With the markets flooded with everything Chinese, most people don’t have a choice but to pick up whatever is available. But those who like their Christmas decorations to be unique have resorted to the home-spun affair found in residential colonies and not in commercial complexes. And Bangalore does have its share of women entrepreneurs who churn out ‘everything christmasy’ especially during this month. From crochet and stained glass buntings to Christmas jewellery, options are many.
Saritha Ashok, who runs Rainbow Bunting, makes crochet Christmas decorations every year. “This year I have made buntings like stars, bells and hangings. Also, I have done Christmas tree ornaments like reindeers, stocking, bells and ginger bread man,” says Ashok.
Decorated recycled wine bottles have also found many takers, adds Ashok. “I use old wine bottles and brighten them up with jute ropes and colourful ornaments,” she says.
A software engineer by profession, Ashok started making crochet items two years back from home and she still runs the show single-handedly. Social networking sites have doubled up as her virtual shops.
Saarus Nirhalli runs a stained glass studio, Glasshopper, and her buntings are made out of stained and textured glass which have become quite popular over the years. From Christmas tree ornaments to stand alone wall hangings, these decorations are something you won’t find in the market. “Christmas decorations are popular and I had never seen them made in stained glass in India. That is when the idea struck and I started doing this in 2008,” she says.
Her handmade buntings have also found their way in big commercial complexes and malls.
Decorations in the shape of colourful gifts, Christmas trees and hangings are popular among her customers. A lawyer by profession, Saarus took up the art as a hobby. “Initially, I learnt it as a hobby and thought of pursuing it. Law took a backseat then. I make everything from scratch on my own without any help,” she says.
And it is just not the decorations, the Christmas craze has rubbed of on jewellery designers as well.
Amrita Madhusudan and Kirtana Madhusudan have come up with a line of unique Christmas jewellery this year. Their online venture, Fire and Rain, has earrings in the shape of Christmas trees, ginger bread man, stars, snow flake and snow man on display. For the less adventurous ones, they have made hoops with red and green beads. “We also have embossed stars with abstract design and images,” says Amrita.