Varnam Craft Collective

About

We like it quiet - our pieces don’t shout, they just fit in. Everything I design is functional art, meant to be used, not just looked at. From the curve of a jar to the beak of a tiny bird, there’s a reason behind every detail.

The Heart of Our Craft: Channapatna Magic

Most of our wooden kitchen accessories come from Channapatna, Karnataka. This craft’s been around for 200 years, mostly for toys, but we’ve given it a new spin for homes.

• We use Aale Mara (Wrightia Tinctoria), a safe wood you’ll find in local markets
• The colours are glossy, natural and non-toxic - applied while the wood spins on a lathe
• Each piece is shaped by hand, the way our artisans learned from their parents

Kitchen & Table: Playful, Useful

I focus on things that make chores less boring and tables more fun.

• Our Kuruvi Paper Roll Holder is a favourite
• There are airtight barni jars for snacks, quirky storage like Bekku Barni (cat jar), and playful bar accessories
• The Oinkston Coaster Set and Snappy the Croc wine holder add a twist to bar corners

Shelves & Walls: Function Meets Whimsy

You’ll see pen stands shaped like wise owls, wall hooks that look like cows or birds, and Dasara dolls - bulls and elephants. My circular photo frames always have a little bird on top.

Ceramics: Earthy Calm

Bowls and mugs from Auroville and Pondicherry - earthy, a little imperfect, but always soothing. There’s even a modern dabra set for those who love filter coffee.

Indian Folk Art: Minimal, Modern Stories

We frame Gond, Bhil, and Phad folk art, mostly monochrome, so it fits any wall. It’s simple but it tells a story straight from the artist.

The People Behind

We’re not just a brand - we’re a bunch of folks who care. Artisans like Pallavi and Hameed put their hearts into everything they make. You’ll feel their lagaav (attachment) in every piece.
Ee kalena munduvarisbeku anta namma aase (We want to take this art forward) - and that’s what you bring home with us.