities move their herds to different grazing lands including wild grasses and shrubs depending on the season and weather conditions. This mobility allows their animals to graze on fresh and nutritious grass and reduces the risk of overgrazing and land degradation. They also practice natural disease prevention methods, such as using herbal remedies and avoiding the overuse of antibiotics. They prioritize the welfare of their animals as they are their livelihood. Factory farmed animals raised for their wool are cruelly treated and maintained. It typically involves keeping animals in confined spaces and feeding them artificial feed and supplements. The animals are often bred for specific traits that maximize productivity, and their natural behaviours and needs may not be prioritized. This can lead to issues such as animal welfare concerns, environmental degradation, and the overuse of antibiotics. Use of Natural Fibers: Kharad weaving uses natural fibers such as wool, camel hair, and cotton, which are renewable and biodegradable. This means that they can be grown or harvested again and again, without causing harm to the environment. Chemical-Free Process: Unlike many other textile production methods, kharad weaving does not use harmful chemicals, dyes, or bleaches. This reduces the environmental impact of the production process and ensures that the final product is safe for consumers to use. Handmade Process: Kharad weaving is a handcrafted process that requires minimal use of machinery, which reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the use of traditional handloom techniques helps to preserve the cultural heritage and skills of the artisans. Low Waste Production: The production process of kharad weaving involves minimal waste, as the leftover materials can be reused or recycled. This reduces the amount of waste that is generated during the production process, which is beneficial for the environment. Durability: Kharad weaving produces durable, high-quality textiles that can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacement and consumption of resources. This means that the production process has a lower overall impact on the environment, as fewer resources are needed to produce the same amount of textiles. The Negative Impact of Fake Art on Artisans and their Cultural Heritage Artisans who create genuine art often carry on a cultural heritage that has been passed down for generations. When fake art is sold as genuine, it can undermine the authenticity of the cultural heritage, leading to a loss of identity and heritage for the artisans and their community. Artisans often create genuine art by putting a lot of effort and time into developing their skills and techniques. If fake art is sold as genuine and achieves commercial success, it can discourage artisans from innovating and developing new styles or techniques, which is a big blow for their motivation to continue. My journey into the world of kharad weaving with Samat ji has been very enriching and insightful. I cannot stress the importance of supporting genuine artisans like Tejsi Ji and Sampat Ji. Their craft is not just a means of livelihood but a way of life that has been passed down through generations. By purchasing their handmade products, we not only support their livelihoods but also preserve a valuable cultural heritage. It is crucial to be aware of influencers who peddle misinformation and sell fake art, and to resist the temptation to buy cheap imitations. Let's make a conscious effort to stand for something that is authentic and sustainable. Remember, for Tejsi Bhai and Samat Ji, their craft is more than just a product - it is a representation of their tradition, their community, and their way of life. Let's do our part in preserving it for generations to come. As a reseller who sources ethically made artisan products directly from the source, I believe in fair and sustainable practices. While I make a small earning for the work I put in as a business owner, I do not want to profit from artists who are struggling to make ends meet. That's why I have listed a collection of Tejsi Ji and Samat Ji’s beautiful products below, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to them. I have also provided their contact details, so you can reach out to them directly, if you would like to support them further. My aim is to empower these talented artisans and promote their incredible work while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. Kindly reach out to him to support his craft in any way you can. Samat ji - +919726259046 Browse the collection of these stunning Sheep Wool Carpets, handwoven by Shree Tejshi & Samat Ji: To Buy: Contact us at: www.avbodhan.com/contact Call Samat Ji at: +919726259046

My journey to living a more sustainable, toxin free life started during the pandemic. I ditched the soap for ubtan, toothpaste for Ayurvedic tooth powder and so on. I started composting and managing my balcony garden and looking for ways to keep my plants healthy, without the use of toxic chemicals. My pursuit was to live more consciously, reduce the waste I generate and minimise pollutants coming from within my household. In the process to stay healthy my consumption of fresh, naturally grown fruits and vegetables had increased. The compost bin would often be filled within a couple of days and it seemed such a waste to throw away these precious peels in the garbage bin. Vani Murthy on one of her Instagram posts mentioned about bio enzymes as a cleaning alternative. This sparked my interest to learn more about it. In this blogpost, I share the many uses of Bio enzymes as an eco-friendly alternative, its environmental impact and the process of making bio enzyme in an Indian home What are Bio Enzymes? Enzymes are biological catalysts (also known as bio-catalysts) that speed up reactions in the living organisms, and which can be pulled out from cells and then used to catalyse a wide range of commercially important processes. Bio Enzymes (also referred to as Garbage Enzyme or Fruit Enzyme) are organic compounds produced by fermentation of fresh vegetable/fruit waste in the presence of water and jaggery. This anaerobic fermentation generates natural chains of the capacity to breakdown, modify, create and catalyze functions that make it an astonishing cleaning support in a household as well as several other applications. Bio Enzyme is a multi-purpose, natural cleaner produced from vegetable/fruit peels (usually citrus) or waste. It is an effective alternative to harsh chemicals such as bleach, phenyl, and other chemical solutions we typically use in households to wash our bathrooms, clean toilets, wipe our floors, tiles and other surfaces. Chemically, they are a mixture of complex organic substances such as proteins, salts and other materials that are by-products of the bacteria/yeast that we will use to make bio enzymes. These organic substances are capable of breaking down chemical and other organic wastes thus helping us in removing stains, odour, getting rid of other harmful microbes, etc. They also greatly neutralise toxins and pollutants. These enzymes have gained popularity in recent years due to their various uses as a cleaning agent, fertiliser, and even as a natural pesticide. Discovery of natural bio enzymes as a cleaning agent and plant fertilizer The discovery of these enzymes was made in 1982 when a Japanese researcher named Dr. Teruo Higa was studying the effect of micro-organisms on plant growth. Through his research, Dr. Higa discovered a mixture of beneficial micro-organisms that he called EM (Effective Micro-organisms). EM is a combination of different bacteria, yeast, and fungi that work together to promote plant growth and improve soil quality. Dr. Higa also discovered that EM can be used as a natural cleaning agent. When EM is mixed with water and sugar, it ferments and produces bio enzymes that are highly effective at breaking down dirt and stains. These bio enzymes work by breaking down the complex molecules in dirt and organic matter, making it easier to remove. The discovery of natural bio enzymes as a cleaning agent and plant fertiliser has revolutionised the way we think about cleaning and agriculture. Unlike chemical cleaning agents and fertilisers, bio enzymes are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. They are also highly effective and can be made using simple and inexpensive ingredients. It is known that micro-organism exist everywhere on earth and humans are living in an ocean of them. Wherever we go, we continuously host about 100 trillion microorganism in and outside our bodies. Approximately 85% of the organisms humans consume enter our bodies via the air, compared to only 15% from food. So, we are continuously adsorbing tons of microbes and pollutants, yet living mostly unharmed. However, we can improve the nature of our interaction with microbes and help keep it continuously balanced through intelligently using these microbes to our advantage Bio enzymes is chemical free so you can use them abundantly and safely for your family and pets. At the same time, you can contribute to help the natural environment when using Bio Enzymes, for instance, by pouring Bio Enzymes in your drain ditch or toilet waste water is not always just a pollutant, it can carry microbes beneficial to the ecosystem. Below are some ideas to use Bio Enzyme domestically: House Care Regardless of how many chemicals you use to disinfect and kill harmful bacteria, you cannot kill all of it since we are continuously living in an ocean of microbes. However, you can use bio enzymes to control and balance beneficial and harmful bacteria. Use it to clean up your house by spraying and wiping the floor in every corner of your kitchen and bathrooms. This will promote the activities of good microbes and reduce static electricity that increases the accumulation of dust. You can also freshen the air in your rooms by using Bio enzyme in your house to eliminate bad odors. Washing Clothes Adding Bio enzymes into your washing will ease the removal of dirt and sebum from clothes. Further, you will not need to use fabric softeners since clothes will become naturally softer and smoother. Meanwhile, discharging waste water that contains good microbes will promote the natural purification. By diluting bio enzymes in the right proportion with soap nut extract and other natural ingredients they can be made into shampoos, face wash, hand wash, body wash, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent etc. They have a plethora of use as a cleaning agent that is gentle to the skin, soil and ground water. Pets As they are 100% natural and safe, bio enzymes can also be used for your pets. Spraying bio enzymes or using it to bathe your dog or cat will reduce the use of chemical products and help to stimulate and balance beneficial microorganisms in their bodies. Their hair will also be softer. Elderly People and Babies You can use Bio enzyme for washing babies’ cups or plates and even their toys. Children and elderly persons will be kept safe and comfortable in an environment free of foul smells and full of beneficial microbes that will help to control sanitation problems as well. Grey water treatment Kitchen waste can be recycled using bio enzymes, with the help of a treatment bucket, you can reduce your daily waste while producing organic fertilizer full of nutrients. Properly executed it can prevent the organic waste from becoming rotten, thereby eliminating foul odors. Gardening Fertilizers made from kitchen waste fermented with bio enzymes can be used in your gardens to enrich soils with nutrients and beneficial microbes that will work in sync with the natural microbes existing in garden soil. Plants will grow in a healthy way, resistant against pests and free of chemicals. Thus, garden produce will be safer for consumption. Cleaning Groundwater: Bio enzymes have been used to clean groundwater in rural areas that are affected by pollution. For example, in Tamil Nadu, bio enzymes were used to clean a contaminated well in the village of Gudalur. The bio enzymes were able to break down the pollutants and clean the well, making the water safe for drinking. Soil Stabilisation Enzyme stabilisation is commonly demonstrated by termites; "Ant saliva", full of enzymes, is used to build soil structures which are rock hard and meters high. These structures are known to stand firm despite heavy tropical rain seasons. TerraZyme is a natural, non-toxic, liquid enzyme formulation that alters the physical and chemical features of soil. This enzymatic process improves the engineering qualities in the soil facilitating higher compaction densities and increasing the soil stability through closer bonding of particles. When TerraZyme is added to soil, it catalyzes the breakdown of organic materials and increases the wetting and bonding capacity of the soil particles. It allows soil materials to become more easily wet and more densely compacted. Also, it improved chemical bonding helps to fuse the soil particles together, creating a more permanent structure that is more resistant to weathering, wear and water penetration. Steps to Make Bio Enzymes at Home: [Watch the video] Making citrus bio enzymes at home is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients. Ingredients: • Citrus peels or whole fruits (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, pomelo) • Jaggery (chemical free) • Water (free from impurity) • A large plastic container (preferably with a screw cap) • Muslin cloth/strainer Instructions: • Rinse the citrus peels thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. • Cut the citrus peels into small pieces so they can easily fit into the plastic container • Bio-enzyme is prepared by taking the ratio of 1:3:10. In this ratio there is 10 parts of water, 3 parts of citrus peels, 1 part of jaggery. I took a small coffee tumbler as my measure. You can use any utensil as per your convenience and use the same container to measure all three ingredients. • Add the jaggery and water to the jar and stir well and then add the citrus peel. The peels will float at the top at first but as the day goes by and it starts fermenting it will start to sink. • Fasten the lid of the jar or bottle to shut the container tightly. • For one month you should release the pressure of the bottle every day after which it can be kept with the lid tightly shut for another two months. • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for these three months. During this time, the mixture will ferment and produce natural enzymes. • After three months, strain the mixture through the muslin cloth and transfer the liquid to a clean container. • Your citrus bio enzymes are now ready to use as a natural cleaning agent or plant fertiliser. You can accelerate the whole process of fermentation by adding 1/2 tea spoon dry active yeast to the solution. The bio enzymes will be ready in 45 days. Since I have the time, I am choosing to make my batch without the dry active yeast and wait for 3 months instead. Precautions: • Ensure that all equipment used for making citrus bio enzymes is thoroughly cleaned and sterilised to avoid contamination. • It’s preferable to use organic or pesticide-free citrus fruit and jaggery to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the mixture. • Store the plastic container in a dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Tips to ensure your citrus bio enzymes are good to use: • Check the colour and smell of the bio enzymes. They should have a light brown colour and a sweet-sour smell. • If the bio enzymes have a foul odour or a moldy appearance, do not use them. • Store the bio enzymes in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life. Making citrus bio enzymes at home is a simple and eco-friendly process, by following the above steps and precautions, you can ensure that your citrus bio enzymes are safe, effective and good to use. Overall, bio enzymes made from fruits and vegetables are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical cleaning agents and fertilisers. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly effective, making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable living.

Today, I want to talk about a topic that is very close to my heart - working with indigenous artisans of West Bengal, particularly female artists. In this blog, I will be sharing with you the reasons behind why I have started working with these artists and the impact it has had on me. West Bengal is a treasure trove of diverse traditions that have evolved over centuries. Shantiniketan is a small town in West Bengal that is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. It is home to many talented artists, particularly those belonging to the Santhal community. I was introduced to these artists through a friend, and as soon as I saw their work, I was amazed by their creativity. I stumbled upon something quite unique, Jewellery made out of seeds and grass, however despite their creativity and talent, many of these artists struggle to make ends meet due to lack of resources and exposure. This is where my journey with them began. I started by collaborating with a few female artists and purchasing their work to support them financially. As our relationship grew, I began to learn more about their lives, culture, and art forms. This led me to realise that their work is not only beautiful but also holds significant cultural and historical value. I wanted to share this with the world and help preserve their traditions. The Santhal community, an indigenous tribe in India, has a rich cultural heritage and a unique artistic tradition. This community is one of the largest tribal communities in India, and they have a deep connection to the land and nature. They are known for their sustainable agricultural practices and their ability to live in harmony with the environment. This connection to nature is reflected in their art, which often depicts scenes from the natural world From nature to art - the remarkable art of seed jewellery I have a very special guest with me - Sumati, a talented female seed jewellery artist from the Santhal community of West Bengal. I am thrilled to have her with me to talk about her art, her inspiration, and her journey as an artist. She picked this craft from her uncle when she was a child and has been practicing it for more than 10 years now. Meet the remarkable artisan who takes natural materials like seeds, beads and grass to a whole new level. She's a collector, a processor, and a creative mastermind all rolled into one. Her passion for nature is reflected in her craft, as she only works with natural materials that she forages herself. For her jewellery collection, she went on a quest to find palm leaves that were at least 30 years old. After gathering them in bunches, she got to work on processing them. With a hammer in hand, she pounded away at the leaves, softening them and preparing them for the next step. Next, she meticulously scraped off any imperfections with a sharp blade, until the leaves were just right. Then came the soaking stage, where the entire bunch of leaves was submerged in water for a week. This process gave the leaves their unique, earthy brown color, making them perfect for her jewellery making. But the process wasn't over yet. Before creating her stunning pieces, she soaked the leaves once again to make them soft and flexible, allowing her to bend and shape them into the beautiful jewellery designs she's known for. Sumati’s dedication to using natural materials and her expertise in processing them into stunning jewelry pieces is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her work is not only a testament to her creativity but also to her deep respect and connection to the natural world. Battling challenges - the toll of handmade craftsmanship Crafting handmade items is not without its challenges, as Sumati can attest to. Finding the right raw materials is no easy feat, as it requires the hunting of old trees that are suitable for harvesting. But despite this challenge, this artisan perseveres and puts in the time and effort needed to source the best materials. When asked about her income, she explains that it's enough to get by, with the winter season from October to February being the most profitable. Summers can be slow, but she's able to supplement her income through handicraft fairs. However, the work takes a toll on her body. Working indoors for 3-4 hours at a stretch has caused pain in her shoulder and affected her vision. But despite the physical challenges, she's adapted to the work and continues to create beautiful pieces. One of the biggest challenges she faces is the lack of understanding from some customers. They fail to appreciate the effort and time it takes to source and process high-quality raw materials that will last. Instead, they question the value of her work, assuming that the materials are easy to find. But for those who understand the value of her work, bargaining is never an issue. Sumati’s story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of handmade craftsmanship. It's not just about the final product, but also about the dedication and passion that goes into every piece. The next time you purchase a handmade item, remember the hard work and skill that went into creating it. My collaboration with indigenous artisans, particularly female artists has been an incredible journey for me. It has allowed me to support and empower them while also learning and preserving their cultural heritage. I encourage everyone to explore and appreciate the art and culture of indigenous communities and support them in any way you can. When you buy from an indeginous artisan, you are not just purchasing a beautiful piece of art – you are also supporting sustainable practices and the preservation of traditional crafts. Unlike mass-produced objects, each piece is made with care and attention to detail, ensuring that it will last for years to come. By supporting these artisans, you are also helping to support the local economy and preserve traditional cultural practices. Many of these artisans come from families that have been making handicrafts for generations, and buying their work helps to ensure that these traditions will continue to be passed down. So next time you're looking for a special gift or a unique piece of décor, consider buying from these rural artisans – you won't be disappointed! Click below to help support her work >