Khazana: Curated treasures on Lyndale Ave | Minneapolis

Serendipity it was!

One weekend we were walking around, exploring the streets of Lyndale Avenue in Richfield and next minute we were entering the door to a store with a giant hot pink lotus painted on the wall.

Walking into the store we were enveloped in the fragrance of floral incense and a welcoming smile by Kelly the hostess at Khazana.

As we got talking she mentioned that she followed Rang Decor on Facebook.

Serendipity it was!

The exterior view of Khazana.

Prayer flags fluttering at the entrance.

Khazana was born out of a passion for collecting art and stories.

Here is the story of how Khazana came into being...
Anju Kataria grew up in India, but traveled extensively with her family from a young age, always collecting things from her travels.
Khazana was born on Nicollet Avenue downtown in it’s first incarnation.  For the last twenty five years, Anju and her husband Ashu have continued to add to their incredible and unique collection, preferring to work directly with artisans and support local craftspeople, both in India and locally.


Khazana literally means 'treasure' and the store is a curated collection of treasures brought here to help tell the story of the people and places they come from. Khazana has a wide array of pieces but is known for textiles, bronzes, exotic jewelry and original artwork.


Three years ago Khazana found it’s final home on Lyndale when the Kataria’s bought a space Anju had loved for twenty years.

Fun Bollywood-inspired products.

Vintage Mirrorwork Textiles.

Incenses.

Madhubani art and textiles.

Fair-trade handcrafted silver jewellery.

'In the last year we have begun to add more classes and interactive activities in an effort to expand how we can tell our story in the community, and provide a space for others to come and tell theirs. 
We plan on offering a travel component this year and are looking forward to being able to take people to the source of these incredible pieces. We have tried to create a beautiful place where people can walk in and feel as though they have stepped into a calm and inviting, and inspiring space. 
We invite you to come experience it, and we look forward to seeing you!'
~ The lovely people at Khazana

So if you find yourself in Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis or are looking for unique gifts do drop by Khazana~ A true treasure trove.
You can follow them on Facebook at Khazana.

( Images by Arch)

Read More

Hanging Baskets In My Small Balcony Garden

I had always wanted hanging baskets in my balcony garden, but I couldn't find big wrought iron hanging baskets with coir lining here in Pune. So I bought these plastic ones. I didn't like their dull colours though, so I painted them in vibrant colours.

I planted Money plant, Jade, 9 O'clock, Purple Wandering Jew and Singapore Daisy in some baskets, that my mother had given me and sowed seeds of Virginia Stock and Nasturtium in two baskets, that my mother-in-law had given me. I was desperate like a kid, who just wanted seeds to sprout the moment they were sown. I wanted to see, how my baskets will going to look when they will be full of foliage and blooms. And slowly it happened.........

Kid in me was so happy to see some blooms and Virginia Stock sprouts, that were filling the blue basket.

And finally the day arrived when I saw 9 O'clock, Nasturtium, Singapore Daisy and Virginia Stock blooming and Money plant & Jade thriving and spreading cheer in my small garden. This was the sight I was waiting for. It was so heart warming to look at these baskets.  

Some close ups.........

And some different angles.........

And Purple wandering Jew has become the main attraction in the garden for its lovely purple leaves and the way it's covering the basket.

But now because of cold weather Nasturtium has died :( and 9 O'clock plant has stopped blooming. 

Waiting for Spring to arrive now.

Have a great weekend ahead dear all!!

Read More

Homemade Wool Sweater Purse

It's a great project


to make if you can


Dream

and

Sew!

I took a wool sweater from the thrift store and combined it with some ticking stripe and some gray fabric and made it into a really great new purse. This is not a tutorial, but just showing you the details of the bag.




I first washed and dryed the wool sweater to 'felt' it (make it shrink) for a tighter weave. I designed this in

Read More

DIY Lippan Work: Video Tutorial

Thank you so much dear all for appreciating my Lippan Work Wooden panels. I am overwhelmed by the response I got. So I created a video tutorial exclusively for my wonderful readers who want to try their hand on this art.

In my last post about Asus Zenfone 6 you saw how I am super impressed with ZenFone 6 and exploring its wonderful features every passing day. So this was the perfect time to test its video recording feature too. I just picked up the ZenFone 6, gathered all the supplies needed for making Lippan work wooden panels, started shooting video and without any editing published it on YouTube. It was extremely easy and quick to make a video tutorial with ZenFone 6 and the most amazing thing was publishing it on my YouTube channel right after I finished shooting it. 

I watched the video I shot, over and over again in great disbelief that how a mobile with some amazing features can save so much time. I had spent around 4-6 hrs in making video tutorials earlier and it was hassle to shoot and then edit the video.
While making video with ZenFone 6, I noticed that I can pause the video number of times whenever I want and can resume it later, it is wonderful feature specially when I am shooting DIY tutorials. Video and sound clarity is excellent.
Below is the video tutorial of Lippan work. You can check out the video and its sound quality. I found it wonderful.

Few more things that I am trying to do with ZenFone 6 is that I am creating a movie with its 'Movie Maker', using series of pictures or videos and then I can edit it.

I captured lots of pictures too, will share them in my next post with all the other good features that I am exploring in ZenFone 6

Want to see more images of my Lippan Work then click here.

Read More

My Wishlist!!

I love online shopping because I don't like to go to overcrowded markets. Often times I make hurried purchases just to avoid the crowd. For me online shopping is the best option any day and if some great deals are going on then it's like icing on the cake  and I go berserk shopping. One such amazing deal is going on on eBay. It's eBay Republic Day Sale. I am totally amazed to see the discounts and deals they are offering. I have created my Wishlist and will not let go this opportunity. Here's my wishlist- 

1.Wooden Bench/Sofa:

My home is an ever evolving place. I love eclectic style of decorating. When I explored eBay deals, I found this beautiful wooden bench. I liked this wooden bench for it's ethnic look. I love everything Indian and this beautiful Sheesham wood bench is what my living room is desperately waiting for. Its colour will blend perfectly with the rest of the furniture in my living room. It looks comfortable and cozy. 

Few days ago when I checked it was not in my budget but now eBay is offering 16% discount. Win win situation for me.

2. Telescope:

This 75X /150X refractor  telescope would make a perfect gift for my son, who loves astronomy and wants to be an astronaut. He loves to watch the night sky and his curious mind wants to know how the celestial bodies actually look. This telescope would be the answer for his numerous questions.
The best thing about eBay Republic Day Sale is that they are offering international hot deals too. And I am picking this telescope for sure.

3. Casual Shoes:

The man of the house whenever goes out, just heads towards the shoe stores. Not only he loves sopping for shoes but also loves to explore more about them in various stores like latest trends, designs, durability, quality, material, make and what not. We have more shoes than socks in our home. That is why this pair of casual shoes is in my wish list. 

These brown suede leather fashionable boots are available on eBay on 30% discount. That's a great deal, I must say.

4. DSLR Camera:

Being a lifestyle blogger, I always need lots of images and that's not the only reason, I love photography too so need an excellent camera. I have been wanting to buy this DSLR camera since long now, but found it too pricey on various online shopping portals. It has always been on top on my wish list.

With eBay offering some best deals, I am so sure that now I can own this amazing camera and would be able to click some lovely shots for my blog.

5. Watches:

I love watches, especially couple watches. Earlier also my husband and I have bought few beautiful pair watches and we love the look and feel of wearing same kind of watches. 

This white silicone chronograph Armani watch is too elegant and would love to have it for it's beauty and elegance. 

What's on your wish list readers! Explore the #eBayRepublicDaySale to know more about all the hot deals.

Read More

More Winter Decor!

This cute snowflake I made x 3




And it hangs from




The foyer faux fireplace




Here...




A circle M monogram, purchased from Pick Your Plum online, then painted in my beloved black and white check and polka dots and added to an evergreen wreath for the front door.


My old standby, a vintage childs shovel!


Oil painting that I picked up at a garage sale for $3. I get it out every

Read More

Lippan Work Wooden Panels

Lippan work or mud mirror work is an exquisite art form of western India, 

mainly Kutch in Gujarat. I love its ethnic look. Mirrors in different shapes and sizes give it a glittery look while curvy patterns in white make it elegant and pleasing. I like all Indian art forms and I had promised myself that I will create a gallery wall in my living room exclusively with all kinds of Indian art forms. 

I am reaching towards my goal. I have painted Madhubani painting, Warli painting, my blogger friend gifted me Kalamkari painting (though I have to fill colour in it) and last year my sister and I made these Lippan work wooden panels. 

Here is a closer look. I made the patterns those are very close to authentic Lippan work and my sister chose contemporary design.

I am not sure whether I am going to put them as they are or I'll get them framed. Though I think framed ones will look better. What do you suggest?

I have one more idea bubbling in my mind, soon I am going to make one Lippan work tray too. What say?

You may want to check the intricacy of my artwork :) joking!!! It was super easy to make these panels. 

Gearing up to create a gallery wall full of all Indian art forms. Mural painting, Miniature painting, Tanjore and many more paintings are left to try my hands on. Though walls in my home are in desperate need of fresh coat of paint. So first thing first. 

See you all with images of some corners of my home, clicked with ZenFone 6
Hope you liked my Lippan work wooden panels.
Linking it to Weekly Story @ ColoursDekor

Read More