Monday, July 5, 2010

Scarves

Simple and versatile.  These cotton scarves come in a range of colors, many with sparkly metalic threads and some with loose "fish net" weaves.  I have about a dozen.  Great for covering your shoulders in a temple or for adding a splash of color to an outfit. The florescent light made the colors in this pic washed out....actual scarves much more vibrant.

Description: Multi-colored cotton scarves 
Price: $5 (or set of 5 for $20) 
Code: SC1 (SC15 for set)

 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Introduction

I have an addiction to shopping.  This addiction only appears in the markets and bazaars of foreign countries, where bartering is an art form and it's always done over a cup of tea.  The problem is that I have a meager budget for the summer and I've already spent my max on shopping, so in order to fill that craving (and to hopefully make a few extra rupees) I've decided to shop for YOU!

DETAILS:
I'm in India for the summer.  Based mostly in Jaipur (fantastic shopping).  I'm going to post pics of some of my favorite items that I've either bought myself or run across in the market with a brief description and price. 

HOW TO ORDER:
If you want your own little piece of India send me a message or post a comment. Specify the item and amount you want.  Feel free to make special requests (color/size), and I'll do my best to use them as a guide line.  However keep in mind that colors/designs will most definitely vary.  It's a bit of a surprise and part of the fun!  You can email me at karinagrace@gmail.com

DELIVERY:
Prices include delivery if you live in NY or AR.  If you live in NY you can pay for and pick up your orders when I return end of Aug.  If you live in AR then I can hand deliver your purchase beginning of October.  All other locations will have to pay shipping costs in the US (I'll be responsible for getting it from India to US). 

PAYMENT:
It's a trust system.  Most of you are my family and friends.  So if you place an order, you can pay me when I give you the item.  If there are any big purchases  we can make a special arrangement on a case by case basis.

Magic Carpets


India is known for its great carpets.  They come in three materials:  Camel Wool, Sheep Wool, and Silk.  All are made with natural colors, so they never fade (ex red color=chili powder, blue=indigo flower, yellow=turmeric) and all are hand woven taking over 600hr to make. All three are very soft and durable.  My family bought these on a previous trip to India over 15 years ago and they still look spectacular.
Description:  Carpets come in all sizes (runners, 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, circular)


Below are  pictures I took today of the 3 qualities and the corresponding prices (Includes 2 week shipping to your door!).  Colors are way better in real life.  Apologies for crappy photography but wanted to give you an idea of what you're getting.  The colors actually change from light to dark depending on the angle you are standing....super cool.
WOOL
Wool #1

Wool#2
Wool #3
Prices
4x6=$350 5x7=$500 6x9=$700

CAMEL WOOL
Camel #1
Camel #2
Camel #3  

Prices
4x6=$400 5x7=$550 6x9=$750

SILK
Silk #1                           Silk#2


Prices
4x6=$450 5x7=$600 6x9=$800

Wall Hangings

I don't think my pictures can begin to do these justice.  I love the fabric and color of these textiles.    Because of all the patchwork the back is not soft (so don't use for a quilt), but they can be used as a well hanging or accent on a couch or bed.
 
Description:  Cotton patchwork wall hanging.  Approx. 5.5'x8'
Price: $75
Code: WH1

Description:  This smaller wall hanging is patchwork and embroidery from old silk saris.  Also has some fantastic sequins for a little sparkle.  Approx 4.5'x3'
Price: $75
Code: WH2

Pillow Cases

Indian pillow cases.   Great accent piece.  Lots of different designs and colors.  Give me an idea of the color scheme you want and I'll surprise you with the detail.
Description:  Soft cotton with thread and sequin embroidery.  Approximately 14x14 inches
Price: $10 (for set of 2)
Code: PC1

Description:  Patchwork designs.  These are a bit stiffer but have fantastic detail.  Appr 15x15in
Price:  $10 (set of 2)
Code: PC2

Spice Box

I just finished a fantastic cooking class and  am now obsessed with my Indian spice box.  Apparently no Indian kitchen is without one, and they all contain the 7 basic Indian spices (tumeric, cumin seeds, coriander, chilli, gara masala, mustard seeds).  With these spices you can make almost any Indian dish, and it is surprisingly easy to do (even for me).  I just finished making homemade pumpkin curry for dinner.  Fantastic!

Detail:  Traditional stainless steal spice box.  Includes 7 bowls and 1 spoon. Comes filled with the 7 spices freshly bought from the Jaipur spice market.
Bonus:  I'll also include my 3 favorite Indian recipes!

Price:  $30