Silk Paintings – The Heritage Collection

Silk paintings are an exquisite form of art done with delicate precision and advanced technique. Silk paintings are created on white silk. The dyes are painted onto the stretched surface of the silk using a paintbrush. The dyes flow into the fiber and bond with the proteins, becoming a part of the silk thread. Silk paintings are different from oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints as these art forms sit on the surface of the support unlike silk paintings, which bond with the fiber itself. Silk paintings are lightfast and washable as the dyes are locked into the fiber20
The history of this art form suggests that this technique of painting has been used for a very long time. In the early 19th century, the discovery of Gutta lead to the resurgence of interest in silk painting in France. Gutta is a rubbery resist that can be used to create boundary lines on a silk. Without the Gutta boundaries on silk, dyes that normally would flow through the silk. Gutta gives artists control over positioning the dyes on the fabric and thereby, allowing them to create images. Over the years, artists have been adopting newer techniques such as the use of dye thickener or an antifusant on the surface of the silk to slow the progress of the dyes through the silk. 19

 

CheerKart has brought this beautiful form of art to their online platform and aims to make it accessible to everyone. The partnered artisans at CheerKart can make these exquisite paintings in any size. All original Rajasthani art forms such as Bikaner Chitra Shaili and Kishangarh Chitra Shaili are available. Silk paintings are an exquisite form of art done with delicate precision and advanced technique. Silk paintings are created on white silk. The dyes are painted onto the stretched surface of the silk using a paintbrush. The dyes flow into the fiber and bond with the proteins, becoming a part of the silk thread. Silk paintings are different from oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints as these art forms sit on the surface of the support unlike silk paintings, which bond with the fiber itself. Silk paintings are lightfast and washable as the dyes are locked into the fiber. 3
The history of this art form suggests that this technique of painting has been used for a very long time. In the early 19th century, the discovery of Gutta lead to the resurgence of interest in silk painting in France. Gutta is a rubbery resist that can be used to create boundary lines on a silk. Without the Gutta boundaries on silk, dyes that normally would flow through the silk. Gutta gives artists control over positioning the dyes on the fabric and thereby, allowing them to create images. Over the years, artists have been adopting newer techniques such as the use of dye thickener or an antifusant on the surface of the silk to slow the progress of the dyes through the silk.
CheerKart believes that this art form needs greater recognition.  They customize each painting as per ones requirements to add a personal touch. You can give the size and style of the painting and they will deliver it to you as per your liking. All original Rajasthani art forms such as Bikaner Chitra Shaili and Kishangarh Chitra Shaili are available.

Stoles and You: 5 Stole Styling Tips

Stoles, Scarves and Shawls are totally synonymous with each other for today’s fashionistas. While it may be surprising to know that the three little words above owe their ancestry to different places, at different times and for different purposes. Stoles are believed to have found its origin during the biblical times where Jesus used to clean his disciples feet with it and then it started being used by the priests. Scarves were used by Roman men to keep clean from the sweat in warm weather while shawls were woven on Pashmina by the Kashmiris in the 1600s to keep warm.  One thing common in them was that they were all used by men initially.

Now that women realized that the three S’s could be gracefully used by them, they also innovated new styling techniques with these accessories.

Let’s discuss the top 5 ways to use the three S’s in order to give you a different look every time:

Sport a killer biker’s look: Team up an artistic stole with a white half sleeves T-shit and blue denim. Wear your high-neck brown moots and do not forget to wear that attitude without which no look is complete…Your aviator sunglasses would definitely complement the attire..

A Formal Corporate look: What works better than a pure silk stole neatly draped around your neck on a business suit? A pair of stilettos, a stone studded silver watch and silver ear studs would add to the glory.

A desi girl look: Well, there’s a difference between a desi girl look and the so called “behenji” look and I’m sure all you girls out there would agree with me! It all depends on how you carry the yourself in that attire…Always remember, we do not accessorize to hide anything but to accentuate our style quotient…therefore stop wearing a stole because you are told that you have to…wear it in style and wear it your way in the color combination you feel is right for your kurti or salwar kameez…My personal style is Pure Cotton kurti in a pastel shade on blue denim with a bright color stole or a shawl (my favorite would be a stole with with mural paintings) draped around my neck (some of my draping styles mentioned below)..I don’t mind carrying  a bright colored scarf instead of a stole with this attire… 😉

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Of course a beat the winters look: This is one of my most favorite looks but Alas! Hardly get a chance to flaunt this one..Hardly any winters in Goa. A chequered woollen shawl around your head and shoulders with your black long coat and high boots with black wayfarers is the smartest of all the looks. Check it out the next time if you already haven’t.

A casual matter-of-fact look: A shawl can be very handy if you are stepping into a theatre or a shopping mall or even offices as the centralized Air conditioning is not customized to suit everyone’s needs..So why carry the shawl in your bag for such times? Just drape it around yourself casually and be a head turner for your beautiful collection and your unique style..

I feel there’s no good or bad style, it’s all about how you carry yourself around. Don’t forget to wear that smile with attitude…

Style tip: Infuse art in your style and that speaks volumes about your personality in unspoken words…

 

Gift suggestions – Top Five Series

While there are handful of options to consider about what to gift to your near and dear friends, colleagues and family members, no deal of ideas may satisfy you sometimes. So, here we are to give you a quick pick of how differently you can go about with gifts this time around. Consider these top five gift items that can make the occassion so special.

# Dry Fruits – Keeping the trends alive, a dry fruit box can complement the traditional sweets and savories, if not replace them. You can choose dry fruits because they are healthy and can be shared among friends, more importantly they fit in to the bill when the talk is all about gifts. Don’t ignore the packaging convince too.

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# Handicrafts –how about picking up a gift that can capture memories too? Yes, stuff like marble handicrafts and Rajasthani handicraft collection will seldom fail to impress. Souvenirs from the western, Eastern, northeren and central India would surely make your gifts quirky and bring out the richness of Indian Art and craft..Handicrafts are magical for relationships and isn’t that an open secret you always knew about?

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# Ethnic Wear –what else can you think about traditionally welcoming your loved ones home other than Ethnic Wear? Though recommended for people in the close quarters, it reminds them of your culture and they will never forget what your home is all about.

#Gift Cards – When you don’t know how to really go about shopping because you wouldn’t even know what to buy, gift your friends the access to indulge. Gift cards as they call it are your answer to uncertainty as you can rely on them to do wonders this season.

# Freedom Shopping – Do your know your choice of gifts can upset your friends and loved ones at times? It’s time you free yourself from the expectations of your vicious circle, take the path of freedom to gift and it’s pretty simple. Gift the freedom to shop to your dear ones and feel the difference.

Do visit cheerkart.com for more gifting ideas and indulge in cheerful shopping experience.     

Love Bengal Handloom? Here’s why its Heritage is admired by all generations…

The uniqueness in Bengali way of going about festivals and special occasions is always identified with traditional overtones which can be simply referred to as part of the rich heritage of Bengal. Talking about Bengal’s heritage and isolating handloom designs and creations is as good as shifting the entire focus away from Bengal itself. Though no amount of scholarship can justifiably explain the origins of such a rich culture, our generation is blessed to retain the best of Bengal’s heritage through handlooms.

Shopping for your choice of Handpainted Sarees or Pure Cotton Sarees is another kind of excitement that captures every woman’s imagination.

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You will always end up finding something more appealing, Handwoven Sarees for instance haven’t failed to impress many for years. Any reference to Pure Silk often takes our imagination towards Bengal and rightly so the amazing range of silk saree collections including Matka Silk, Sonamukhi Silk and Tassar Silk have always kept the heritage alive. It also goes beyond any doubt that Bengal handloom is not just about quality material, but its essence lies in the artistic work that is absolutely creative. Great sense of creativity blend with traditional identities is encrypted through concepts like Baluchari, Naksha Border and Batik Print.

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It is quite natural for anyone to imagine why Bengal handloom creations are admired across the world and loved by all generations, the diversity within speaks for itself. The thriving handloom industry has also risen to its new heights with the emergence of e-commerce solutions and online shopping avenues.

Explore more varieties of authentic Bengal handlooms and sarees at www.cheerkart.com; it’s the dream destination for your choice of Indian ethnic wear, Jewellery and Handicrafts.                          

Home Décor with traditional artifacts inspired by Bastar Arts

What makes your Home Décor complete? It’s a million dollar question for every enthusiast of home furnishing and interior designs. Perhaps the right way to go about is to figure out what is missing in your collection of interiors. When you actually do that, it is virtually impossible for you to miss out on Bastar Art collections from Chattisgarh unless you already have them decorating your living room. Don’t forget that the classic Dhokara or Dhokra art products can also fit into the gift item categories you would love to share with your friends and family.

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A quick overview of the traditional significance and techniques used in making these artifacts can generate more interest, beyond the identity of Home Décor concepts. The modern day creations of Baster Art are made from the bell metal, brass and bronze combinations which are entirely different from the traditional practices pioneered by tribal craftsmen. They used ‘lost wax technique’ to create handicrafts that are unique to the Bastar region. The techniques and choice of materials have also been evolving which also reflects the impact of maturing culture and civilizations. However, being a region inherited by the tribal communities followed by princely regimes, Bastar is a classic example of retaining the original artistic spirit. Overall we know that the modern day art concepts and products are modified to increase scalability and sustainability while keeping the core of design thinking and traditional impressions intact.

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Though it is invariably true that online shopping has given the much needed oxygen to revive traditional art and craftsmanship, the demand for authentic and reliable Indian Handicrafts remain on the edge. Be glad and cheer up for you have CheerKart, a traditional online store with awesome range of artistic products including Bastar Art CollectionsBastar Art Gallery from Chattisgarh.

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Emerging trends in Indian Handicraft with CheerKart

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Madhumita Arolker                                 Co-founder – Cheerkart E- shopping Services

E – Commerce is an integral part of India’s growth story and what we have presumably achieved so far is just a tip of the ice berg, considering its potential as well as market value driven by new age demands. Sophistication in terms of technology applications, design thinking and innovative customer outreach strategies have been playing catalysts in the growth and sustenance of e – commerce, which is now an industry in itself. But, it is no longer a niche that differentiates itself on technology sophistication as the growing demands and conceptions suggest something more challenging. Introducing products and services that are of personal value with an extended scope for clustered positioning and promoting is the new game changing scenario which is also fast emerging. CheerKart rightly identifies the business proposition in the context of such a changing scenario and maturing trends in fashion and lifestyle market segments. In doing so, there is still scope for innovation by carving out new targeted niches. This is also a pertinent reason behind the business model of CheerKart with a strategic approach of introducing unique brands of Handicraft products and solutions.

Priority segments and value proposition – Global scenario and Indian Handicrafts 

A quick overview of the e – commerce industry across the globe would suggest an emerging and clearly classified business segment of ‘Online Shopping’. This also virtually differentiates commercial categories of business services with online portals dedicated for shopping. This impression provides a different overview about the market orientation and potential exclusively in terms of online shopping. Given this scenario, it must suggest great deal of value and potential with Indian Handicrafts Industry’s value being recognized to be about 6% of online shopping value across the world. This value proposition is nothing but the validation of this industry which is at about 100 Billion USD. In imperial terms, Indian Handicrafts Industry is valued at 45,000 Crore INR and it still disproportionately classified under fragmented and unorganized industry.

CheerKart’s focus to carve out a new business proposition with Indian Handicrafts products and solutions by integrating on e – commerce platforms is not only justified but also foresees immense potential which is untapped and not so rightly estimated for years. This can also indicate that the future of these products promoted online could be at par with electronic gadgets and apparels that virtually led the e – commerce revolution in India. Considering various pros and cons of clustered product positioning and marketing, CheerKart makes the right move of introducing product basket with variation, uniqueness and exclusivity. Posed to become one of the prominent e – tailers based in India, CheerKart has impressive brand differentiation with categories including Artificial Jewelry, Apparels and Indian Traditional Wear and Organic Personal Care Products. CheerKart’s Gift Cards and Vouchers will further expand the scope of promoting business as well as the product reach through popular platforms.

CheerKart – Classified Categories

Apparels and Indian Traditional Wear – With the business potential clearly intact, it is more about participating and identifying with the culture and synergy of Indian traditions. Traditional wear and apparel have the kind of appeal and acceptance which is distinctively different from other popular products promoted online. With India textile industry to witness growth to an extent of reaching 141 Billion USD by 2021, there is a very evident scope for Indian traditional wear products. In line with the business potential, CheerKart aims to enter this market with in-house designer clothes in Crochet and introducing traditional Sarees and Salwar Kameezes in partnership with renowned fashion designers.

Organic Personal Care Products – In popular sections of Indian society, there has been a paradigm shift in the thought process and connect with organic products. Proven by research and key scientific parameters, there are superior health benefits of using organic and natural products for personal grooming, hygiene and wellbeing. The upward trends in this segment are rightly supported by the global demand, which is likely reach at 13.2 Billion USD by 2018. CheerKart has its special focus to introduce authentic products of organic value in India.

Artificial Jewelry – With the swiftly evolving and maturing fashion trends, the emphasis is more on scope of design and exclusivity than on the material choice itself. This provides a huge advantage for the Imitation Jewelry products to thrive in emerging markets. Statistics speak for themselves with the present costume jewelry’s market size of 8000 Crore INR in India. Interestingly, online businesses contribute for around 180 Crore INR of the total value. CheerKart proposes to bring in exclusive variety of products in this segment to expand avenues for a sizeable market share.

Handmade Canvas Paintings and Handicraft – Indian Handicraft products are the cynosure at every global expo and rightly so this market is consistently growing at 15%. It takes no exaggeration in forecasting its growth at over 40% with the e – commerce push on the backdrop of a special social media appeal. CheerKart knows how ambitious it would be to participate in a 400 Billion USD global market by promoting authentic Handmade and Handicraft products that are truly Indian with traditional flavor of a multicultural society.

Accessories – Accessories category at CheerKart simply ensures a complete sense of shopping experience. One would find these products with an off-beat connect, to pick up something new every time. It’s a package of random surprises with products ranging across bags, footwear, hair accessories and kids exclusive.

Business Model and Modus Operandi at CheerKart

Being a promising e-tailer with clear prospects for growth and profitability, CheerKart has a proactive and comprehensive marketing strategy. With adequate emphasis given to Digital Marketing and Online Promotions, there would also be considerable focus on Offline and Multimedia Promotions.

Conceptualized and founded by Madhumita Arolker, CheerKart has its Vision and Goals set to create an exceptionally innovative global brand of traditional handicraft products by redefining fashion and lifestyle. Madhumita plans to transform Cheerkart from a vendor sourced model to a standalone brand with inhouse artisans.  Backed by over ten years of rich experience as quality expert, Madhumita envisions creating a one million customer base by 2017. CheerKart aims to become an ambassador for true Indian art and the face of millions of traditional artisans in India.

With the best-in-class e-commerce solutions enabled by latest technology applications, CheerKart has an apparent advantage of unique products promoted through well thought of marketing strategy. It definitely represents the new era of fashion and lifestyle revolution with an extended outlook of traditional appeal.