At Singapore - A new phase of life :)

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.

~Dalai Lama

Anything that starts well, ends well :) 

I am someone who truly believes in positive attitude. In the last blog post I had shared the links of my interview with the "Smart Indian Woman" and my TV craft shoots. 

Both the incidents brought the positives vibes around, and I've been making and learning a lot more since then. I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. 

Ever since I started Paper Mantras, there was no look back. How life has changed :) How many good friends I've found. Can life be better than this?? Na Na ;)

So then, my darling was put in a new project from his company, and we had to move from Chennai. (Sob, sob...) 

But, the destination was super exciting too - SINGAPORE :)

We landed in Singapore on the early hours of 29th September` 2015. What a lively place this is!

Most initial days were spend on Shopping.. Shopping.. Shopping..  By shopping, I mean the housekeeping and kitchen accessories ;)

In the first few days of reaching Singapore, my interview with IndiaCafe24 was published :) The interview's teaser was released on the 1st of October, 2015, while the interview was published on the 7th of October, 2015 :)

What a joy of bringing in the positive vibes again :)

Do check out the interview :)

http://www.indiacafe24.com/interviews/entrepreneurs/jayashree-and-her-beautiful-creation-of-handmade-jewellery/

Days passed.. We had initially stayed at Hotel Park Royal during the first week of our stay at Singapore. It was a splendid stay I would say. And, I specially loved the galant desk at the room :) Hubby and me decided that, when we return to India after a few years, we would have the same setup for my workstation :)

In addition to that, I loved the beautiful view of Little India, Singapore, from my window :)

And then, from there we moved to a another house where we stayed till the end of October. Something I like about this city is its everyday rain in late afternoons after the hot sunny noon :) 

And finally, on 30th October, 2015, we moved to a beautiful house. And now, after about two months, our house is now a beautiful home :) Feels so good when you live at great heights, I mean we live on the 21st floor :) Especially when the dark clouds form.. splendid :)

How time flies.. Its been already two months :) Staying alone will always bring out the best in you. Be it cooking or crafting. My darling husband never fails to appreciate my little efforts that I make for a sweet tooth like him :) I think the cooking skills is in the genes ;) For my mommy being a great cook, I've inherited it to an extent :) I've been trying a lot new dishes very often. Baking crave has kick-started and I've baked 3-4 times so far - while baking Chocolate cake twice ;)

Diwali celebration mood kick started with sweets. Made Pal Poli, Gulab Jamun, and Bread Halwa for Diwali :) 

When Diwali mood was taking a break.. my birthday as well as our first anniversary mood sprang up :) What a meaningful birthday it was.. My sissy had sent video wishes from my dear n near ones.. What an emotional birthday it was :) It was a great effort by her to collect videos from people whom she never knew before :) Thank you darling :)

For a hardcore Samsung fan like me, my husband presented me an iPhone 6s :) So far.. So good :) But still I miss my Samsung S3 :)

Birthday ended with a dinner at McDonalds after watching a Tamil Movie "Thoongaa Vanam" at Jurong Point. 

I've been continuing my crafting here too :) Am exploring ways to spread the joy of working with paper :) Do Check out my recent creations on my page - Paper Mantras :)

Cee you all very soon with another post :) 

Ray of Hope :)

Hello my dear people,

It’s been four-ish months since I blogged here. As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, quilling and beading has kept me away from blogging.

Also, I quit from my job as an Instructional Designer this May 2015.

Being at home for quite sometime has brought many changes. Loads has happened in these few months.

I had my first TV craft show telecasted for Vasanth Tv – Tamil Channel. We had two shoots for the program called Pennoviyam. One was a simple Quilled Frame. Another one was a Paper Base Earring.

This has definitely boosted my confidence further. I would say it was a real good opportunity at the right time.

And another wonder experience was being interviewed by the famous site “Smart Indian Woman”

Here is the Interview Link :)

It was a great recognition. A lot of family and friends who lost in touch with me came back for wishing me good luck!

One of the best gifts that I received this year was from my dearest friend - my hubby. He presented me with "Thank you message cards and business cards" for Paper Mantras :) He surely knows to make me happier :)

Front side of the Business Card

Back side of the Business Card

Thank you message card

And, my good friend Abhinaya, sent her warm regards after this interview. She has always boosted my confidence and always appreciated my blog posts. She has suggested me to write about the joys while quilling. Yes, its sounds cool to write about the joys I get while quilling. 

Message from Abhinaya

I believe my writing will boost a few more people to step ahead with confidence! I hope I can be of help to people who need inspiration. 

I love writing as much as I love quilling. So I’ve decided to blog here often with my quilling posts too!

Apart from quilling I’m trying my hands on other forms of jewelry too. I believe that never stops, it can happen anytime. 

Lets look forward for more posts here…

Interview 1 - Sneha Oberai - The Magical Hands behind Paper Shapers

Due apologies for being inactive here for various personal commitments. Its long long time since I penned down on my blog. This gap of 7 months brought a lot of changes in my life. Learnt more forms of handmade jewellery, took additional responsibilities at work, got married :), became closer with artistic friends and much more…

So coming to the actual point.

As a long time wish, I always wanted to interview my artist friends. I wanted to learn about various crafts from them and spread it to the world. And also share my novice knowledge on crafting. I also wanted to publish these as a series of interviews. So that, as years pass, I would look back and boast that ARTIST is my friend.

So my wish has come true. Here is the interview with a crafter friend of mine Sneha Oberai, Artist, Paper Shapers.

Why wait. Go ahead.

Jayashree Ravi - Tell us something about you and your background.

Sneha Oberai - I come from a very humble background. I had a wonderful and creative childhood. My parents have always encouraged and supported me.

Sneha Oberai, Artist, Paper Shapers

JR - Where did crafting start in your case?

SO - It started at a very early stage; when I was 4-5 yrs old. I used to see my aunt making and teaching different art styles. During this period, crafting started budding inside me. During my schools days I used to take parts in art and craft activities. I have completed my graduation in Interior Design.

JR - Which one do you consider as your masterpiece as of now?

SO - Each and every piece I have made or yet to make is a masterpiece for me; as they all are a small part of my self. I would like to share my recent terracotta work.

Sneha Oberai's
Recent Terracotta Work

JR -  Which type of crafting you like the most?

SO - I am passionate about paper. Its crispness and versatility has always attracted me.

JR - Who is your inspiration?

SO - As I mentioned paper as my favorite type of craft; my favorite paper artist is Ms. Manuela Koosch. She has inspired me to opt quilling.

JR - Share your most favorite works.

SO - My personal favourite list includes the following:

1. Manuela Koosch 

Link to the original work - http://cdn.manuk.ro/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/flowers-heart-iii-quilled-daisies-dandelions-berries-800px.png

2. Anand Prakash

Link to the original work - https://anandzcreation.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/5th-of-june-newspaper-colour-pendants1.jpg

3. Paper Panda

Link to the original work - http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/148826371/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/manor.jpg

4. Little Circles Paper Quilling 

Link to the original work - http://www.littlecircles.net/apps/photos/photo?photoid=195988035 

JR - What attracts you to your hobby/hobbies?

SO- In simple words "Freedom of expressions."

JR - If you could be any crafter/artist (past or present) for a day who would it be and why?

SO - Oh! This is so tempting! Many names are running in my mind right now, but I think I would not choose any of them. Their work is just perfect and I haven’t reached that point yet.

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

  JR - If you had magic powers what 3 things would you do to advance the crafting movement?

SO - 

• First wish - I will help people in finding the craftsman hidden inside them. 
• Second wish - I will provide proper resources and the support they would need.
• Third wish - I will inject the quality of appreciation in people, so that they can appreciate other’s work.

JR - Besides family/friends/home/health what is your most cherished possession?

SO - My skills

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

JR - What do you feel are the most important qualities of a good crafter?

SO - A crafter should be an observer, versatile, wide-minded, strong regarding their work, opportunist, and of course creative.

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

JR - We live in such a ready-to-wear, buy-it-now society where everything is either a click or a short drive away. Why should people continue to make things by hand?

SO - Making things by hand is like a meditation. We crafters/designers make things not only to sell them but to enhance our skills. Handcrafted products involve so many craftsmen from rural area also. For their well-being and employment handcrafting industry plays an important role. 

JR - What do you do to keep yourself, your space, and your time organized?

SO - I have my schedule of the day for my daily chores but they don’t include my crafting time. Apart from working on projects I am not at all organized regarding my craft. Sketching and executing for different crafts sometimes happen at the same moment. For my craft space, I keep separate boxes with label for my tools and supplies. 

JR - When do you feel the most creative?

SO - Mostly when I'm in my studio I feel creative but sometimes after a nap in the middle of the night I feel it and start working on my projects.

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

JR - Do you think you’ve “made it”?

SO - No. I don’t think so. There is still a lot to learn and a lot to achieve.

JR - What sorts of things are inspiring you right now? Where do you look for inspiration?

SO - As people say “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” requirement inspire me to create; and not to forget internet and social media.

JR - What do you do to make your workspace an enriching and inspiring place to be?

SO - A big window, plants hanging, my tools and soft music is more than enough to make my studio a rocking place to be at.

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

JR - How would you describe your style? Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?

SO S - I would describe my style as subtle and fresh. Designer i look up to is: Mr. Anand Prakash. He is a super talented collectibles, stationary and accessories designer. He works with metal and paper.

JR - What are your can’t-live-without craft-room essentials?

SO- Tools, supplies, music, fresh air and of course my thinking hat.

Handmade by Sneha Oberai at Paper Shapers

JR - What are your future plans?

SO - I am planning to establish a brand name under which I will try to teach craft. I want to build a platform for people to showcase their talent.

JR - It was a great knowledge sharing with you Sneha. Wish you good luck for all your future efforts. 

SO - Good luck to you too :) 

Visit Sneha's Facebook page for even more mesmerizing creations :)

Paper Shapers

Good Luck people. See you soon with an another wonderful interview. 

Love, 

Jayashree Ravi