Appliqued lamps or "Diya"s

Tote bags or "batua"s - hand embroidered & appliqued.

I started making these ornate bags in
different shapes & sizes as a personal campaign against wastage of
paper & time in gift wrapping. I personally keep such bags handy for
giving gifts.For keeping delicate gifts, some of the bags are
quilted. Even by themselves they make pretty gifts. The idea is to
recycle them.The person who receives gift in any such bag can reuse
the same bag for giving one.Many bags have ornate traditional Indian
"oil lamps" or "diyas"appiqued on them.Diya is a symbol of auspcious,
happy occasions.I have also used "zari" borders(golden & silver
both),handmade laces(quite a few of them are handmade, anitique & of
real gold & silver wires),fabric paint,ribbon bows etc.to "dress"
them up.Some of the bags also have little trinklets stitched
on,though they are not visible in the photographs.

The black leather frame

An abstract with blues & natural colored silks in a black leather frame.