Rangoli – NMartworks

In the Holiday mood, I am also going to take a break next week. Most people have already signed off till New Years. As a shop owners, we are busy making products, posting on social media, settling accounts, packing, shipping and making new and the cycle continues year round. That makes us use our phones for long hours at work. A little digital detox to spend time with yourself, family and nature can rejuvenate us.

And we can come back in the New Year refreshed and charged up for another year ahead. Many people also use this time to upgrade their skills, read up on books they always wanted to. I started my Blog this year in September 2020. I have 17 Posts by now. The response to the Blog has been overwhelming. It’s been a good journey with your love, support and encouragement.

So I thought I would do this year in a review post. Helps me connect with the new followers too! Here is a list of the posts I have done on Arts and Crafts so far. You may click on the title to go to the post. All these are listed on my Blog page – ‘The Art Life’

My first ArtSeptember 1, 2020
Two Easy drawings for kids just learning to Draw. Beginner level.
Artist on the Go!September 1, 2020
Suggestions for Art material any Art lover can carry along with them while on the go!
Understanding ColoursSeptember 2, 2020
Decoding some jargons and understanding colours with the Colour Wheel
What should I draw?September 13, 2020
What should I draw? How to find an interesting topic to draw.
Let’s make Greeting Cards with easeSeptember 19, 2020
Step by Step DIY simple easy method to make Greeting Cards using Ink and Watercolours
Pencil Mania – Part 1 ; Selecting the right pencils for your ArtSeptember 24, 2020
This article will help you make an informed purchase decision the next time you go to an Art store to buy pencils for your Art.
Pencil Mania – Part 2; Charcoals, Pastels and Woodless PencilsOctober 1, 2020
How to select Art Material for Charcoal and Pastels Painting? Explaining the technical names along with their similarities and differences with other Pencils used in Art.
Paper Flowers ; Decorate Paper Bags, Gift Tags or Greeting Cards for the Festive SeasonOctober 9, 2020
A complete step-by-Step guide to making these simple and easy decorative Paper Flowers
Serious about Art : The way aheadOctober 13, 2020
If you are serious about Art and wish to take it up. Sharing how to take it ahead. Formalised Training and Art Examinations.
‘Healing with Art – Art Therapy’ by Guest Blogger – Dr.Wilona Annunciation (MD)October 23, 2020
Dr. Wilona Annunciation, a practising Psychiatrist is our Guest Blogger this week. She shares her experience and thoughts on Mental Health and healing with Art – Art Therapy.
Three Arts that you can give a try – Doodle Art, Zentangle Art and Mandala ArtOctober 30, 2020
As the title says I’m sharing three Arts I feel everyone can try. It requires no prior experience or knowledge in Art. One can begin any time. Easy to learn and there is no right or wrong here. I’m talking about Doodle Art, Zentangle Art and Mandala Art.
Be Creative! Do Not Copy – Copyrights in Artistic WorksNovember 5, 2020
Sharing what I learnt when I studied the Copyright Law in simple language for everyone to understand. Tried to keep it to our daily language of conversation while introducing the main topics to read up on.
Rangoli ArtNovember 12, 2020
Sharing my Rangoli Art and Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali!
Calligraphy : A Visual ArtNovember 18, 2020
Learning this beautiful unique visual art related to writing. Answering your questions on Calligraphy- What is it? Where to start? What materials to buy? And more
Book Recommendations – Arts and CraftsNovember 25, 2020
Four Books I can recommend for Arts and Crafts Lovers. You may want to buy these and learn a new skill – Sewing, Candle Making, Gift Wrapping and Napkin Folding.
Paper Quilling – A World Of Infinite PossibilitiesDecember 1, 2020
Learn about the Art of Paper Quilling and it’s world of infinite possibilities. A Step-by-Step tutorial to making two basic types of beads with explanations to the other varieties. We make a Christmas Tree Ornament using the crafting methods we learn.
Selecting Pens and Markers for your ArtDecember 9, 2020
Answering your questions on selecting Pens and Markers for your Arts and Crafts
Year in a ReviewDecember 16, 2020
A list of all the Posts on the Blog so far. Easy links to the posts in case you missed out on any.

So just in case you missed out on reading any of them, you still can. Please note the Blog page shows only the last 10posts and so to see the previous ones you may use the links above or scroll to previous posts.

If you like reading my posts and wish to continue our association, you may click follow or subscribe to the Blog. This will make the posts come to your Email Inbox and you may read them at your convenience.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December Calendar with a Christmas Wreath that I created Digitally

This is an Instant Digital Download (JPEG) File that can be purchased at my Etsy Shop NMARTWORKS Picture Format opens with any Photo Editing Software. Once you pay, you can instantly download and use.

Diwali is here! Diwali is an Indian Festival celebrated for 4-5days. Like every other Indian Festival this one has a story too. It was a celebration when Prince Rama returned home after completing 14yrs in exile and defeating his strongest enemy Raavan. So his whole Kingdom – The Kingdom of Ayodhya (then included India) was decorated with lights and colours to celebrate his arrival and victory. We also celebrate a New Calendar Year. Everything is closed for the Holidays just like Christmas- New Years. We exchange gifts, sweets, wishes and celebrate.

Rangoli Art — Diwali theme Rangoli – Ram Sita

My favourite thing about Diwali is ‘Rangoli’. These are artistic designs we create on the floors with materials like rice paste, flowers, coloured salt, white or coloured stone powder or paints. Almost every home and office makes these designs at the entrance. It is believed to attract positive vibes. Different types of Rangolis :-

1) Floating Rangoli with Flowers and Floating Diyas

2) Rangoli made using petals of different Flowers

3) Rangoli from Quartz or Stone Powder

4) Kolam – White Powder usually but can be coloured also

5) Alpana – White Paste from Rice flour or Paint

6) Readymade Rangoli

They are different in terms of the material used and the designs. I have tried my hand at all of these at some point of time. Beginners can try the flower ones and floating ones. They are relatively simpler. With a higher level of difficulty one can try Kolam and Alpana and then of course the traditional regular colourful designs done with coloured powder. Shading and making realistic paintings are of the highest difficulty level.

Rangoli Making — The making of my Ram Sita theme Rangoli Art

We get various tools that help us in making the Rangoli. We also get stencils to assist the process. More so we even get ready made stickers or Rangoli pieces to assemble. One such variety is the the one with decorated acrylic pieces or cardboard pieces. These are just to be placed on the floor as per your choice.

‘Art remains, only the tools keep changing’

However I don’t get my creative satisfaction until I make one like the traditional ones with coloured powder. The Internet is overflowing with tutorials and designs for Rangolis. I do browse through to find some ideas and inspiration, then add my hard work and special touch to them. That is why I say ‘Art remains, only the tools keep changing’. Sharing my Rangoli Art works.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year! I do have some Digital Downloads at my Etsy shop with Diwali designs. Creative Adults are all children at heart. So here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Children’s Day too! Have an Arty Weekend!