Critically acclaimed stall at Primus

"Is that block print?" asked a student of my height, pointing at a mom-n-me skirt pair. 

Impressed by the inquisitive question, I said, "Yes! You are right! There's another!" An elaborate examination is what followed! Then, was a detailed study of the hem of different skirt fabrics. Impressed by the observation skills, I couldn't resist, but comment, "You are quite a pro in fine arts!" Smiling, they said, "We are students from NIFT!" Speechlessness! Awestruck! Wow! A case study for design students?!! Never imagined such guests at the band of beads stall in Primus!!!

Surprises followed... Two teenagers were busy choosing a bead brooch - Elmo or Ninja Turtle?... Another was busy looking at the noiseless wind chimes on ceiling of the stall... "That is science in the air!", I said. A smile on his face! He travelled with me as we browsed through the concept of each wind chime. After explaining a couple of them, he could relate to the logic for the next! Children are fast learners!

A swarm of PUC students landed on the stall, and I was literally out of it! Sometimes, its good to get a view from a distance! They browsed through each product category and imagined various stories - a tinker bell brooch on a green lehanga choli? A lock-and-key bracelet for friends - but who is the lock and who has the key?! Stories do transport you to a world of your own! And the best part is, you are the creator!

Children are definitely the best critiques. Very truthful and innocent. It's just about going on a journey through their eyes! Afterall, they are our future generations!

Customer appreciation - Saraswati

Adorable design. Right from choosing the fabric to the design colours - Saraswati hand-picks the band of beads products with the most "awww...." :)

And that's what we like about her.

It gave as much fun in creating - custom tops for boys with brooches! These tops have an ethnic-modern design blend. Comfortable & trendy. All cotton. Can be paired with a pair of comfy jeans! And yes, the look is made complete with a character bead brooch!

Thank you for trusting in us, Saraswati. It was great to have you back!

The Uber stall experience!

"Yet another year of ideas coming to reality!", I thought as I set up the band of beads stall for Uber Verdant Ganesh Utsav. 

This year, there was a new addition - themed bead hangings - call it noiseless wind-chimes with a visual splendor! There was a great thrill in setting them up on a stand! The effect was visible in the eyes of kids coming to the stall! It was a small wonderland for sure!

We got a glimpse of one more wonderland - from our new customers! One of them did a mix-and-match of a green zigzag tussar silk skirt with a plain yellow cotton-silk top. The skirt came with earrings to match the skirt pattern. But, something was missing! On the stall display, with the yellow top had a hand-made "birdie" themed necklace - an absolute show-stopper! The necklace grabbed her attention and WOW! That was a stunning outfit she designed for herself! Quite a visual splendor!

Your encouragement towards our efforts to creative sustainability is what left me speech-less! Recycled price tags, visiting cards and carry bags count as a small effort for our planet. A valuable gift for our future generations!

Its a great experience bringing the thoughts to life - could witness it! Let's continue the hand-made tradition!

The circle of seasons

A visual magic of colors as the first rays of the sun touch the limitless cover of snow. A sudden movement in the static background... A Polar Bear! A sight to wait for, after months of slumber.

Nature is truly an inspiration. Silence followed by life, life followed by silence. Each transition, an experience in its own! You call it seasons or life cycles - making you a spectator of inspiring visuals.

It has been a great experience interacting with our valued customers - both offline and online. Each, having a different charm.

But being "back" in the offline mode, the "real" world becomes alive! Its such wonderful experience witnessing our products adorned by our valued customers -

A 4-year old girl in the newly-launched skirt-top combo, hugging her favorite toy for an adorable picture capture.

A 5-year old girl adorning the "Flowers" skirt for the festival of harvest, Onam in school.

A 10-year old girl swaying the "rainbow" skirt in the dance practice sessions.

An 11-year old girl proudly wearing "honey bee" earrings to school.

A pair of earrings worn by a young lady in the Ganesha Visarjan.

An elderly lady adorning the tircolor earrings during the Republic Day flag hoisting.....

.... And the list goes on.... so does our happiness!

@brentrillium

Customer Appreciation - Shubharti

 "Hi Aditi!" popped a message on my WhatsApp.

Shubharti. One of the first members of "band of beads" community. The memories date to almost 7 years of trust, from a point where band of beads just took the first teeny-tiny steps. A purple theme-based skirt, "butterfly among the flowers", sat in a recycled, hand-made bag with the "Thank You!" note. Ready for delivery. That was the first interaction with Shubharti.

Over the years, it was a wonderful experience extending the creative boundaries with the custom creations for her. The briefs are very crisp, short and clearly understandable. Totally admire her for the giving utmost creative freedom in the projects.

Another custom bead creations for her recently - for gifting as well as one to match her dress! It's a pleasure to go through the creative briefs leading to a breathtaking creation, quite unexpected!! That too, for a gift - something which band of beads has always believed in.

Thank you, Shubharti for choosing band of beads as a gifting partner! Your appreciation for hand-made creations keeps us going!