Handcrafted works, eye-catching handloom products and an array of dazzling jewellery await you at the All-India Crafts and Handloom Fair-2014 at VJT Hall here. The expo, organised by the Kerala State Handicrafts
Apex Cooperative Society, reflects the skills of ethnic weavers from various states; Kashmiri silks, Chanderi kurtis and cotton silk materials to cite a few examples.
Bamboo products, handloom jewellery and lace embroidery with intricate patterns are the major attractions of the expo. A section containing stunning pieces of art works in wood and metal catches many eyeballs. Cotton silk sarees, kurtis and handcrafted dupattas have many takers.
For those looking for jewellery there are options galore with metal jewellery, copper bangles, anklets, metal earrings, neck pieces, long chains and stone-studded rings on display.
Stone-cut jewellery comes in a range of hues and designs. The collection of pretty handbags emblazoned with the traditional ‘patachitra’ works are priced at Rs 120.
Products in the range of Rs 50 to Rs 10,000 are available at the exhibition.
Though the language problem is taxing sellers from different parts of India, they are overcoming it and ensure that it doesn’t affect their business. The sellers say that they are particular that neither the designs nor colours are copied. Each item takes two to 20 days for making, depending on the intricate work and design, according to them.
“It is important to nurture the skill one possesses and indulge in it. We are on an endless journey; learning, experiencing and sharing ideas and at the end of the day getting satisfied by seeing many smiles on the faces of customers,” says a seller from Kashmir. The exhibition is on till Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.