tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74134351322956201902024-03-08T11:05:32.699+05:30SwardaaSwapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-28357578481129882922020-04-10T12:41:00.000+05:302020-04-10T12:41:47.886+05:30Lock down, And A Flashback!! <div>Warning: Lengthy post</div><div><br></div><div>I have not posted anything very personal in this blog, except for sharing snippets of my creative journey. But the times are absolutely against the norm, so a post like this seems to suit the overall vibe right now. </div><div>It is day 17 of the mandated nationwide lock down in India, to combat the spread of the Corona virus, and the mood on social media is decidedly not upbeat. Though there are some spectacular creations being shared by the artist community worldwide, be it dance, music, sculpting, painting, pottery and others. Hard to feel positive when there are so many losing livelihoods, lives and loved ones all over. </div><div><br></div><div>For me personally, with a few art projects to complete, a 6 month old adorable niece to cuddle, and time enough to bond with my sister,parents and daughter, an e-reader with access to any number of books, and in contact with all friends and family, it is tough to complain, except for the fact that my husband got stuck in Chennai, though he too is home. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSedbCTK6Ek/XoeM7U486KI/AAAAAAAAEbg/tQb3z9Mq9G4Z9DvkD_ordr3JNH5H3oeRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1585941673081021-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSedbCTK6Ek/XoeM7U486KI/AAAAAAAAEbg/tQb3z9Mq9G4Z9DvkD_ordr3JNH5H3oeRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1585941673081021-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div>This is one of the projects that I am working on, and at times I have a tiny assistant to keep me company. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjSQW6qawo9A6WrxlL0GIufOtTxPllbCBXADOvjom29Ku-TP3vqQ3oul6par90b1F4QSTn0TMxI9Q_Uxx56NEFdJvB0RGiFyVflL1MTeAHr3gaEFWQOqPEIe0XnVT7HDQOjgLl76_62s/s1600/1585941622852027-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjSQW6qawo9A6WrxlL0GIufOtTxPllbCBXADOvjom29Ku-TP3vqQ3oul6par90b1F4QSTn0TMxI9Q_Uxx56NEFdJvB0RGiFyVflL1MTeAHr3gaEFWQOqPEIe0XnVT7HDQOjgLl76_62s/s1600/1585941622852027-1.png" width="400">
</a>
</div>It is not easy to work while caring for a baby, but this takes me back about 11 years ago, when I had a toddler and was confined to a room, at a sort of crossroads that led me here and now. </div><div><br></div><div>The biggest reason why the lock down now feels easier is that I am in a healthier condition than I was all those years ago. True, I was a decade younger, but physically, I was a wreck. And while I have told a handful of people what I went through, there has not been a total disclosure about it. </div><div><br></div><div>I had a very active toddler, who took only catnaps that barely lasted a half hour. The silver lining was that she was a very happy child who barely cried or made a fuss. We were in Gurgaon, and I was not used to the cold weather. Having been misdiagnosed as having PCOS, the medicines that I had taken were causing many a side effect. Substantial weight gain and painful periods were just the beginning. </div><div><br></div><div>The winter months were excruciating, with water retention causing all my joints to swell. Some mornings, it took a while to get out of bed, because my knees would not bend. So I had to roll to the edge, lower a leg, then lift up holding on to the headboard. The fact that even the soles of my feet would be puffed up, did not make that exercise very enjoyable! </div><div><br></div><div>With a busy baby, just prone to mischief, we opted to spend the majority of the time on weekdays confined to a single room with the TV, a laptop, a shelf full of books and her toys. We spent our time watching cartoons, playing memory games, singing rhymes, introducing her to alphabets, numbers, vegetables, colours, and animals. It was a proud moment for me when she recognized 'brinjal' from her book at the vegetable shop.!</div><div><br></div><div>The relatively sunnier days, we took a walk to the park, where she could expend her energy. A couple of instances which started my grey hairs too - where she spotted dog poop and a big ant hole on separate occasions, split seconds before I could warn her, she would be squatting down with her nose an inch from it. Extracting her from her precarious position with knees that wouldn't bend well, and slow reflexes were the start of a few of my nightmares. </div><div><br></div><div>I started blogging at this time, putting up recipes and exploring my love for art anew. It was fun letting my baby mess with her own crayons, but she preferred to use the wall instead of the paper to get creative. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kn2RxBtw1qg/XpAcL3Flh7I/AAAAAAAAEcE/mNC-yfujdYcaCTsEqFJ3XVUnndLvQWMjACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1586502650080658-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kn2RxBtw1qg/XpAcL3Flh7I/AAAAAAAAEcE/mNC-yfujdYcaCTsEqFJ3XVUnndLvQWMjACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1586502650080658-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div></div><div><br></div><div>Her naughty smile! Mischief at all times!! </div><div><br></div><div>Once she started playschool, the questions about my going back to work started up from all quarters. But with no other caregivers available, I was not too keen to entrust my child to hired help. And surprisingly, a part time job that I could do from home opened up. I was all set to sign on, when I had a near breakdown for almost no reason. </div><div>After some intense soul-searching, I let my husband know that I wanted to be creatively engaged and not go back into a field that I really did not care for. Though being someone who is about numbers and being practical, he had my back and supported my dreams from day 1!</div><div><br></div><div>I joined a few workshops for mixed media art and followed the blogs of people who were earning their livelihoods with art. I practiced techniques, styles and explored various mediums. </div><div><br></div><div>We shifted to Delhi, and then a few months later to Chennai. The warm weather was better for my mobility, and I joined a course in jewelry making and simultaneously, discovered Cold Porcelain! </div><div><br></div><div>A few months later, I started a page named 'Swardaa' in 2011. I started selling both handmade jewelry and Cold porcelain miniatures. Also started this website 'Swardaa'</div><div><br></div><div>Since then, I have been on a learning curve, teaching art to children, sharing all that I knew, seeing creativity through the freshest and boldest perspectives! (children are fearless!!) I have had a few articles published in online magazines about my inspirations and artistic process. Had the great chance to take part in a an art collaboration with 300 mixed media artists worldwide, named 'Into the Forest'. </div><div><br></div><div>Right now into a second lockdown, this time not due to personal limitations, but for fighting to slow down a pandemic, I feel calm. Last time with severe limitations and at an unsettled stage, I did find the best way forward for me, took care of my child without mishaps, and founded a business. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Now, more than a decade older, and have lost about 1/3rd of my earlier size. Healthier than I have been in ages, business albeit down but not out, surrounded by family, doing our part of staying at home, is personally, not a huge deal. The past years have instilled a sense of tolerance to biding time while things out of our control sort itself. And an intolerance for people who never even lend a helping hand, but are ready with judgements and criticisms - like body shaming, making fun of my little hobby, etc. </div><div><br></div><div>Staying home means staying safer and in turn, keeping others safe as well. There can be freedom even in confinement, if it is spent well and results in personal betterment and sorting out life on our terms. It was great that my husband gave his wholehearted support, but it took me realising that I wanted to do what I loved, and not live for others, that got the ball rolling. And that came while living through a challenging phase. </div><div><br></div><div>Prayers and thanks to the support personnel all over the world, who have the toughest jobs in these trying times. Hoping for a safer and better tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-49258734843685785982019-02-22T11:36:00.000+05:302019-02-22T11:36:44.678+05:30First Post Of 2019 ! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2019!!<br />
<br />
February is nearly over, and here I am with the first post of this year! It has been productive this far, in terms of learning a style of art that I wanted to, for so long. The traditional style of Kerala mural art.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ3Vhy5Z5o4/XG-OLOhtA1I/AAAAAAAAER8/M1cxMOhhs_42DBrK7aoADbZWw4HePSHUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190208_101332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ3Vhy5Z5o4/XG-OLOhtA1I/AAAAAAAAER8/M1cxMOhhs_42DBrK7aoADbZWw4HePSHUgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190208_101332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a sneak peek at the one I am doing. The experience has been so rewarding! Being in the company of people who share similar passions, who speak the same language, understand the daily struggles ...<br />
<br />
The greatest blessing was that we got someone so gifted in the art to instruct us.. especially since it was exactly what I had been seeking for more than 2 decades!!<br />
<br />
The rest of my work as been a bit slow, but with a few orders already, I will have that side of things ticking along too..<br />
<br />
I am at that stage where shutting down self-doubt has become a bit easy..of course it must have to do with being on this path for more than 7 years, and knowing that this is where I want to be.<br />
<br />
So will be soon posting the projects I have completed so far.<br />
<br /></div>
Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-91216986683562836952018-11-13T12:39:00.000+05:302018-11-13T12:46:03.915+05:30Birds Of A Feather<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been five months nearly, since my last post. As I was nearing my birthday in September, there was this feeling of ennui, and an for renewal.<br />
I decided to join some sewing classes, though it is really not a joyous process where I am concerned! But the people I met there became good friends, on a similar creative bend, and their company was a great joy.<br />
<br />
I also made a time share arrangement of the space to conduct my art workshops. And again,it became the ground to meet some really interesting folk.<br />
<br />
It has been but a few weeks, and it feels like I have known some of them forever. It has been a chain reaction of sorts, and has led into an even bigger opportunity, to learn something that has been my dream for a couple of decades now!<br />
What THAT is,I will reveal by and by. Here too, meeting people with similar tastes and passion for art, discussions and sharing experiences, it has been a truly amazing couple of weeks ...<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, for my workshop, I started with Warli art, and plan to introduce other folk art like Madhubani, Kalamkari - mainly the motifs on that, since the original style cannot be done through workshops, and different mediums like charcoal art .<br />
<br />
A few pics of theWorkshop<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIYrq2cconU/W-p4Tivi3OI/AAAAAAAAEQU/NDv6mHAKpQEYMcLT76MKMwEoh-5xx7qWACLcBGAs/s1600/received_1907929675927527%257E3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="761" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIYrq2cconU/W-p4Tivi3OI/AAAAAAAAEQU/NDv6mHAKpQEYMcLT76MKMwEoh-5xx7qWACLcBGAs/s320/received_1907929675927527%257E3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSCXFk6HaI/W-p4XRkE4SI/AAAAAAAAEQY/DNLKoRZ7RVI3RUoCqihWGAhdiSnjsTp0ACLcBGAs/s1600/received_337946047013065%257E2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDSCXFk6HaI/W-p4XRkE4SI/AAAAAAAAEQY/DNLKoRZ7RVI3RUoCqihWGAhdiSnjsTp0ACLcBGAs/s320/received_337946047013065%257E2.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6OapoL-Jn4/W-p4ZZnB64I/AAAAAAAAEQc/RO9FNb1XuVwX_cvvyFLLFGD9VilrJqhXACLcBGAs/s1600/received_172992750308853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6OapoL-Jn4/W-p4ZZnB64I/AAAAAAAAEQc/RO9FNb1XuVwX_cvvyFLLFGD9VilrJqhXACLcBGAs/s320/received_172992750308853.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6nWS1oiJSI/W-p4b1_ZWSI/AAAAAAAAEQg/zKR6TXcxoHgQes7UG_ig4ORiYWvTXPr4ACLcBGAs/s1600/received_2085787008139875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1275" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6nWS1oiJSI/W-p4b1_ZWSI/AAAAAAAAEQg/zKR6TXcxoHgQes7UG_ig4ORiYWvTXPr4ACLcBGAs/s320/received_2085787008139875.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-16089716518598586282018-06-17T13:30:00.000+05:302018-06-17T13:48:30.654+05:30Vacation, Settling in And Back to Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Annual vacation starting a few days before April, was just a hectic time of preparation and making sure that schedules and lists were made in advance for - sightseeing in Doha, spending quality time with my brother and family, especially my cute nephew, visiting old friends and landmarks and also shopping !<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ghiu_ozNPO1Rx8tmtz0HMzaFY3uxqe4_CxDWoD8-GHx5_1g_T6UGKKZt_ywjP7Bjrmxsjt7fWZBBSExSMbL124_t3TbKgT-5v2ew1iuLQ2ySl8kXluCNlngvTnsfcqk0uUQtOsaRpcY/s1600/IMG_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbC_9KxDbRcmhsNcjT99VA5GnkEB24JNRaxgNBbFoBOs0w-EDJc2tJCqoKKGa9CrMVhXbaygAT0re7G2E6BU8SP7eH0xaV3Z-f0lhYi2oI8wCNvE2E8NQR9HP_Lreh9MMRqWwFl9IeUI/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbC_9KxDbRcmhsNcjT99VA5GnkEB24JNRaxgNBbFoBOs0w-EDJc2tJCqoKKGa9CrMVhXbaygAT0re7G2E6BU8SP7eH0xaV3Z-f0lhYi2oI8wCNvE2E8NQR9HP_Lreh9MMRqWwFl9IeUI/s320/IMG_4569.JPG" width="320" /></a>Back in Doha, the place of my oldest memories, before coming to India for schooling, where we spent all vacations, started my first job, and worked for a few years -even after marriage. This was the longest I had not been to Doha - nearly a decade!!<br />
<br />
It was astonishing to see the progress, the huge number of sky scrapers dotting the horizon, the Corniche-changed, yet the same, the old Sheraton made diminutive by it's towering neighbours and every single road, and by lane, just filled with vehicles.<br />
<br />
It was great to see the Heritage village and the work that is going into preserving and documenting the bygone era. On the other hand, the huge advancement in infrastructure and rapid changes on the landscape including demolition of old institutions like the Popeye restaurant, the Amani shop, Sana, the New World Center, just made us feel like we were visiting a new place, and not one we had built memories over three decades!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc6o2OK_W_FYvtWJ-YxaFJSjHqsDm1mKod8Sl9lIhHDYdOEvdAC5dCqFN7ZxiFSp0y8blaoILjE7BKuUVhZyaHyfOONINJRAKQ_dxEVSfVid-Wb4vBYw3fGPEpjkN4XO-c1tvqK2Fzrs/s1600/IMG_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc6o2OK_W_FYvtWJ-YxaFJSjHqsDm1mKod8Sl9lIhHDYdOEvdAC5dCqFN7ZxiFSp0y8blaoILjE7BKuUVhZyaHyfOONINJRAKQ_dxEVSfVid-Wb4vBYw3fGPEpjkN4XO-c1tvqK2Fzrs/s320/IMG_4573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
A few pics from our sightseeing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYIA8TniYq4/WyYLgvrpcII/AAAAAAAAENc/ahjZNK-UVB8mkjUXMYSazbLSwy1agwgXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYIA8TniYq4/WyYLgvrpcII/AAAAAAAAENc/ahjZNK-UVB8mkjUXMYSazbLSwy1agwgXQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HK4JiOCrHKw/WyYLpdkpSjI/AAAAAAAAENg/AGqjtZZB5Zoy3B2YbFzmHinNW8qEjaZ5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="777" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HK4JiOCrHKw/WyYLpdkpSjI/AAAAAAAAENg/AGqjtZZB5Zoy3B2YbFzmHinNW8qEjaZ5ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4570.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
Revisiting the sights, sounds and amazing eateries. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a good thing we did not have a place to stock the lanternS, decorative plates, boxes, ornate lamps and such, or I might have been tempted to buy a few! The artistry is amazing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There was the unavoidable trips to quite a few malls, and I succumbed to the wealth of irresistible handbags and purses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The biggest spending was on art supplies as I had planned in advance. It was quite tempting to grab everything I saw, but managed to ensure that I bought things on my list,by and large, and so I rewarded myself for good behaviour! - By buying a few things that were not on my list. Hahaa!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOyW3K_3a1sVQFAigOvgXuDrnNA3sGr6qENPh8pAHjUUKjSdreou5BCMWzM03nHXXIJZdIAyzM-VmQ7C44H5UClX2rzbSkQer5MFaSdnQucVcKwpyZPApQHDw2K5YmyC0fk0UCJHzqOQ/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOyW3K_3a1sVQFAigOvgXuDrnNA3sGr6qENPh8pAHjUUKjSdreou5BCMWzM03nHXXIJZdIAyzM-VmQ7C44H5UClX2rzbSkQer5MFaSdnQucVcKwpyZPApQHDw2K5YmyC0fk0UCJHzqOQ/s320/IMG_4743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Taking leave after a blissful month was tough. Our childhood was full of such scenes, flying away from half the family with regularity. AS grown ups, I had thought that saying good bye to my brother would not be as tough, but somehow the pain was still the same, made worse by the heart-wrenching sobs of my nephew and sadness of my daughter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By now, we are resigned to the fact that this is going to be an inevitable part of our lives since we plan to meet whenever we can do so. It is the depth of love and caring, that makes saying goodbyes so tough, and thus not to be taken for granted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Back to normal, has been tricky, a whole month just getting back into routine, putting the house to rights, preparing for the next academic year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The one thing that I had been keeping up with, has been the 2018 earrings challenge on instagram. It is up-to week 24 and I have managed to keep up, albeit not with the creations that I had planned to make. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week's earrings are made of cold porcelain and are handpainted, with Warli designs. I will update the earrings of weeks 16 to 23 soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkeXlRuHOus/WyYTiAlKbAI/AAAAAAAAEN8/pFx93L5_e2sFZP6t4ELcifMnXojrgJ-ygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180616_185615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkeXlRuHOus/WyYTiAlKbAI/AAAAAAAAEN8/pFx93L5_e2sFZP6t4ELcifMnXojrgJ-ygCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180616_185615.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
AND yesterday, was our 17th wedding anniversary. It was a double celebration with family. With my sister and brother in law with us, it was extra special. Hoping for few more decades with my best friend and partner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_c_VgHihmc/WyYUoF8XfQI/AAAAAAAAEOI/daQ0wIXyUx0sxQXwHt1vWEJ6b2IpehcpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="819" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_c_VgHihmc/WyYUoF8XfQI/AAAAAAAAEOI/daQ0wIXyUx0sxQXwHt1vWEJ6b2IpehcpACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-47225036510077151042018-05-31T23:42:00.001+05:302018-05-31T23:44:18.117+05:30Gadget Problems<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ever since my iPad has been acting up, it has been a huge pain to do anything other than post occasionally on my social media sites and that too, mainly because I had taken up the earrings challenge for the whole year.!! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am one of thoso people who do not take to new devices easily, and then once used to those, want to keep them forever. But this time I did take a huge leap if faith, and have gone in for the new Lenovo yogabook, instead of continuing with an iPad. Mainly becauso of the Wacom drawing pad that is part of its feature. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It has just been a few days, and I am just getting used to the device and installing my favorite apps and such. </div>
<div>
HOPE BUYING THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD DECISION. TIME WILL TELL, I GUESS..</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-88888506291824257832018-04-03T18:58:00.000+05:302018-04-03T18:59:01.136+05:30#Earringchallenge Weeks 5 to 12<p dir="auto">It is the week 13 into the earrings challenge, and I have managed to post a piece, albeit by the skin of my teeth, a couple of times. I have seen a few people do the same, but this was just a personal challenge to see if i can stick to something for a whole year ! The only thing that I found vexing, is when I have projects that have totally different supplies out, it is tough to switch to jewelry supplies every few days in that tiny work spaces. It takes a lot of organisation, and a juggling to keep all of the stuff in that same space. </p><p dir="auto">So here are the earrings in random order, weeks 5 to 10.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9lzxgpiLSVJojJuooh1lnUxxbILxR-nH4gUCTBl1DR8FrH3x47CF4nHhNXZqJBiO8WfIcuxnSCAM6WaAx0b1LdXVUkT7VMAKY0ZHZMMSnzS3VgccXC5I3BpnTNmrghIKoZoUgxt1Gw8/s9999/IMG_4455.jpg" width="450" height="450"></div><p dir="auto">It has been fun to make them as varied as possible. I had repeat orders, and it is never easy for me to get multiples of the same. Mainly because I do buy my supplies in variety rather than bulk. </p><p dir="auto">Few days ago, I did get an order for multiples, and thankfully, I had enough of everything to get them done, Also it was ordered before I put away the supplies. So that was a breeze ! Almost makes me want to do all of the elements myself! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XHnDOcsLJaE/WsOBmcHrEwI/AAAAAAAAELQ/kEWSkFXmVKU4qGiOtIN7BPLtCRE1IYwfQCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4463.jpg" width="400" height="731"></div><p dir="auto">These are the earrings of week 11 and 12. The frames are ready made. But they have both been popular designs. <br>I am getting more orders on variations of the above designs. But they will be limited editions because I do not believe in making things in bulk. The whole point of handcrafting many of my elements is so that it cannot be available elsewhere. </p><p dir="auto">It is vacation time for my daughter, and I find that it is tougher to stick to a schedule, than it was when it was her exams ! The next few weeks of sticking to the challenge, is going to be.... yup, Challenging !! </p><p dir="auto">Check my <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Swardaa/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, to see how I fare..</p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-37101649786170030012018-02-26T10:36:00.001+05:302018-02-26T10:36:55.736+05:30Handcrafted Cold Porcelain Focal, Inspired By Clay Embroidery<p dir="auto"> The first thing that I was thinking of, when I started this piece, was an earthy palatte of colours that is my favourite. I took pains to ensure that the designs would not seem similar to a couple of pendants, I had done in similar colour tones, before. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElI29ySx3_g/WpOV7MU2ihI/AAAAAAAAEKY/adHpv8XOY40FokqZhIY93N3t6_YKDJmmQCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_3944.jpg" width="348" height="317"></div><p dir="auto"><br> While the technique was inspired by the ever popular faux clay embroidery, it is not truly the same as that. It is slightly reminiscent of a henna design , even when it is colourful. </p><p dir="auto">Once the clay design was set in , It was time to add the rhinestones. I find a few aesthetic placements of the bling better, rather than going overboard with it. </p><p dir="auto">Finally, when it was done, it felt like there was still there was something lacking. Since the design was inspired by a mehendi style design, I decided to accent the dimensional design with a few tints of brick red. </p><p dir="auto">I also edged the side with the similar design, with also some raised accents .<span>There are a few amber colour rhinestones, hence when I picked out the simple wooden beads, shaped like rice grains, again, earthy and organic to complement the feel of the pendant - I picked a few amber beads also to create the accents on the necklace. </span></p><p dir="auto">While I do go off a tangent and sometimes just put together a design, this was one of those that I took a long time to find the right fit. I hope that I was able to do it justice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EE_iiz2pp0/WpOV7IXr6KI/AAAAAAAAEKc/8QyCUI5Fm108RpBH15riZPVWsg7QT80xQCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4355.jpg" width="400" height="338"></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-43503911219685428572018-02-09T08:06:00.001+05:302018-02-09T08:06:34.244+05:301st Month Of The Earring Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grNR76ZvAzg/Wn0JLywx2fI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/2UN3D7Lhfe8EIkWcoNdwX6il3YmDAOU-ACHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4325.jpg" width="400" height="400"></div><p dir="auto">First month into the earring challenge, I managed to make them in time ! So happy about that . <br>With my daughter’s exams coming up, it is going to be more daunting to design new earrings, rather than to make a pair of them. </p><p dir="auto">It is no use sweating about it early on, I have decided to take each day as it comes. Hoping to make the designs more intricate as the year progresses. </p><p dir="auto">I have decided to blog each month on the challenge, instead of each week. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-27874519264469427342018-02-05T20:22:00.002+05:302018-02-08T20:33:32.849+05:30Kathakali - Mixed Media Art On Canvas<p dir="auto">This is the work in progress, which I started with acrylic paints, and the dot painting was done with two sizes of round brushes, mainly number 6 and number 1 for the fine dots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1UbLbVA-UMM/WnxmwN4S6eI/AAAAAAAAEJY/9OWHlZ_VQt4UbvRh2UE_XeHUL1tdWtQZQCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4163.jpg" width="400" height="300"></div><p dir="auto">I have been thinking of doing a piece on Kathakali, in acrylics, but it is not something that is so tough to see in Kerala! In fact, to make something about Kathakali, in Kerala, and having it look totally new, is a tough ask. It can be seem in every medium, across every possible surface.</p><p dir="auto">It was while I was checking out dot mandalas, that it occured to me, that maybe that is something that would look uniques. Atleast, so far, I have not seen any Kathakali motif rendered in the pointillism style.</p><p dir="auto">So it started out with that , and it was really exciting to see that it looked nice on the stark black background. And then , I was checking out all the ornate head gears and the face painting that is the trademark of Kathakali, I thought that it would look more striking to make it a mixed media piece and adorn it with rhinestones and some tiny sheeshas or mirrors , that too, framed in my favourite cold porcelain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rtnt-8a2MGs/WnxmwIsvjMI/AAAAAAAAEJc/rOCnP4cFPK8DgkE_Z7DXhALYRpv1nDWqQCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4184.jpg" width="400" height="349"></div><p dir="auto">In the beginning, I had decided to center the figure on the canvas. but as I was about to sketch it, I decided to shift it a bit to the side. Actually, it was a momentary instinct, and I has no clue what to do with the rest of the space. <br></p><p dir="ltr">And as I was checking more details, I happened across a Kathakali video, and the lit lamp in the beginning. So the final detail was in place. <br>Finally, this is the finished canvas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQ2sTZd9LSA/WnxmwfRzrXI/AAAAAAAAEJg/Y_D-f6_YkSk8eOHMN3uBMEeBBMYNorQGACHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4210.jpg" width="400" height="300"></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-59384925351238428412018-01-08T23:05:00.001+05:302018-01-08T23:10:32.583+05:30An Earring Challenge, And A Week Into 2018 !<p dir="auto">Already a week has flown by, and felt like we wished each other a Happy New Year, just moments ago!<br>I am not one to start a year by making resolutions, that I fail to remember by year end. Been there, done that.</p><p dir="auto">My goal is just to have productive days , and just tune in to peace. I have been doing a whole lot of the latter, by weeding out people who just seem to thrive on negativity. Not always easy to avoid, but be as scarce as possible around that company.</p><p dir="auto">I am also making an effort to connect with people who mean so much to me. I realise that there are quite a few than I had thought! It was great getting in touch with old classmates and teachers and just walking down memory lane, for our school's alumni meet, last month.</p><p dir="auto">Recently, I had decided to just put my work out there, even the ones that I was not really happy with. Quite a lot of my experimenting stuff gets trashed or broken up and reworked. Even if I do ultimately rework the designs, I have decided to record those too, so as to chalk them up to lessons learnt, mainly on what not to do !</p><p dir="auto">The toughest thing in my current situation, is that same problem anyone who works from home, faces! You may have a dedicated space to work in, but there are numerous callers at home, many who never get the fact that disrupting the creative mode is painful, and sometimes to get back into that state, is not easy at all. This is beside the time alotted to family, cooking, daily chores, adjusting my creative time to accomodate shedules of everyone in the house, welcoming guests and relatives, and looking after my daughter's needs. It is sometimes a miracle that I have anything left to spark my creativity, but stubbornly clinging to spending time in my space, atleast 5 days a week, is what I have been trying to stick to, even if that means just rearranging my supplies, or going through my notes and such.</p><p dir="auto">To mark the New Year, I have taken up a challenge on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/swardaa_by_swapnadinesh/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, to make a pair of earring each week, so by the end of 2018, hopefully, I will have 52 new earrings to show. ! A pair of earrings per week does not sound too daunting, but just this past week, is enough to indicate how days just meld into each other!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WNVBrGjlk9A/WlOtCPHITCI/AAAAAAAAEHY/adtBPgT7Edcbq7e__QBfpi7PaZxIHH2swCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4172.jpg" width="500" height="500"></div><p><br></p><p dir="auto">I am happy the first pair of earrings, made from handmade Cold porcelain elements. I just hope all of the successive earrings are on par with these, if not better. I will certailnly strive to make them so.</p><p dir="auto">It was certainly a great start with my little sis and brother in law, here. Nothing like loved ones to make the days brighter. I also hope to get back to painting. Instead of always going for big pieces which take a long time planning, and somehow I do not end up doing anything but the preliminary sketches, concept and colours. I plan to do a few watercolour and acrylics on paper too.. I just love the soft watercolours done with one strokes and such. It has been ages since I did any !</p><p dir="auto">Speaking of big paintings, I have currently started one, that will take a considerable amount of time to complete ! It is going to be a mixed media piece, with acrylic paints, and I had to decide on pointillism technique, of all !! Anyway, once I started on it, it seems like that is the correct fit, and so far, I do like how it is taking shape ! <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7F6KouGU78/WlOtDt5vOOI/AAAAAAAAEHc/SyUuZvLOkJ0UC3l1u8zwneZFj4MGVUh3QCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_4163.jpg" width="600" height="450"></div><p dir="ltr">Sometimes, I do feel like I cannot do things the easy way ! But it is fun, and a bit therapeutic too ! So I cannot wait to see how it will look finally .</p><p dir="ltr">There are a few more goals I have set for myself, but mainly, I just want to make each day count. Hopefully, the rest will fall in place.</p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-19568026160332877452018-01-01T00:23:00.001+05:302018-01-01T00:23:41.822+05:302017<p class="" dir="auto" style="">The highlight of the year was my participation in the international collaboration of polymer clay and mixed media artists. <br><br></p><p dir="auto" style="">I had prepared rather a big post, but some technical glitch made it impossible to post it onto my blog. Hence, I am just making it a brief one, with just a few pics to wind up the year! <br><br></p><p dir="auto">Good moments connecting with friends and family, time out seeing new places, and trying to mkae each day count. Hope the coming year, is more of the same, and realising a few goals along the way. <br><br></p><p dir="auto">A very Happy 2018 to all. ! <br><br></p><div class="container editable image-container" style="transform: translateX(0px);"><em draggable="true" class="placeholder selectable editable image full" data-placeholder-preview="always" data-image-src="file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514746020.jpg" data-image-align="middle" data-image-original-name="IMG_3666.jpg" data-platform="image" data-image-height="2448" data-image-width="3264"><em class="thumb"></em><a class="ui placeholder-settings"></a><em class="preview skrollable skrollable-between" data-top-bottom="background-position: 0% 55%" data-center-center="background-position: 0% 40%" data-bottom-top="background-position: 0% 25%" style="background-image: url(file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514746020.jpg); background-position: 0% 42.31617647058823%;"></em><em class="actions"><em class="image-information" data-image-height="2448" data-image-width="3264"></em><em class="image-alignments"><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="left"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="middle"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="right"></em></em><em class="image-reordering"><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="moveup"></em><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="movedown"></em></em></em></em></div><p dir="auto" style=""><br></p><div class="container editable image-container" style="transform: translateX(0px);"><em draggable="true" class="placeholder selectable editable image full" data-placeholder-preview="always" data-image-src="file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745967.jpg" data-image-align="middle" data-image-original-name="DSC_0310.jpg" data-platform="image" data-image-height="3264" data-image-width="4928"><em class="thumb"></em><a class="ui placeholder-settings"></a><em class="preview skrollable skrollable-between" data-top-bottom="background-position: 0% 55%" data-center-center="background-position: 0% 40%" data-bottom-top="background-position: 0% 25%" style="background-image: url(file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745967.jpg); background-position: 0% 37.928176795580114%;"></em><em class="actions"><em class="image-information" data-image-height="3264" data-image-width="4928"></em><em class="image-alignments"><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="left"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="middle"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="right"></em></em><em class="image-reordering"><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="moveup"></em><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="movedown"></em></em></em></em></div><p dir="auto" style=""><br></p><div class="container editable image-container" style="transform: translateX(0px);"><em draggable="true" class="placeholder selectable editable image full" data-placeholder-preview="always" data-image-src="file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745909.jpg" data-image-align="middle" data-image-original-name="IMG_4152.jpg" data-platform="image" data-image-height="3060" data-image-width="2448"><em class="thumb"></em><a class="ui placeholder-settings"></a><em class="preview skrollable skrollable-between" data-top-bottom="background-position: 0% 55%" data-center-center="background-position: 0% 40%" data-bottom-top="background-position: 0% 25%" style="background-image: url(file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745909.jpg); background-position: 0% 33.53591160220994%;"></em><em class="actions"><em class="image-information" data-image-height="3060" data-image-width="2448"></em><em class="image-alignments"><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="left"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="middle"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="right"></em></em><em class="image-reordering"><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="moveup"></em><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="movedown"></em></em></em></em></div><div class="container editable image-container" style="transform: translateX(0px);"><em draggable="true" class="placeholder selectable editable image full editing" data-placeholder-preview="always" data-image-src="file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745813.jpg" data-image-align="middle" data-image-original-name="IMG_4145.jpg" data-platform="image" data-image-height="2448" data-image-width="3264" placeholder-width="440" placeholder-height="89" placeholder-small-width="89"><em class="thumb" style=""></em><a class="ui placeholder-settings"></a><em class="preview skrollable skrollable-between" data-top-bottom="background-position: 0% 55%" data-center-center="background-position: 0% 40%" data-bottom-top="background-position: 0% 25%" style="background-image: url(file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/3B55C1D5-9E5F-42B6-8B7C-F65C67585A17/tmp/1514745813.jpg); height: 89px; width: 440px; background-position: 0% 29.880514705882355%;"></em><em class="actions" style="opacity: 0;"><em class="image-information" data-image-height="2448" data-image-width="3264"></em><em class="image-alignments"><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="left"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="middle"></em><em class="btn-alignment" data-align="right"></em></em><em class="image-reordering"><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="moveup"></em><em class="btn-reordering" data-reorder="movedown"></em></em></em></em></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-91763364873692866402017-10-06T12:44:00.000+05:302017-10-06T12:44:01.229+05:30Wire work - Earrings, and ring<p dir="auto">I love wire work. A large part of my time was spent on brushing up my wire work skills, but I have still a long way to go with the weaves. But it has been great to make pieces of jewelry from just wire, as well as incorporating beads in them. <br></p><p dir="ltr"><br><br>The earrings are made with two different coils. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfWDW4X-L7VKUH2U6TUEV5pNKI9K2IKK7ZlaD2WiLr_oq3tdP0EFR6AGhxwLgthcb-fVtiGjd-zONSeM7184pLg1Vle2bdMLNpRAiHOvUOKvR6Vz8EFxLMm4Vrjk0AJ9HZEMZN7u6S-Q/s9999/IMG_3390.jpg" width="1601" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p>The ring was made following an online tutorial . The link is here for Boho Chic copper ring.</p><div class="embed-wrapper" data-url="youtu.be/MVaSvp6Dvuk" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVaSvp6Dvuk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p dir="ltr">I did tweak it a bit and did not coil the ends as much as shown in the tutorial. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfAADfQm3JLDe65JW_b7gBxweEM523sdWS6e_DQ63C25ExtcySeCtISsX29H_3qgaeuMpxXUfq_m67iw1OLpROTmHXMYA1FiWNwoeXueKaqjVFRPwozsAzfeBSsqnJBxHwH5LssJ5XDI/s9999/IMG_3369.jpg" width="1597" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">This ring was a simple twisted ring with seed beads on silver colur wire. I left the ends open so it could be adjusted if necessary. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Loo9hYdADDE/WdXcU-uW4HI/AAAAAAAAED4/m-imdXHd4VcWNm3Bs5xJsL8cY6I39yELgCHMYCw/s9999/IMG_3378.jpg" width="2656" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p>I had a single turquoise stone and I used 21 gauge wire to do a herring bone weave to frame it. So far, I have not come up with a design to incorporate it..but I am leaning towards a bracelet, so far. Any suggestions? </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-25783310269911499642017-10-05T10:50:00.000+05:302017-10-05T10:51:10.263+05:30Updates - a bit of resin<p dir="auto">Unbelievable ! It has been 5 months to the day since I last posted, and it was not for dearth of things to post either..!! <br><br>Life has just been hectic with all three of us siblings, our mom, daughter and my husband having our birthdays, two sight- seeing trips, and a hospital stay for our dad! So it has been a few months of life as usual ! <br><br>In between, I have made a few pieces of jewelry, worked with clay, and after my initial tryst with trying resin a couple of years ago, and not finding it much to my taste. <br><br>Recently though, I have been having ideas of combining the resin with some of my Cold porcelain projects and I ordered the resin again. So far, the couple of pieces I tried have worked the way I want them to. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JK0tKDxhWdA/WdXBRLG4UZI/AAAAAAAAEDo/bcH2ZEhFHTECjDFO9TCn3jLwtxwfkznOACHMYCw/s9999/IMG_3764.jpg" width="2656" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p>I made a miniature cold porcelain flower, tinted a few drops of resin green, added it to micro beads and resin to depict a flower in a green meadow. <br><br>Not perfect, but I like the fact that I can make my own inclusions, apart from the normal paints, glitters and microbeads.. <br><br>Time will tell, but I think that I may have better luck with resin this time around! </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-7610139811143319662017-05-05T21:43:00.000+05:302017-05-05T21:46:25.039+05:30My contribution to INTO THE FOREST -2017<p dir="auto">I was added to a closed group called <strong><em>Into The Forest</em></strong> by my friend and talented artist <a href="http://www.lbidler.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Leila Bidler.</a> It took a couple of posts, before I realised that the members, which had almost all the stalwarts of the clay world, and other mixed media artists, were invited to participate in a collaborative mixed-media art installation ! </p><p dir="auto">It started as a combined effort of three artists, <a href="http://craftartedu.com/instructors/index/view/id/99/" target="_blank">Laura Tabakman</a>, <a href="http://www.emilysquireslevine.com/" target="_blank">Emily Squires Levine</a>, and <a href="http://craftartedu.com/instructors/index/view/id/58/" target="_blank">Julie Eakes</a>. As mentioned in the blog,<br><strong><em>The initial result was INTO THE FOREST: Early Growth, an installation at Park Towne, a mid-century historically certified apartment complex in Philadelphia. From the exhibit program, “The immersive installation, made specifically for Park Towne Place, is reminiscent of a grove of aspen trees. The handmade forms mimic nature without attempting to retreat it. Certain elements are pleasantly exaggerated, such as the leaves made from translucent clay. Allowing for creative departures, the artists’ styles complement one another as an environment is created that blurs the line between natural and man-made.”<br><br></em></strong></p><p dir="auto">It all began in the August of 2015 You may read about the history <strong><a href="https://intotheforestinstallation.com/2017/04/14/a-little-history/" target="_blank">here</a></strong>. Since then, Laura suggested that the istallation be given a wider scope, and make it a collaboration of artists on a global level. The invite was for clay and mixed media artists to contribute flora and fauna to make the forest. </p><p dir="auto">It seems like there is a representation from almost all the countries, and most of the USA. The final tally is yet to be done!</p><p dir="auto">As for my humble contribution, I made two types of mushrooms, and two variety of leaves. For the mushrooms, I tried to go for ones that were not common to me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QC-2cOEKsWo/WQylRmS5bVI/AAAAAAAAECU/CYrQfT8-gkM8mgCrVQ5rVCQQCfrnAB9yQCHM/IMG_2704.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="4608" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">The first one I made, was the Sparassis mushroom, commonly known as the Cauliflower mushroom. I made small ones, on a rock, the rock, and the moss are also clay , over a thermocol form. A few more of the fungi have been made. they can be attached together to form a whole big mushroom, or left in pieces. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPd4eb-t_P8/WQylV8hVTgI/AAAAAAAAECY/EzAoWM-ETlMDx3SEtSlzl_Y9q3yKMNSDwCHM/IMG_2699.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="4608" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">The second , i was just going for some shade of mushroom , that was not the usual red caps, or creamy, off-white ones. I settled for yellow, and I loved a few that grew in bunches, but had these cute sort of indents in the middle. And I dotted shades of brown, for added interest. Given below, are the results of my online search, that inspired me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8FjAW2Q7-GY/WQyk3PLLCMI/AAAAAAAAECI/JKyyGznY5nwIrt9JG-wyH3MqWBoivzvBgCHM/IMG_2678.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="450" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bL68bu6Y5Fw/WQykx_zZy8I/AAAAAAAAECA/U9Ds6SNEUIEIS1PtLj0hQDpbTCDP6qShQCHM/IMG_2679.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="443" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">Next came the leaves, and I made a few green leaves, but gave them parallel veins. The next were some pinkish leaves with yellow markings, that were a memory from our childhood. Those leaves flanked the gate of my mother's ancestral home, where we spent some great vacations. The actual leaves <span>were much longer and thinner. But I was not sure if they would survive the trip from India to Pittsburg Pennsylvania in one piece. So I made them shorter and a bit wider. But the pink hue, is exact, if my memory serves me right.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopiFqlfIrVnSY7ebo2rRBp5V3RevPQHOSQ7xqJqAndlJ_ei-n2Ucg-PRnUPT84IOYbWiioLkfGu-jkfyvyTTsrWfh_NMDePGgkqITHLFScWKyS2scZiyYlC-5RgMERHOcMq-Wy_ZPwTI/?imgmax=9999" width="3264" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">And the whole set </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmsdXfLBwxfX0cBMTddeVvyC90uAc_RlD7lICWPYTkgiCjFdSqnMzuMpTKazcSPkAIe7hiY6bL5Q_7GxuMjltXmqAkLQHmFTogLcjJ19QwSjOQS5pfmZX5UXBsPOU2-kF_fNGrbe65hk/?imgmax=9999" width="4366" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">The whole installation will be open to the public in November. This is the invite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eV1HYDud6AsfhTcId5xv4DRKvrLf1Enzw0lDG3VKkBLNWpEVbcviPXmt9f7iehClld3loCJtlA17qQODvZVctiRchYUCMNCWSnUpq4eDJ8MXuGYsEndOF-NPU01K7GoH_bfuobG_XIE/?imgmax=9999" width="1272" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr"><br>I will be posting the progress of the installation, as we are updated of the same..</p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-90753213236963687252017-03-01T15:57:00.000+05:302017-03-01T16:00:32.903+05:30Miniature Cold Porcelain House - The Process<p dir="auto">March of 2017 already ! One thing I wanted to do this year, was make more pieces that would challenge me. I started with a tiny base, and shaped up a piece of clay, in the most basic for of a house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCsLzPXcTok/WLaix4rMOKI/AAAAAAAAEBE/YSaIG4Bkbtg/IMG_2578.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="3264" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">I first tried various positions for the house and then added some steps and cobble stones. I speckled the clay with bits of dark grey and black paint flecks (scraping a dried paint palette before washing, works!) after tinting it grey. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KVEFGBowdAk/WLaipiIMfFI/AAAAAAAAEA4/7eD8C8lbHgk/IMG_2580.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="3264" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">I decided to add some grey and black microbeads too, to give it some rough texture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wj5PVD7f1_A/WLaicbsZ-GI/AAAAAAAAEA0/kAGxBpXXjg8/IMG_2589.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="3024" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">I added a very thin layer of dark greenish - grey clay as the roof, and textured it to make it resemble roof tiles/ shingles. Added a tiny rhinestone for window glass and Brown clay as window frame , and door. I also made a big urn style flower pot, with </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIL3n0yEtHE/WLaiquQpvoI/AAAAAAAAEBA/cRXiuIfl-0w/IMG_2603.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="3264" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">The next step, was adding the moss, ivy, hedges long leaves to fill the pot. Mainly used ball tools and silicon tips for texturing. <br>Then added miniature mushrooms with white clay for stalks, and red for the caps. Added white dots on the cap. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UQNpGT2uHVQ/WLaiqYYQEgI/AAAAAAAAEA8/foTFxNjj9Sc/IMG_2595.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="3264" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">Used some chalk pastels for shading. They are half pastels, and a single pastel is about an Inch long ! So you can have an idea of the size of the miniature. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-69566180645948267892017-02-28T18:52:00.000+05:302017-02-28T18:53:07.749+05:30 Assymetric Earrings, And Updates.<p dir="auto">After a post in the beginning of the year, I have lagged with posts. It is not that there has been nothing to post about, but I have been on an attempt to get healthier. Finishing the third phase of my Ayurvedic treatment. </p><p dir="auto">Finally rid of nearly a decade and more of swollen joints, water retention, perpetual pain, a bloated body and weight gain! Well, not yet there with the last aspect, but hopefully now, weight loss measures will not end up being futile ! </p><p dir="auto">Anyway, with the treatment and resting that is mandatory, I had not been able to do a lot of work, but I still have something to show </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CB6B6_DoNxA/WLV5unOSPzI/AAAAAAAAEAg/sVtf-vJTGak/IMG_2534.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="2048" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">These are some earrings I did out of marbled clay. Totally hand shaped and loved the assymetry of the designs. I did not want to tamper too much with them, so just gave thrm tiny silver floral accents and ear wires. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LcDMtghqrSg/WLV5tpEoo5I/AAAAAAAAEAc/g1UmT80x2e4/IMG_2569.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="1727" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">Another pair I made, this time the beads came assymetric, and i just teamed them up with some tiny wooden beads and golden accents. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-71300858976866563552017-01-06T21:13:00.002+05:302017-01-06T21:16:21.538+05:30Origami Pyramid - Gift Packaging<p dir="ltr">It has been a while since I posted any tutorial links . While I have been checking out tutorials and inspiring works, I had been largely trying to create things by experimenting. I had a big order for Diwali. Jhumkas as gifts.</p><p dir="ltr">I will be posting about the jhumkas in a later post, but in this one, I wanted to link an origami tutorial. Here is the work in progress.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZLUFfHCz2Cs/WG-7NyEcGlI/AAAAAAAAD-s/6jrbpT5Cy5o/IMG_1997.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">I wanted a relatively simple design , which could still be made festive. I tried to ger some stock paper in a design, but then i decided that it was better to customize it. Here is the link to the origami tutorial. </p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://youtu.be/8qiCBgcFd3s" target="_blank">Easy Pyramid Box tutorial by Henry Pham.</a></p><p dir="ltr">I did check out quite a few tutorials, and found this one fairly easy to follow. I just used white stock paper and painted one end with a feather design in metallic bronze. the only other thing was to write 'Happy Diwali' at the base of the tiny packages. it was perfect to nestle a single pair of jhumkas in each pyramid box. Then held it together with Maroon ribbons.</p><p dir="ltr">The result was none too fussy, and elegant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_BPh0kzoLU/WG-7J-J-1qI/AAAAAAAAD-o/GubYyJ9tKII/IMG_2013.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">And finally, for a sneak peek at the festive Jhumkas, which are a traditonal Indian design of earrings. Just that personal touch to make the commissioned gifts that much more special!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cl_vZCsrV-Y/WG-7GXx9qII/AAAAAAAAD-k/YX8L1zFRXm0/IMG_2016.jpg" width="1018" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">What say you?.</p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-79355002070418329512017-01-01T12:18:00.001+05:302017-01-01T12:18:34.009+05:30Sea Lion Miniature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuVQ7q5pOKoBO6m3ggHPIVACBPAyyQ68EIKtt0bNVSAKB77VuGgOOkq9PLj723Dch-5ytWCF3RYII-szJBX7RHUtkvMDWa63BZ8U-589-K9O7yUzFeH01Zp2Csxj_NQlbBu0DGt_gGbo/?imgmax=9999" width="2048" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">My daughter wanted a sea animal for her class exhibition, and she suggested a sea lion . The grey sea lions were fairly common, and did not excite her much. Then we saw a picture of a white sea lion and decided to go with that. </p><p dir="auto">'Cute' was what she wanted. So I made a few sketches, got her approval and got to work. Did not use any armature. I did the neck to tail in a single piece of clay, and attached the head separately. </p><p dir="auto">Gave some light grey beauty spots all over. I gave it slightly lighter eyes to add some interest. Then highlighted areas like the flippers, tail and around the eyes in light brown. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-To-DjkfEeRM/WGimPNSJ-sI/AAAAAAAAD-E/Ut3HqHDj6H4/IMG_2390.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="1865" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">Since the flippers were relatively fragile, I decided to add a perch. Nothing would do, but a bit of ice. And decorated the edges with stylized waves. </p><p dir="auto">This little guy is less than 3 inches from head to tail. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-7714331403609945852016-12-29T20:23:00.001+05:302016-12-29T20:23:27.187+05:30Feline Finger Puppet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QyYZT2vspFM/WGUjZUWMn3I/AAAAAAAAD9k/b7mbP5LE1XU/IMG_2102.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="918" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="auto">This one was a gift for my little nephew, who was not yet 2 ! He loves cats, and wearing caps on his fingers..it is not possible to see him without atleast one finger cap. </p><p dir="auto">I used a sketch pen cap to use as the measure needed to hollow out the cat from the bottom. rolled out yellow clay and molded around the cap, after a serious dusting of powder between the surfaces. the clay surface was smoothed in first .</p><p dir="auto">The head was attached next, and the features sculpted on bit by bit. Then attached to the cylindrical body. the feet, hands and tail were sculpted and attached. </p><p dir="auto">The heart was sculpted and attached. And left to cure for 24 hours. the outside was given a glossy finish while I left the inner side as it was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W1WZJG7qLcU/WGUjZt-xoeI/AAAAAAAAD9o/SHoTKi--0NA/IMG_2185.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="1024" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p>A perfect fit ! </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-34943990510826459302016-12-26T11:05:00.001+05:302016-12-26T11:05:46.919+05:30Hand-formed Rose Earrings <p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evMAXRYGINQ/WGCsMaeCWbI/AAAAAAAAD9I/iybD2CDnqEM/IMG_2088.jpg?imgmax=9999" width="888" style="max-width: 100%;"></div><p dir="ltr">This was a special request and actually not easy when there are no molds used. To make handcrafted roses which are nearly identical . Also Cold porcelain, if not rolled out in the same thickness, dries differently. </p><p dir="ltr">My precision work actually leaves a lot to be desired, though I can do minute details. I do not like the idea of molds or cutters and work free form as much as possible. I tinted the clay a light peach and decided to colour as the flowers were cured. </p><p dir="ltr">So I did each corresponding petal on the two roses, simultaneously. But I had to wait till the roses dried to make sure that they could be used as a pair. Finally, I tinted the centre a deeper rose, and microbeads to give a pop of interest. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-81420682641832753892016-12-26T09:54:00.002+05:302016-12-29T22:25:01.400+05:30Update<p dir="auto">I have found a new app called Blogo and trying to get used to it. My problem is that when I get used to somethings, it is really tough to switch to something else.</p><p dir="auto">There are quite a few posts pending, that I had post dated and kept ready on the now - redundant app.! And the past days, trying to recreate them, has been a pain. I have lost count of the number of drafts I have deleted.</p><p dir="auto">But I am trying to update my work as much as possible before the New Year.</p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-66352594642942669092016-11-29T17:16:00.000+05:302016-11-29T17:17:41.806+05:30The Disappearance of Blogsy App<p dir="auto">I was just getting really comfortable with the Blogsy App through which we could update our post on Blogger via the iPad, when it completely disappears.!! </p><p dir="auto">It took a while for me for me to understand why the app was not working at all ! It was gone from the App Store . Phew!</p><p dir="auto">In those days, I was really busy with a lot of our family members visiting. </p><p dir="auto">In between, I just noticed a glitch, but since it did not work when I tried, I left it at that ! <br>And then I had to hunt for a replacement, an app called BLOGO. It is user friendly, but I am not someone who likes to keep trying things that have to do with technology. </p><p dir="auto">Anyway, let us see how this goes..there is a backlog of stuff to work on, both for blogging, and others. It is nearly December. An year in a wink. But atleast a few respectable pieces to show for it, even though I sat twiddling my thumbs till the work space was done. </p><p dir="auto">Hopefully all my posts will be done ASAP. </p>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-94729931999387032016-10-19T20:39:00.001+05:302016-10-19T20:39:01.343+05:30BayBee Bear ! <p> It took a while, but I finally finished the mixed media canvas. Prepared the background with acrylic paint. </p><p>Hand sculpted the baby bear with Cold porcelain. The bottle of honey, and a bee who decided to investigate the jackpot of honey . </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grakjb8io4U/WAeMik0rboI/AAAAAAAAD7c/kcLQidtihrw/s2048/Photo%25252020161019203817202.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grakjb8io4U/WAeMik0rboI/AAAAAAAAD7c/kcLQidtihrw/s500/Photo%25252020161019203817202.jpg" id="blogsy-1476889739214.3708" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="683" alt=""></a></div><p> The scene is set at that moment of suspense.!!! Will the bear and the bee bond over their mutual love for yummy honey? Or will it be a stinger ?. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-17601325544044637102016-10-08T19:06:00.001+05:302016-10-08T19:11:58.275+05:30Chandelier Earrings<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Making jewelry in bulk is beyond me. Every piece I make has to be thought over and over, and while executing, it may yet undergo a big change, making it totally different from when I started out. </div><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sometimes, I keep components for ages, before I am satisfied that I have found that perfect fit of parts. Working with Cold porcelain is another way, that I can craft that missing something, from scratch. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In this instance, the first thing I had, were the spiral designed gold tinted findings. I had bought a large haul of a variety of findings. In antique, Gold as well as silver findings. The next were the lovely malachite beads, cuboid shaped. These were a gift from my sis because I just love Malachite. I am not usually a fan of green, but I just love the natural markings on the malachite stones.</p><p style="text-align: left;">And finally, just recently, a cousin, visiting from Australia bought me an assortment of beads and findings with the triangular connectors. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It then a matter of playing mix and match, and the spiral pattern on the connectors, just called to the findings. It felt like the puzzle just fit together perfectly. The findings on the earrings were bought more than two years ago !</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t5_dLaVm1hU/V_j2WUptSDI/AAAAAAAAD60/BvxBvhogGgc/s2048/Photo%25252020161008190557341.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t5_dLaVm1hU/V_j2WUptSDI/AAAAAAAAD60/BvxBvhogGgc/s500/Photo%25252020161008190557341.jpg" id="blogsy-1475933859823.5742" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></p></div><p> </p><p> I have the rest of the malachite beads now to work with. But it could be some time before I am happy with using them. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413435132295620190.post-68667283820260509712016-09-27T19:02:00.001+05:302016-09-27T19:02:10.077+05:30Whoa ! 40 !!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qeP7vjGSCo/V-pz8BUsopI/AAAAAAAAD6E/0j5fdqSBo24/s1280/Photo%25252020160927185807358.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qeP7vjGSCo/V-pz8BUsopI/AAAAAAAAD6E/0j5fdqSBo24/s500/Photo%25252020160927185807358.jpg" id="blogsy-1474983127600.9785" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="281"></a></div><p> Celebrated my 40th birthday, on 24th . Best birthday so far..! Celebrating in picturesque Munnar, with family, albeit with a few key members missing, it was a great day. </p><p>Beautiful sights, great food, a surprise cake cutting and beautiful cards, and gifts that included a fab bag, a lovely saree, and things I needed for my creative pursuits...I could not ask for more!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oqxR-LWio6yNC4VL30mtyDrat1-3aa_ElcuPHCaO4yisiLLqoTEoZ9YkhsplyaliJ8Ap6k3A9HXrPKWLrB1nokfBhsvgKDWg3rev13ptRSZzCDokXIvde6aOutuzZi9O8_uQrmiVDVE/s1280/Photo%25252020160927185807387.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oqxR-LWio6yNC4VL30mtyDrat1-3aa_ElcuPHCaO4yisiLLqoTEoZ9YkhsplyaliJ8Ap6k3A9HXrPKWLrB1nokfBhsvgKDWg3rev13ptRSZzCDokXIvde6aOutuzZi9O8_uQrmiVDVE/s500/Photo%25252020160927185807387.jpg" id="blogsy-1474983127621.6692" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="281"></a></div><p> I think I was wished by everyone I knew, and quite a few that I have not even met in person. It just completed my day . I did get a message from a person wishing me, and marvelling at how at ease I was, revealing my age ! </p><p>That part is easy, when you are in your early twenties, and get casually informed by your doctor, that the severe migraines , might be the result of a tumour! The few weeks it took, to get the tests done, and getting a negative, result was no fun. While my life did not flash in front of my eyes, it did pull me up to face things head on. </p><p>Putting everyone's wishes but mine first, was how I did things. So I stopped that. Never taking things, or people for granted was another lesson I took from this.</p><p>It is not at all easy , when you want to just fall back on the conditioning of two decades! First thing I did, was throw away the stupid medicines that did not stop my migraines, but kept me dull and sleepy. Having graduated from the science stream, doing my Masters in International Business, having to start from the fundamentals of another discipline, was no walk in the park. I did quit one time, long enough to go back home,had a re-think and decided to finish the course. </p><p>Appearing for about 12 papers, every trimester, while suffering frequent migraines that lasted a minimum of three days, ah ! Fun times !! But my batch mates were just the best. I got through a couple of arrears, and finally finished the course. I lost out on a first class by a mere 5 marks, but I consider it a big achievement .</p><p>I found a great doc back home, and got rid of my migraines. In the past 15 years, I have had only a handful of headaches! And, I married the man I chose! In my previous avatar, even if his proposal would have come home, I would have sat mute while others, being oblivious, would have arranged my marriage elsewhere! I used to be weird that way ! </p><p>Ya, not that life has not thrown more thorns along the way! I was misdiagnosed as having PCOD, and the unnecessary Meds did a number on me. In fact, I lived with the side effects till last year, when I finally found a doctor who could help. </p><p>So each day that is pain free, without swollen joints, or not gaining weight while taking the next breath, I am thankful. I try to live in the moment, while I keep my dreams alive. </p><p>Every beautiful moment connecting with my family and friends, is cherished. For me, my age is proof that I managed to beat a few odds. So from that perfect cup of coffee in the morning, to managing undisturbed sleep - and every positive moment in between, is cheered for ! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urBpcvQ2ITo/V-p0ltVm8KI/AAAAAAAAD6M/w45jmjosGBI/s2048/Photo%25252020160927190012743.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urBpcvQ2ITo/V-p0ltVm8KI/AAAAAAAAD6M/w45jmjosGBI/s500/Photo%25252020160927190012743.jpg" id="blogsy-1474983127554.5364" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The toughest decision I made was to follow a creative path, after I took a break. Actually, the decision was easy. It was the guilt of straying from the beaten path, that was tough, especially considering the pain I went through, earning my Masters. </p><p>But looking back, nothing else would have given me the contentment or the will to strive and thrive. With full support from my husband, my daughter and a huge section of my beloved family and friends, I try to get better in my creativity, each day. </p><p>And the only way I can manage my being positive and creative is warding off negativity. I try as much, to keep away from toxic personalities and people who exude negativity. </p><p>The most thrilling of all, are seeing people who achieve goals on their own, following their passions. And also the various talents around the Globe who show that those superb standards are attainable, if only we strive for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ppZwNlNZSg/V-p01rcOnmI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/VEkBaVlpapM/s2048/Photo%25252020160927190012825.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ppZwNlNZSg/V-p01rcOnmI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/VEkBaVlpapM/s500/Photo%25252020160927190012825.jpg" id="blogsy-1474983127610.643" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p>What more can one ask for? </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Swapna Dineshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10024516446778178188noreply@blogger.com6