Our Journey: Bringing Traditional Makers to the Forefront
We believe true luxury is handmade. Join us in celebrating the karigars who keep India's craft traditions alive through every thread, dot, and stroke.
This is the rigor behind our work. In this podcast clip, we discuss our selection committee and the fine-toothed comb we use to vet artisans. We look for skill, authenticity, and potential, ensuring that every maker you meet through us is genuine.
This is our call to action. We believe age-old techniques deserve to be celebrated, not forgotten. We are always looking for deserving artists and creators to join our community and help us keep traditional art alive.
Sustainability is at the core of what we do. We are committed to supporting eco-conscious creators and ethical sourcing. This graphic is an invitation for makers whose practices are gentle on the Earth to apply to join us.
A look into our field visits. We spent a lovely day with the Kulkarnis in a small hamlet in Shimoga, who have been block printing for 25 years, empowering local women and keeping their craft alive.
A look into our field visits. We spent a lovely day with the Kulkarnis in a small hamlet in Shimoga, who have been block printing for 25 years, empowering local women and keeping their craft alive.
We love seeing craft communities thrive. Here are members of a crafters' meetup in Cubbon Park, an inclusive and warm group that gets together every Sunday to create and connect.
Here I am taking you on a tour of our festival, introducing you to some of our favorite artisans. We feature a Kalamkari dari maker, an Ajrakh printer, and a bamboo craftsman, sharing their stories and their work.
"My heart is full with gratitude." We are so moved by testimonials from our artisan partners. This post from a Mandala artist shares her experience of being part of our festival and the support she felt from the community.
Our A-Z of Crafts series is an educational journey through India's handmade traditions. In these clips, we explain the history and technique behind Natural Dyes, Lambani Embroidery, Ikat, Eco Printing, and Dabu block printing.
Our A-Z of Crafts series is an educational journey through India's handmade traditions. In these clips, we explain the history and technique behind Natural Dyes, Lambani Embroidery, Ikat, Eco Printing, and Dabu block printing.
About Our Story & Community
We don't just host anyone. Behind the scenes, we run a rigorous selection committee that vets every artisan for skill, authenticity, and potential. We are effectively the bane of our own committee because we dig into the history, techniques, and business viability of every maker before they ever reach our stage. We want to ensure that when you meet a maker with us, you are engaging with someone who holds genuine craft integrity.
Our story started simply. Years ago, we saw rural artisans with exceptional skills but no buyers, so we opened up our garden to them. Posters, word of mouth, and a bit of hope later, we sold out in a day. That feeling of 'haath ka kaam' (work of the hands) helping people connect and slow down is what keeps us going. We’ve grown from that garden into a Bangalore-wide movement, popping up at venues like Freedom Park, NIFT Campus, and Jayamahal Palace.
We’re Mala and Sonia—yep, those grey-haired folks you see in the pictures. We’re a tiny, picky team. We aren't here to 'own' artisans. We cringe at the phrase 'yeh mera karigar hai' (this is my artisan) because it’s possessive. Our goal is the opposite: to spotlight them. Whether it’s an A-Z of Crafts educational series or our 'Made It Myself' campaign, everything we do focuses on giving soul and story to the items you bring home.
Why We Do It
- Authenticity: We research extensively to ensure the crafts are traditional, not just trendy knock-offs.
- Community over Commerce: We run open mics, crafter meetups at Cubbon Park, and workshops that welcome everyone from kids to absolute beginners.
- The 'Pause' Button: We believe creating with your hands is a form of self-care. When you sit down for a pottery or painting session, time slows. That shift in perspective is what we’re selling, not just the finished product.
If you're a maker whose practices are gentle on the Earth or a craft enthusiast looking for a space to belong, you're in the right place. Join us for our next collective and see what’s possible when you let your hands do the talking.
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