Inspired by “toran” {a door and wall hanging that’s usually hung during Diwali} and taking cues from Marigold Garlands that practically defines Indian festivals, here’s a fresh take on Diwali decor- one that is quintessentially Indian but one which also breaks convention right at the outset. How you ask is that possible with such a rigid decor style? The key is to treat the elements in a less conventional colour palette- in this case “White”.
Diwali Decor, Why so Rigid
Diwali. With the very mention of the word, decor-ically speaking- comes to mind a picture that’s vibrant, full of flower garlands, twinkling diyas, and bright colours. It’s rich, plush and steeped in tradition. But pray tell me when did pastels do any harm to us? White, they say, in Indian culture is not considered to be a very auspicious colour and hence people often steer away from it during weddings and festivals. But you know what? I clearly am not okay with this idea. No, don’t get me wrong. It’s norm and I am okay with people following it. All I am saying is, me on the other hand is not religious, slightly rebellious and would break conventions just for the thrill of it. And so I did!
I forever wanted to break the set-pattern associated with Indian decor; wanted to showcase that Indian Decor can be really fluid if you treat the essentials differently. And I think Diwali Decor is a fabulous place too start- not to mention also the trickiest. This year, I picked out a few projects that’ll show you how to incorporate Indian, Diwali decor into your home without making it look dull and boring- and ones that are absolutely Indian if not for the setting.
Starting our Diwali Decor revolution with a simple DIY that celebrates our love for Marigold in a complete different avatar. Also, you can find our DIY series by the hashtag #DIYFestival on instagram!
Ready?
What you’ll need:
Air Drying clay
Twine- Any colour
A chopstick
A branch of your choice
Plastic marigolds
Butter paper or baking paper
Cookie cutter
A cat to oversee
How to
Roll the airdrying clay to 2mm/3mm thick on a butter paper so it doesn’t stick
Cut out a shape of your choice- you will need about 10 or more
With a chopstick make small holes on top of each cut out for you to hang
Let it dry for 24 hours
Once dry, tie twine to them in different sizes and attach to the branch keeping about 4″ gap in between
Next just wound the plastic flowers half way in between the thread. Because they are plastic and light, they will stay. You can also add fresh flowers but they won’t stay long and might stain your walls.
Next, tie a thread to the either end of the branch and hang it. Make sure the twine is tied tightly so it sits snug! Voila.
ProTip: Use roses and tuberoses for that ethnic, boho wall art.
And that’s it! Best part about this Diwali decor is it’ll stay way past diwali and once you remove the flowers and add some bells and baubles you are good to go for Christmas too. A double life saver- the kind I totally like.
Switch off and bye.
I have like this train to catch.
XO