Organic Sarees For The Saree Lovers

Life has taken a decisive turn towards everything organic today- so why should sarees be left behind? Yes, the organic saree has captured the discerning saree lover and wearer globally. A revolution of sorts is fast taking over the global Indian woman.

What is the difference between an Organic Saree and an Inorganic Saree? 

Lets define organic first- Anything that is made through the natural process without using any chemicals, pesticides or any artificial component is called organic.

Hence, an organic saree is a saree that is made using natural raw materials and dyes. These dyes and raw materials are grown using organic production methods and which have a low impact on environment without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers! As a result the saree is 100% naturally woven without any harm done to the environment or to the wearer.

The organic saree is fast becoming a great production option being adopted by weavers. Weavers are being encouraged by designers as well as wearers to churn out more natural fabrics and sarees. Albeit, a tad expensive, these sarees project a different look altogether from their chemically produced cousins. The fabrics also do not cause any skin irritation ang give off a very sophisticated, elegant and stylish look to the wearer!

Organic sarees have garnered a huge international market apart from taking the Indian market by storm. Handloom institutions such as Co- Optex have been holding regular exhibition cum sale events across the country to promote the organic saree as well as encourage more and more weavers to switch to organic weaving.

A wide range from fabrics ranging from cotton, to tussar to silk, this plethora of unique fabrics is a pleasant sight to the eye due to their sombre and earthy toned colours that juxtapose so beautifully with the myriad patterns and designs of the well -made sarees.

This passion of keeping alive the grand old tradition of weaving sarees in the authentic hand - weaving machines, has been upheld by several entrepreneurs who are leaving no stone unturned to revive and continue this precious Indian art.

Another step towards environment and art consciousness! Amen!

Habitat Times is a venture focusing on spreading consciousness about a sustainable , future worthy, livable habitat. Connect with us at EcoHabitat.Times@gmail.com

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Making A Tray Garden

Transform a large tray and a collection of small-scale plants into an enchanted landscape.... From the teeny-tiny glass house to itty-bitty tools and thimble-size pots, the design works as a study in detail.

Set it on a sturdy plant stand or in the middle of a dining table for a captivating scene. Make a similar landscape in a smaller tray to fit a windowsill or shelf.

Tray Created by Seema Talreja ( Resident of South Ex , C 19), New Delhi

Materials Required & Directions:

1. Get a suitable tray ( with holes at the bottom) for your 'Tray Garden'. The tray should be preferably made of terracotta or any earth material . However, other trays can also be used .

2. For decoration purpose we need miniature fountain, fencing, benches, garden tools, and pots etc.

3. All plants to be used in the tray garden should be of same nature, eg all succulents, all cactus or all water plants etc to be used. Also, plants which do not grow very fast should be used so as to keep the garden from growing out of bounds. Regular trimming may be required in case of rapid growth.

Some plants which can be used are Fycus varigated, Mondu grass, Syngonium miniature, Hamelia miniature, Golden Duranta, Asparagus, Baby tears, Jade, Lavender etc.

4. Soil Mix should not be much healthy so that plants do not grow much taller. To make the soil mixture we will need - 2 part solarized garden soil, cleaned , non infected (Can microwave or give the soil hot water treatment) and filtered (to remove hard elements), 1 part rotten cow dung manure, 1part leaf mould, 1 spoon bonemeal and 1 spoon neemkhali (bark of neem tree)  and small pieces of brick or pots.

5. Close tray holes with brick or broken pot pieces. Place in concave manner.

7. Place a layer of soil around 2 inch thick covering the tray fully.

8. Take out each plant from the nursery soil and clean completely and then put in the tray soil. To add plants, begin with the largest specimens and fill in with alpines and ground covers. When planting, gently loosen root balls and shake loose extraneous soil, if necessary, to tuck the roots into the potting mix. Leave room for pathways and your selection of miniature features, such as a glass house, fountain, and other accessories.

9. Add more soil mix to cover roots.

10. Add a top layer of small stones to cover soil mix completely.

11. Add the decorations as per your choice. However, too many and varied decorations may spoil the look of the tray garden. Our aim is to highlight the plants and not the decorative accessories. The accessories should just be enough to add an element of interest to the landscape.

12. With the plants and furnishings in place, sprinkle aquarium gravel over any exposed potting mix to prevent erosion.

13.Water thoroughly after planting; thereafter, water only when the potting mix feels dry.

14.To prevent damage to furniture, place the container on a waterproof tray before setting it on your plant stand or table.

by Dr Anindita Roy with inputs from Anu Lamba, AIKGA Unit 7A

http://www.ecohabitat.co.in/2018/02/natural-and-organic-is-buzz-word.html

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Explore The Beauty Of Natural Gemstones With Designer Chetna Kumar

From before recorded history, Natural beads have been used as both ornament and as currency. The earliest known use was in France approximately 38,000 years ago.

By Natural Beads, we mean beads made from semi-precious gem-stones, which are excavated from mother Earth. These are not synthetic plastic stones which many jewellers use in artificial jewellery. Gemstone beads are natural and organic.

Jewellery Designer Chetna Kumar uses natural Gemstones and beads which are not colour dyed plastic beads. The beads she uses are totally organic and natural, made from naturally excavated gem stones. 

Says, Designer Chetna Kumar, “Whenever I explored the sprawling markets of Jaipur jewellery, it always crossed my mind why this magnificence was not shared more with the world. With a plethora of gemstones and semi-precious stones, Jaipur is the heart of Indian jewellery. It was not long before I decided to use my passion and interest for designing for the introduction of these little beauties to the rest of the country, in any form that was desired. Whether it is a heavy set of beaded necklace or a subtle pendant with light work, everything can be fashioned into something beautiful and exclusive. After all, why should originality suffer in the showrooms of big cities? The biggest advantage of jewellery designing is that every customer can play a part in the designing of their jewellery. I provide custom-made pieces to people just how they like it. This ensures that they get what they're looking for without any compromises and there is no chance of someone else owning the same piece. 

Designing is not just a procedure for me, it is passion that comes alive with intricate designs and dainty patterns. And when worn with love, it stands out every single time. 

Come, explore Jaipur with me, get interwoven in its classical patterns of colours and joi de vivre.”

by Anindita Roy  (habitat.times@gmail.com)

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Meet The Designer - Shalini Saluja Of Indie Cotton Route

Hello Friends,

I am Shalini Saluja from Indie Cotton Route and I am sharing the story of my journey into the world of fashion design.

I completed my Electronics Engg. and worked as an applications Engg. in IIGM to train export houses on the CAD & CAM systems in 1993-94 . Here , I was sponsored to a course in Fashion Design from Pearl Academy of Fashion to help me understand the clientele better.

Soon after I had to quit my job because I had a small daughter to take care of. Hence, I started a small clothing business from my house. It was then that I traveled to different parts of India to work closely with the weavers and craftsmen. I could see the value in our homemade textiles and techniques which did not have a wider reach due to lack of contemporary  and stylish designs.

The market was flooded with uncomfortable synthetic flashy clothes which the growing conscious independent urban population could not relate to.

So 4 years back I started my company Indie Cotton Route which worked closely with the Artisans to create designs which had an international appeal , provided a customised experience of the Indian textiles and fabrics which were eco friendly and sustained the ecosystem. 

Many of my existing clients who believed in my work for the past 15 to 20 years also saw an opportunity and approached me to to set up studios in their house through which they could earn an identity and money at the same time contribute to the craftsmen and the ecosystem.

Do visit my website ‘Indie Cotton Route’ to view the whole range of our cotton products specially handcrafted with love and care.

You may also drop in at my studio by fixing an appointment with me through ‘Indie Cotton Route’.

Read More About Our Sustainable Fashion Venture...

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Home Decor Designer Moumita Saha

Meet The Young Designer ...

Moumita Saha, loves to make creative home decor products such as gel candles, cup cake candles, decorative candles. She also makes antique jewelry, home made beauty products, cards , gift items and many more. 

She started her start-up in the name of 'Delight Decor' where you can find custom designed home decor products. 

Apart from this Moumita also loves to write small poems for kids which has been published in Chitra magazine, kolkata. 

Originally, a HR(IT recruiter) of Acuminous Software she is a multi-talented person with a gift of creativity.

Do visit our exhibition and check out her beautiful products.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1918791891666099

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Hypnotherapist & Neurolinguist Programmer

Meet The Expert...

Roopa Sharma is a Lawyer (Government Law College, Mumbai) and a Solicitor (Supreme Court of London and Wales).

She is a professional hypnotherapist and is also trained in Neurolinguistic programming .

She has been a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner since 2013 and is the first Indian trainer for Bach Centre (UK) approved course for Level 1.

Roopa has the following credentials to back up her expertise :
• Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner (Bach Center, UK)
• Trainer, Level 1 for Bach Centre (UK) approved course
• Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist from California Hypnosis Institute (CHI), USA.
• Trainer for Hypnotherapy
• Regression Therapist, CHI-U.S.A,
• Past Life Regression Therapist, CHI-U.S.A
• Current Life Regression Physical Traumas by Dr. Hans Tendam of Tasso Instituut Netherland
• Life Start – Birth & Prenatal Traumas AND Life Choice – Life Planning & Preparation by Dr. Hans Tendam of Tasso Instituut Netherland
• Trans-personal Regression - by Dr. Hans Tendam of Tasso Instituut Netherland
• Class 1 Practitioner of Alternative Medicine, registered with Indian Board of Alternate Medicine, Calcutta.
• NLP by Dr Dick McHugh (Mumbai) Neurolinguistic programing or NLP helps parents, children and teens with their feelings and perception. It is a way to mold patterns of human behavior through our perceptive powers. These include our senses, culture, family, community, teachers, mentors, etc.

Do get in touch with her at RoopaSharma@yahoo.com

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Personality Development In Today's Times

Personality Development is a major point of discussion in today’s times.  A sound and able personality is very important for every progressive individual, be he/she a student, homemakers, professional or someone wanting to improve/change his/her persona. The process requires an orientation and mindset to change oneself for the better. Personality development involves working on communication, attitude, looks, attire, self portrayal, and overall presentation.

The process is typically carried out with a personality development coach who takes the individual through the entire development process and handholds the  coachee at each step to work on a particular aspect of development through training and practical sessions till the individual is well equipped to employ that improvement in his/her persona.

A student can improve his/her personality or mindspace to have more clarity on the career options. Students can also use personality tests to derive accurate results for correct career options. Personality development can further enable students to be fully prepared for job interviews.

Young professionals immensely benefit from personality development to gear up to be able to deliver at the workplace better. Regular coaching, mentoring and training at the workplace can turnaround performances of young teams in an organisation. The coaching may be undertaken on personal level or in a team.

Homemakers who want to create a niche for themselves with unique talent and develop their orientation to make careers out of it, can benefit from personality coaching techniques to chalk out a road map to monetize their talents.

Not only students, but teachers today also stand a good opportunity to better their teaching and interaction skills. A good, subjective teacher also would need a sound and interactive personality to be able to successfully and respectfully have a strong student following.

Change and improvement is the current buzzword in society today. Make your personality your best friend and publicity agent!

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Sustainable Fashion With Indie Cotton Route

Environment Conscious Population Demands 

Natural Fabrics & Handmade Couture !!

Our Startup "Indie Cotton Route" is focused on creating a demand and supply bridge between the Urban and the Rural population. At Indie Cotton Route we manufacture stylized handcrafted customized clothing.

We source our fabrics directly from the Artisans in the rural villages who are using indigenous techniques of weaving , printing and embroidery. There are no middlemen involved so the money is going directly to the weaver. We travel to these villages every few months to work closely with the craftsmen to create designs and prints which are in vogue but preserving the original art.

Our strong design and sampling  team then creates garments which have an international appeal and then retail through various online market places like the national geographic website novica.com , Jaypore.com , our own website www.indiecottonroute.com .

We a have a growing urban population who is environment conscious and create a demand for handmade, natural fibre indigenous clothing which is symbiotically catered to by the rural  Artisan population.

We have created a physical studio also to retail and plan to have these studios all over India and abroad for Indian handmade clothing and accessories in partnership with women who would like to have their own independent business.

By Shalini Saluja @ Indie Cotton Route

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