glassy illumination...

As the festival of lights approaches, my head is bursting with various ideas to try out at home.

I also love checking out what's new in the market for diyas and lamps...

Recently I picked up these small glass oil lamps. It's a small flower shaped glass container with enough space for two tablespoons of oil. On top of it goes a detachable metal flower-shaped wick holder!

Placing them on a terracotta plate and scattering white rose petals makes it a lovely center of interest.

Love the floral pattern the light and glass together create:-)

You could also place them on small traditional coasters and line them on your window-sill or entrance...

Here I have placed it on small framed 'Patachitra' painting.

(Images by Arch)

A little bling...

Today we picked up some simple earthern diyas ( lamps) and laced the edges with long forgotten roll of sequins:-)
If you have some lace, sequins or beaded strips lying around, you know what to do with them.

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 7.11.2007

Dhanteras is celebrated on the first day of the five day Diwali celebrations. This day Goddess Lakshmi- who is the Goddess of Wealth is worshipped for wealth & prosperity.
It is extremely auspicious to buy gold & jewellery today as it is believed to bring happiness, wealth and good luck:-)Here is a simple Dhanteras arrangement with faux gold coins obviously:-)


(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail)

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 6.11.2007

This has to be one of those impromtu ideas, which just strikes you when you are doing something as simple as making Idlis for breakfast;-)
Serve traditional Indian sweets in one plate of an Idli mould, dry fruits in the other and light oil diyas in the mini-cocktail Idli mould:-)
You have a simple, instant Diwali Decoration ready!

(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail)

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 4.11.2007

I am very excited about this decorating idea, since this doesn't fall into the 'traditional' slot yet it has interesting traditional elements in it:-)

Antique ceramic Japanese tiles from Chettinad, look at the interpretation of Goddess Lakshmi!
I completely adore the blue & pink combination. Arrange on your table, float some pink gerberas or lotus if you can get them in glass bowls. I have used simple kerosene lamps to add that white glow to the arrangement and I don't have to worry about it blowing off!

(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail.)

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 3.11.2007

Rustic. Simple. Divine.

I love the simplicity in this style of decorating. Beauty carved in stone. Pluck flowers from your garden, scatter it all around. Float them in stone diyas ( let your creativity flow:-)
Put some pebbles in the diya before lighting them. Add a dash of colour with 'Kum-Kum' or Vermillion and you have a simple yet beautiful decoration ready.
I float flowers in just about any thing;-) So this was a natural choice, flowers in diyas for beauty & festivity!

(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail.)

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 1.11.2007

Dust that old spice box, bring out that antique jewellery box your mother gave you, better still if it has some compartments in them.

Display it on your center table or that coffee table in your drawing room where you welcome your guests for Diwali.

Fill each compartment with dry-fruits, sugar candies, chocolates, take your pick:-) Drop a tiny tea light candle in one of the slots and see the festive glow it it brings into your home and on the faces of your guests:-)

(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail.)

Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen: 31.10.2007

Diwali is the time when major cleaning, painting, sprucing up is done and homes are transformed into a special abode for Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)

There is brightness everywhere. My Diwali routine includes taking out all my brass lamps, the simple brass diyas to huge Kerala Lamps.

Here is a simple idea that you can use as a center of interest on your dining table, infront of a picture of Goddess Lakshmi or at the entrance to your home.

Polish those simple brass diyas, place it in between the grooves of an egg tray (which you can pick up from any grocery store). Use any flower of your choice to fill up the gaps in between the diyas. Voila! You have a gorgeous centerpiece ready.

(Images & ideas by Arch, feel free to get inspired and link to me but if you want to use my photographs for some other purpose please send me a mail.)