Terracotta crafts can be used as both external and interiors decorative items. I wish to take up my own recent experiment to illustrate how a bit of common sense and creativity can lead to an efficient way of home decoration. This will certainly prove economically viable for all. This has been in my mind since a long time and my recent visit to Chittoor made it a reality. If you have traveled through NH4 between Bangalore and Chittoor, terracotta crafts is a common sight on either sides of the road near Palamaner town. There are a bunch of families which make their living out of making and selling terracotta artifacts.
Look at the first two pics below to get a better clarity on what I am talking about. These kind of craft families do exist in Bangalore. However, you may have to shell out more than twice the price in Bangalore for the same article when compared to Palamaner. Keep one thing in mind if you are planning to purchase any crafts from this place, you have to be very careful in carrying them. Ensure to get them packed properly and handle with care since they are made of clay. My sister ensured to carry one such knee high pot safely to Bangalore during self driven vacation trip to Chittoor.
The seller-cum-craftsman quoted Rs 250/- for that terracotta pot (see the last pic). After a bit of bargaining we paid Rs 200/-. Though we could have got it for a much lesser price, I was not in favor of paying less for their hard work. Since my roof top garden yields us roses and many more flowers regularly, we are using these flowers to create our own ‘Ikebana‘. At a cost of just INR 200, I believe it is an economical alternative to decorate home. With the kind of variety available with these craftsmen, you are not only finding a cost effective way to beautify your home but also supporting the craftsmen to make their living. Another fact if it interests you, these clay crafts don’t use any plastics either for creating or for Ikebana decoration later on!
So, say YES to terracotta crafts and be environmental friendly 🙂 Feel free to share your thoughts on this or if you are aware of any other similar alternatives.
Mohan says
@Chitra
I remember seeing them near Banashankari 2nd stage close to Sri Hari Kalyanamantapa. There may be others, but I am not able to remember now 🙁
@Andy
Sure, thanks for appreciating.. you may want to try out for your own garden too 🙂
Andy says
Wow… this is suber cool idea. Man I must say you are a multi faceted. Thanks for sharing ‘cost effective’ ways to decorate homes. Now I have more ideas to think on!
Chitra says
Good one! I plan to get a similar one soon. Any idea where this stuff is available in Bangalore? I remember seeing it somewhere but not able to recall where. By the way, the roses look really good. Keep up your gardening skills!