Have you been...

...to the Dastkar Nature Bazaar yet?

It's on at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore from the 6th of this month till the 15th. 

Do visit and let us, the non-Bangalorites, know what you pick up from the fair!

Some more good news for readers from Bangalore and Mumbai -  Puja Bhargava is exhibiting her jewelry for the very first time in Bangalore [12th to 14th Aug at Basava Ambara], and in Mumbai [30th - 31st Aug at Concern India Foundation's exhibition at World Trade Center]. 

You would have seen Puja's designs at FabIndia, and at the Dastkar fair in Delhi. Each time I visit her stall, I can hardly resist adding a few more pieces to my collection.

 

And, have you seen Kanika's Anek Design yet? 

Kanika, a textile designer from NID, is not only an avid blogger, but also makes these beautiful accessories and retails them via her newly opened etsy shop.

Do visit her etsy shop...yes, she ships worldwide! And folks in Mumbai can visit her at the Anvesha exhibition from the 11th till the 13th of Aug. Details here.

Books. And a giveaway

Tara Books

Tara Books was started by Gita Wolf, initially as a publisher of children’s books. Now their catalogue has expanded to include art and design books for adults, beautiful stationery and posters, as well as a select list of fiction. The thing that immediately draws you to the books published by Tara is the rich visual appeal. Designed by Indian artisans and young designers, each book published by Tara is a collector's copy. And the best news...you can buy their products online! Shop here, and connect with Tara on Facebook to get updates on their latest releases.  

The Art of Book by Seagull Publishing

Seagull Publishing is an independent publishing house based in Calcutta with books in the area of contemporary fiction, philosophy, literature, drama, cinema, music and a selective list of literature in translation.
Seagull is celebrating 28 years in publishing this year, starting with an exhibition 'The Art of the Book' that celebrates Seagull's passion for good design through a recent series of digital collages and book covers created by their designer Sunandini Banerjee. 

You can buy prints from this exhibition here. And browse through the many books (India and UK site) and art prints available for sale online.

And, The Loaded Trunk Giveaway

Do you remember my post on Roni and her fabulously Loaded Trunk? Well, she is back with a fresh stock of treasures from all over the world, and is hosting giveaways on her site to celebrate her first year mark. Drop her a line and you just might be the lucky winner!

Contest Contest

Sharing with you two exciting contests happening in the world of design:

British Council's Young Creative Entrepreneur Awards | India (& UK)

If you are an entrepreneur who is promoting, managing or running a venture centred on a creative sector, make sure you apply for this award. The YCE awards give recognition to creative entrepreneurship across the sectors of Design, Music, Fashion, Communication, Visual Arts, Screen, Interactive, Performing Arts and Publishing. If you participate, you get a chance to win a study tour of your respective industry in the UK, get to interact with creative industry leaders in the UK and also get to participate in a relevant trade events.

Find more information here and here.  

And here and here for UK participants.

Felicity International Graphic Competition

The primary objective of this project is to promote a debate around the basic theme of life in the community and how improvements can be made. The competition is an opportunity to express, manifest, symbolize and imagine solutions for a better city capable of improving the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The two ways to participate are via 'Intellectual Proposal' and 'Intervention'.

Find more information here

Stuff launching and happening...

Time again to share some good stuff that came to my inbox...

My Dream Canvas

One serendipitous evening, I discovered Anuradha Varma's beautiful blog My Dream Canvas, and also discovered connections just a couple or more degrees apart! Anuradha is an avid photographer who not only shares interior inspiration, but also her many travels on the blog.

[First image via My Dream Canvas]

The Homely Place

A lovely home decor blog by artist Natalie Singh. Do make sure you visit her other blog showcasing her art

Bolly Instyle

If you love all things Indian, you will love this blog. Shital Taylor puts together style, trends, furniture, clothes, accessories...anything that is inspired by India, for your viewing pleasure.

Contest : Umbra

Celebrate design for a chance to win a $5,000 Umbra shopping spree! Want to know how? Click right here for contest details..

Valeri Goodman Gallery - NY

Internationally acclaimed French Decorative artist Eric Schmitt will be exhibiting his new collection, a limited edition of Bohemian hand-blown glass and bronze vases created for Fleurs Bella a creative studio working with flowers and various objects, and for Valerie Goodman Gallery a 20th Century and Contemporary Decorative Arts Gallery in NY from May 18th. Do hop in if you happen to be in NY, and tell us how you like it!