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Handmade with Heart and AI
Handmade with Heart: Merging Traditional Craftsmanship with AI Technology
My Grandmother, Meera Rani Ghosh, was an ace seamstress. She gifted me hand-sewn frocks made of cotton and organza, adorned with lovely laces she crocheted herself. When children are exposed to such creative things, it embeds in their minds, leading them to either become creative or eventually engage in something artistic. This early exposure to creativity is the foundation of my commitment to maintaining the human touch and creativity in everyday work, which is evident in Indha, the initiative I started for village women who mastered the skill of putting things together, just like my Granny.
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the art of handmade crafts. The intricate patterns of block prints and the delicate threads of embroidery have always been my sources of joy. As a leader of numerous craft producers trained to become real artists, Indha evolved into an enterprise that I run on a frugal budget. Being an aviator, technology is not alien to me. It occurred to me to use AI as an ally, and AI generative photos became my go-to for showcasing Indha’s products.
The Art of Handmade Crafts under Indha
Different centers of Literacy India house small groups of Indha artisans who operate and collect their orders. These artisans are specially trained and highly skilled in various crafts. Our block-printed artwork, needlework, and paintings are blended into unique art pieces. One group of women creates the art, which is then passed to another group who use their machines to convert them into trendy bags or corporate orders. Designs are inspired by many sources, including Pinterest, and are created on Canva and Adobe Firefly before being converted into blocks, hand embroidery, and paintings.
The human touch is evident in how these trained women adapt and collaborate to create these products. It’s fun to see everything come together, and the best part is the time saved through this efficient process. Every item created is a labor of love, from the vibrant block prints that tell a story with each stamp to the meticulously embroidered designs that reflect cultural heritage.
Embracing Frugality with Innovation
Running Indha on a frugal budget means making every resource count while still delivering high-quality handmade products. This approach isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about smart, innovative thinking. In a world where marketing budgets can be astronomical, I’ve learned to embrace frugality without compromising the quality of my work.
Innovation in Promotion: As a craft producer, one of my primary challenges is promoting our products without the luxury of hiring professional models or organizing expensive photoshoots. This is where my background as an aviator and my familiarity with technology come into play. AI generative photos have become an innovative and invaluable tool. With AI, me and my team can create stunning, professional-looking images that showcase the beauty and intricacy of Indha’s products, all without the high costs associated with traditional methods.
Smart Use of Resources: Our use of AI is just one example of how we stretch our resources further. We draw inspiration from various platforms like Pinterest, Canva, and Adobe Firefly, which allows us to create and refine our designs digitally before bringing them to life through traditional methods. This blend of digital and handcrafting ensures that our products remain unique and high-quality while also being cost-effective.
Community and Collaboration: The heart of Indha lies in its community of artisans. Each step of our production process, from block printing to embroidery to assembling the final product, is a collaborative effort. Women at different centres of Literacy India specialize in various skills, and by working together, they turn individual talents into beautifully crafted items. This collaborative approach not only keeps costs down but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
Efficiency through Technology: By integrating technology into our workflow, we save significant time and resources. Designs created on digital platforms can be easily shared and replicated, allowing for consistent quality across our products. This efficiency means we can focus more on the creative process and less on logistical hurdles, ensuring that each piece is made with care and attention to detail.
Maintaining the Human Touch: Despite our use of AI and digital tools, the human touch remains central to everything we do. Every item is handcrafted with love and care, reflecting the skills and dedication of the women behind Indha. Customers often share how they can feel the personal connection and craftsmanship in each piece, which is something that technology alone can never replicate.
By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, we have created a sustainable model that allows Indha to thrive. Our frugal approach ensures that we can continue to empower women, preserve cultural heritage, and bring beautiful handmade products to our customers.
Conclusion
Blending the timeless art of handmade crafts with the innovative power of AI technology has allowed me to share our creations with a wider audience. By embracing a frugal economy, we can continue to create beautiful, meaningful pieces that resonate with the human spirit. I invite you to explore our work and join us in celebrating the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
Explore More
Discover the magic of handmade crafts and the innovative touch of AI by visiting our online store. Follow us on social media @Literacy_india_indha for behind-the-scenes glimpses into our creative process, and sign up for our updates on new releases and special offers. Together, let’s celebrate the fusion of tradition and technology.
Penned by – Capt.Indraani Singh ,Founder.
Crafting Success Stories: Empowering Youth Through Skill and Art
Within the pages ahead, we unveil the inspiring narratives of Priyanka Mahato and Dibyendu Majhi, two individuals whose lives embody the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.
Priyanka’s journey, adorned with the delicate stitches of needlework, has transcended the confines of her village to grace homes across the Western world. Meanwhile, Dibyendu’s artistry has found a place of honour in the corridors of corporate offices, enriching spaces with his vibrant creations.
Their stories, rooted in humble beginnings and fuelled by determination, serve as guiding lights in the face of adversity. Through their pursuit of education and the arts, they have not only transformed their own lives but also illuminated paths of possibility for others.
From Struggle to Success: Priyanka Mahato’s Inspiring Journey
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| Unveiling the Talented Brush: Dibyendu Majhi’s Journey from Poverty to Artistry |
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Born into a modest home, Dibyendu’s father, Kanchan Majhi, labors tirelessly as a daily wage worker, while his mother, Gita Majhi, tends to their humble abode with unwavering dedication. Amidst the struggles of providing for two brothers and a sister, aspirations often took a backseat to survival. Yet, fate intervened when Dibyendu found refuge under the wings of Literacy India’s Gurukul project. A simple painting competition revealed the latent talent nestled within his fingertips, prompting a journey of artistic exploration. Since July 2022, Dibyendu has delved into the realms of painting and digital art, attending classes in traditional techniques and mastering the nuances of Photoshop wizardry. Balancing his academic pursuits at Baghmundi High School with his artistic endeavours, he honed his skills with relentless determination. A pivotal moment arrived when he completed the Photoshop course at the Pratappur center, gaining expertise in photo correction and layer manipulation. Armed with newfound knowledge and an unwavering resolve, Dibyendu seamlessly integrated digital tools into his artistic repertoire, crafting captivating pieces that enraptured all who beheld them. Yet, Dibyendu’s journey transcends mere artistry; it embodies empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through the Indha initiative, he transformed into a hand-painting artisan, adorning everyday items like kettles and coasters with exquisite designs. His creations became sought-after commodities, a testament to his skill and dedication. With every stroke of his brush and click of his mouse, Dibyendu not only paints his dreams but also forges a path to a brighter future. His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and education, illustrating that talent knows no boundaries. In Dibyendu, we witness the triumph of the human spirit, proving that with opportunity and determination, even the most impoverished of souls can emerge as artisans of life. |
Crafting Stories: Indha’s Journey from Remote Villages to Your Heart
As Valentine’s Day draws near, the world gears up for a global celebration of love, painting the town red with heart-shaped candies and romantic gestures. But in the heart of India, there’s a unique celebration brewing – one that blends love, joy, and tradition in a whole new way.
Indha, rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian artistry, approaches Valentine’s Day with a twist. While the concept may have its origins in the West, for Indha, it’s an opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of Indian culture through a modern lens. It’s about infusing every thread, stitch, and brushstroke with the spirit of celebration and affection.
In Kolkata’s bustling streets, talented artisans – predominantly women – pour their creativity into crafting stunning pieces of jewellery, from intricately designed earrings to delicate wrist bead bands. Each piece tells a story of tradition reimagined for the contemporary world.
Meanwhile, in the picturesque town of Purulia, skilled women artisans work their magic with needle and thread, creating beautiful designs that adorn everything from bags to furnishing items. Their craftmanship, steeped in age-old techniques, brings a touch of elegance to every creation.
And in the vibrant cities of Haryana and Delhi, creativity knows no bounds. Here, artisans blend diverse styles and traditions to create unique and colourful products that capture the essence of modern India.
There’s a rhythm to it all – a harmonious symphony of colours, textures, and patterns. With each creation, there’s a smile on the artisan’s face, a reflection of the joy and love poured into their work. And as these products find their way into the hands of buyers, they carry with them not just the spirit of Valentine’s Day, but the essence of Indha – a celebration of love, joy, and tradition.
So as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate Indha.Indha’s diverse range of products, including bags, boho jewellery, hand-painted items, Kantha work, and hand-embroidered pieces, are not just exquisite in craftsmanship but also carry the soulful journey of rural artisans, traveling from remote villages to your heart.
Every Day is the Environment day
Every Day is the Environment day by Indraani Singh
Many of our Indian Rural communities have inspired many of us to practice life where Nature is not harmed. Poor communities recycle their clothes, and many restitch them into bags to carry their daily essentials. Therefore, they recycled and reused without realising “How they were helping the mother nature”. They considered this as leading a life of being poor. Their Farmland did not get chemical fertiliser, and their animals kept their ecosystem safe with their grazing.
Years of such living kept many of our villages safe. Such practices are considered simple living and come back to our educated urban communities as a lesson. There is an overall urge to recycle as much as possible, Plant more, and eat homegrown vegetables. Literacy India and Indha teach our beneficiaries of this generation to go back to simple, natural ways.
Indha waste paper recycling Unit makes paper for its own organisation consumption. It engages with companies to use recycled handmade paper for their workplaces. Also, it promotes the same for the livelihood of many women.
First Step for change
Mamta Bai, 30, married to Kamlesh, a daily wage laborer. She and her family live in Khatakheri, Block Manoharthana Distt. Jhalawar, Rajasthan.
Mamta worked along with her husband in labor work. Still, due to ongoing health issues, she had to discontinue her job, leaving her family solely dependent on her husband and on a meager income. Life became tough for them. Pandemic Impacted most of the daily wage workers, Mamata`s Family was also not spared.
Literacy India has a presence in Jhalawar, Rajasthan and Mamta Bai being part of the Kitchen Garden Group was suitable for become an Entrepreneur. She was helped to set up a Small Provisional Store in the Village and with the micro-loan of Rs.10,000.
Her Efforts and Hard work paid off, her shop is doing well, and she can earn Rs. 3,000 to Rs 4,000.0 with Profit every month. This was well-timed for her family.
Once we get on to the track of Progress, we envision our life for better things, Mamta Bai is planning to send her child to the right school and pay for the tuition as well.
She thanked Literacy India Team to be by her side during the time of Need, and She wants to make us all Proud. We are indeed Proud of this Courageous Woman.
Indha on #World FairTradeDay with #BuildBackFairer
Literacy India`s Indha project is a Fairtrade brand .Indha was started by Literacy India as an offshoot of Project “Karigari” – a platform under which Literacy India trained over 10,000 women were later turned into skilled Artisans. Right now we have 300 plus artisans fully engaged. Handcrafted products are unique and authentic. Skilled artisans pay attention to intricate details while showcasing their #KalaAurKarigiri. Handcrafted with love, they are designed to perfection. A lot of hard work goes behind the crafting of these products.
Gift of Joy this Mother’s Day
Every Mother is Special. She has Poise and She is the Ultimate Lady. Gifting our specially handcrafted Clutch Purses to your Mother is going to make her day. Times are Tough due to Covid19, this Gift is a Gift of Joy. Make her Day. To one mother from another Artisan who is also a mother. Over 350 artisans from West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Haryana come together to create a range of products, a happy marketplace of things. Visit us at https://indha.in/ Crafty Designs and Handmade, Hand-embroidered Clutches gives a class and niche to the item.
Unique Living Room Decor
Indhacraft`s unique collection of living room home decor is specially handcrafted for your homes.
Beautiful Cushion Covers to adorn your Living Room Sofa with exquisite Tribal hand Embroidery and hand block printing. The joy of Handmade and Happy Craft brings positive vibrations to your homes. A Great set for Gifting During Diwali, Weddings, etc as it comes with a lovely Pouch as a Gift Wrap. India helps Environment and Empower Women from the Rural underserved background to create such a beautiful handmade Bag. Your Choice will change the lives of these Rural Artisans and we can be part of Make in India products. We promote Indha is India.
IT’S NOT ABOUT CRAFT
IT’S NOT ABOUT CRAFT
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken India`s economy to the core. Though everyone has taken a hit, some have been hit more than others. The rural artisans are amongst those severely impacted. According to government figures, there are an estimated seven million artisans in India, however other sources peg the number to 200 million. The artisans constitute the backbone of India’s Handicraft sector, but at the time of duress are left to fend for themselves. Though some craftworkers do own land, millions do not. These landless artisans are forced to work as landless farmers or to migrate to cities as daily wage labourers. This puts the entire sector of traditional handicrafts at risk.
We at Indha Craft (www.indha.in) have been trying to revive the receding Indian handicrafts sector by creating a market for the products across India and abroad. Global markets are slowly evolving and have begun to like the handmade, thereby giving hope to rural artisanal communities.
The lockdown has unfortunately impacted the lives of these communities once again. Due to the pandemic, markets have collapsed. These artisans are forced to traverse uncertainties and turn towards daily wage work to sustain themselves and their families. This lockdown has taken away their livelihoods and any kind of survival security. With the forced migration, they also face health risks posed by the pandemic.
We would like to make an appeal to support the impacted artisan families whom we are unable to help. Indha Artisans are at the brink of losing hope, and they need financial support to stay positive and with the belief that this too shall pass.
We are reaching out to all you Indha supporters to contribute whatever possible so that the artisans can sustain themselves for a month. We expect the markets to open soon with IndhaCraft gearing up to market Indha products soon.
Your smallest contribution could be one`s day`s ration for a Family.
Click here to donate online https://www.literacyindia.org/relief-fund-for-poorest-of-the-poor/
Captain Indraani Singh,
Founder – Indha & AirIndia Commander
Doodle into Craft
There had been lots written about Doodle Art across the world as to how it is distressing and can be meditative. This is also found to be hip and Spiffy used in many accessories by World famous Designers. I thought we could use the Doodle Art into our Block Prints and our Embroideries which further gets shaped into Products. To develop a taste for such designs, we had to get out there and take that chance. I was pleasantly surprised that many of Today`s Generation took a liking for this in our line of Furnishings and Bags with some Unique Doodles.
Our Artisans did ask us innocent questions about what the artwork meant, though they enjoyed working on it simultaneously.
I needed to imagine a living Room where in this work of Art would stand out, leading to a new trend and style. I felt pride that we could blend Joy of Creating something, and at the same time convert this into Craft impacting lives. Since then, Our Doodles became our original in the line of designs especially on Men`s Apparel we have started using, Our Recent Shirt Material was a major hit. We used doodles of Masks of different kinds, Bicycles, Autorickshaws, Geometrical designs etc. Our Stoles, Scarves and Bandana Block Prints were quite Popular.
Captain Indraani Singh,
Founder – Indha & AirIndia Commander
