Mile Sur Mera Thumara

One for the sake of the old times, when all we had was Doordarshan and its occasionally broadcasted patriotic songs. This one was a jewel among the many that would pop up occasionally and that never fails to ignite in us the feeling of brotherhood.

How simpler can it ever be to say that we are one and our voice is one. Mile Sur Mera Thumara was a concept developed by the Lok Seva Sanchar Parishad in 1988, But this particular song was composed by Ashok Patki and written by Piyush Pandey. The video managed to highlight the rich diversity and linguistic differences and the integrity that prevailed in spite of that in our nation of unity and diversity. 

The newer version is nothing but a shadow the original, its such a shame that in spite of all the rich talent we have we are unable to reiterate the spirit of this song again. Somewhere along the line they lost track of  what the purpose of the song was and what it stood for and what it means to the billion people of this nation.

The Lyrics for all who wants to just sing along

[hi] milē sur merā tumhārā, tō sur banē hamārā

sur kī nadiyān̐ har diśā sē, bahte sāgar men̐ milē

bādalōn̐ kā rūp lēkar, barse halkē halkē

milē sur merā tumhārā, tō sur banē hamārā

milē sur merā tumhārā

[ks] Chaain taraz tai myain taraz, ik watt baniye saayen taraz

[pa] tērā sur milē mērē sur dē nāl, milkē baṇē ikk navān̐ sur tāl

[hi] milē sur merā tumhārā, tō sur banē hamārā

[sn] mun̐hin̐jō sur tun̐hin̐jē sān̐ piyārā milē jad̤ahin̐, gīt asān̐jō madhur tarānō baṇē tad̤ahin̐

[ur] sur ka darya bahte sagar men mile

[pa] bādalān̐ dā rūp laikē, barsan haulē haulē

[ta] Isaindhal namm iruvarin suramum namadhagum

Dhisai veru aanalum aazhi ser aarugal Mugilai

mazhaiyai pozhivadu pol isai

Nam isai

[kn] nanna dhvanige ninna dhvaniya, sēridante namma dhvaniya

[te] nā svaramu nī svaramu sangamamai, mana svaranḡa avatarinchē

[ml] eṉṯe svaravum niṅṅkaḷoṭe svaravum, ottucērnnu namoṭe svaramāy

[bn] tōmār śūr mōdēr śūr, sriṣṭi kōruk ōikōśūr

[as] sriṣṭi hauk aikyatān

[or] tuma āmara svarara miḷana, sriṣṭi kari chālu ekā tāna

[gu] maḷē sur jō tārō mārō, banē āpṇō sur nirāḷō

[mr] mājhyā tumchyā juḷtā tārā, madhur surānchyā barastī dhārā

[hi] sur kī nadiyān̐ har diśā sē, bahte sāgar men̐ milē

bādalōn̐ kā rūp lēkar, barse halkē halkē

milē sur merā tumhārā, tō sur banē hamārā

Friday Night Writes

Hi, all,

Hope everyone's had a great week. It's been a week of being a bachelorette for me -- really quiet around here and just a little strange.

It's also been a week of card-making firsts -- three to be exact!

First #1: Stamping on Ribbon

I've been tweaking a 2012 birthday card -- to give to friends during the year and to sell at the annual McGraw-Hill Holiday Craft Show. This year's design features a cupcake and the sentiment "Make a Wish".

Lo and behold, I came across the most adorable "make a wish" stamp -- which got me to wondering if I could stamp a sentiment on a ribbon.

So, while I was working on Father's Day cards with that adorable Bo Bunny Konstrukt paper, I pulled out a "Thinking of You" stamp and a white ribbon. I was actually quite pleased with the results.

Sentiment Stamped on Ribbon
Paper: Bo Bunny Konstrukt
Kaiser rhinestones
Ink: StazOn jet black

While the stamping turned out very nicely, I'm not loving the glue dots peeking through the ribbon. So, this card still needs a little work before it gets my OWH stamp of approval. Any suggestions about the adhesive issue here?

First #2: A Cool Distress Background

I'm sure anyone taking Tim Holtz's online card class has just been amazed by the whole experience. What a talent! 



Since I don't have many Distress Inks, no stains, no markers -- yes, I know, woe is me -- I haven't tried many of the homework assignments. But, I did have just what I needed for Day 7's homework. And, the result was spectacular! There is no way to describe how gorgeous this background is. When the sun shines on it, it shimmers and glistens just like newly fallen snow. It is just so pretty!

 

Tim's Rusted Enamel Technique: Tattered Rose, Antique Linen and Vintage Photo inks
Clear Embossing Powder; Paper: Ranger Distress Core Paper
Stamp: Whipper Snapper; Punch: EK Success
Cupcake: hand-drawn, hand-cut, scored, and highlighted with metallic pens

I embossed the sentiment before creating the background. I'm going to try creating the background before embossing on my next card -- just to see what difference it might make. Any advice or suggestions?

A pink/rose cupcake on blue background probably would've made more sense. But, there isn't any blue Distress Ink in my stash... at least, not yet! :)

Nonetheless, this design feels like it's getting close to being just right... And, this card's going to a friend at work who, ironically enough, gave up cupcakes -- actually all sweets -- for Lent. :)



First #3: Iris Folding

Last night, my LSS (Scrapbook Art in Lewis Center, OH) had an iris folding class. And, it was a wonderful experience!  Let me start by saying that if you've been interested in trying iris folding but have been a little put off by how intricate the cards appear, go for it!  The results are gorgeous and the technique is surprisingly easy.

Iris Folding



Iris Folding

Time for a big shout-out to the class teacher Alexandra Kimball. She was so kind, so patient, and such a great teacher. Thanks so much, Alexandra!  (Turns out the Stickles worked just fine!)

Parting Thoughts

So, it's been quite a week -- a wonderful week of card-making adventures!  And, I still have 3 more Tim classes to attend. :)

Not quite sure how many cards will be made this weekend. My men are returning home from a Spring Break trip. And, I'm sooooo excited to see them! :)

As always, thanks for stopping by. Happy scrappin' and have a nice weekend!

Super Easy Furry Easter Eggs tutorial

So you’ve made one of those popular scarves from the soft and fluffy yarn and have just a bit leftover, but don’t know what to do with it? Why not make a soft and furry Easter egg?  I like to call them Bunny Eggs since I fill them with a tiny chocolate bunny.  Any pastel color will do and you can use any size plastic egg container, whatever you have on hand.  I like to use it as the special egg that wins the prize in an Easter egg hunt. 

You will need:

Small amount of furry, fuzzy thin yarn (color choice optional)

Plastic Easter egg container

Tacky craft glue (I used Aleene’s turbo tacky glue)

Small chocolate bunny for filling the egg

1.     Take apart a plastic Easter egg and add yarn to one side of the egg at a time.  Starting with the larger half, squirt some glue on the top of the egg section and working around in a spiral fashion, attach the yarn adding glue as you go.  Continue adding glue and yarn circling the egg half until you reach the bottom edge.  Let dry.

2.     Begin adding glue and yarn in the same way to the other half (smaller side) of the egg. Make sure you do not add yarn on the lip that goes inside the larger half of the egg. (This area must not have yarn on it in order to close the egg) Let dry.

3.     When both sides of the egg are completely dry add the small chocolate bunny and close the egg.

‘Fuck’ing in Modern Times

No! No! No! It is not porn. Don’t get the wrong idea just because I used the word ‘fuck’ and because I didn’t take the trouble to substitute the middle letters with fancy characters. I was not expecting children for readers and I firmly believe all who came up here are mature enough to distinguish fuck from ‘fuck’. So anyhow if it’s getting too uncomfortable for anybody then I promise to consider their sentiment and keep it to the minimal. If anybody did drop by expecting sleazy stuff then I do request them kindly to go somewhere else, not because I don’t want them to read my article in fact I would like from you to read it all and leave a comment and have a nice time. But I do not want to disappoint anyone so I may as well give a heads-up.

It was just recently when I was travelling in train that it happened; I was just fooling around the corridor walking to and fro without thinking much about anything and I accidently bummed into somebody who was obviously doing the same. And guess he just walks up to me and calls me a ‘Fuck Face’. How come he can identify the face I put up when I actually do it? I left that at it with a rather odd expression on my face but it got me thinking. People have become so accustomed to using this word in their public and private life that they can’t just keep it out of their mouth anymore. I does bothers me that people are now swearing on the fly, I know to expect chivalry and Victorian mannerisms is not realistic but a bit of civility can’t hurt, would it?

The one thing about our fast paced life is that we don’t have time to bother, we don’t have time to bother about ourselves much less the time to actually bother about what kind of words come in our mouth from time to time. Is this abysmal sense of civility what we would like to pass on to our children? I think it’s obvious whom to blame when  a child shows up with words such as ‘fuck’, ‘bitch’ , ‘whore’ and I you know I am sticking to the civiler ones. Please don’t misunderstand me for an ambassador of the ‘acclaimed’ moral police force but the truth is that I do not find it appealing that people educated and otherwise using words that are derogatory and offensive as a viable and acceptable form of small talk.

Every person has the liberty to use the words he like and the liberty to choose how and when he uses it too. I do use all the words I mentioned and many dirtier ones in my life but I don’t start every one of my sentences with ‘fuck’ or ‘bitch’. It’s unacceptable enough that you start swearing people for every little thing out there, but squeezing things like these (no I am not going to teach you anything your mother is going to be angry at me for ) them into every one of your sentences that’s way over the top of my head.

Often it amazes me how people manage to come up with random propositions that go with these words and give it horrendous meanings. It would not be a random surprise if it happens that ‘fuck’ is a word that goes with the most propositions out there. Then again I can neither advocate the use nor the disownment of such words but all I would like to propose a sensible use of them in life. You do have to say ‘fuck off’ when what you mean is really ‘fuck off’ but should you really have it in every sentence you utter? I can tell you one thing with at-most surety it’s not cool and definitely not Gen-Y, you are only fooling yourself if you think so!

SPRING / TIDE

1. RUMSKIB - SPRINGTIME
2. COCTEAU TWINS - ATHOL-BROSE
3. BEACH HOUSE - WISHES
4. THE CURE - A FOREST
5. SIGLO XX - DREAMS OF PLEASURE
6. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN - ON THE WALL
7. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - IN THE FLOWERS
8. KORALLREVEN - SA SA SAMOA (ELITE GYMNASTICS REMIX)
9. PHEDRE - APHRODITE
10. LUSH - SWEETNESS AND LIGHT
11. CHAPTERHOUSE - AUTOSLEEPER
12. BELONG - COME SEE
13. WEIRD DREAMS - 666.66
14. PERFUME GENIUS - FLOATING SPIT
15. BLACK TAMBOURINE - DREAM BABY DREAM
16. A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - I LOST YOU
17. REVOLTING COCKS - CALIENTE (DARK ENTRIES)
18. XIU XIU - BORN TO SUFFER
19. DRP - DISCHARGE BODY
20. PTP - RUBBER GLOVE SEDUCTION
21. DEPECHE MODE - OBERKORN (IT’S A SMALL TOWN) [DEVELOPMENT MIX]
22. BJORK - COSMOGONY
23. KATE BUSH - ARMY DREAMERS
24. HUNX - SAY GOODBYE BEFORE YOU LEAVE
25. BEACH HOUSE - MYTH
26. PORTISHEAD - THE RIP
27. AIR - MOON FEVER
28. COCTEAU TWINS - HALF-GIFTS

INVISIBLE LIGHT

FLORAL COMPOSITE #6

 


THE WORLD IS WEIRD

AND

ALL I WANT IN LIFE IS TO BE REBORN

Custom décor decoupage switch-plate cover

The craft of decoupage has been around for years. If you want to make a decorated switch plate cover you can purchase decoupage paper in just about any craft store, but why stop there?  Why not make your own custom paper to match your décor? I used photos of my curtains and comforter to create one of a kind switch-plate covers.  You can create these covers on new switch-plates or just recycle your old ones for a unique room face-lift.

You will need:

Computer and printer

Camera

Standard computer paper

Gloss decoupage glue and finish (Modpodge is a good one)

Small paintbrush

X-acto or craft knife

Scissors, ruler, pencil

Piece of corrugated cardboard (scrap from a box) covered with waxed paper

Switch-plate cover

1.     Take a photo of any color, fabric, or textural surface that matches your room.  (I took photos of my curtains and comforter)

2.     Load the photo of your choice on your computer and print the design full size on a sheet of standard all-purpose computer paper.

3.     Working on the wax paper covered cardboard place your design unprinted side up and lay your switch plate on top.  Trace around the switch plate.  Mark a ½” extra around entire traced piece.  Trace the center opening as well and mark an X in the center. Cut out the traced piece and use the ruler to cut each corner at an angle.  Using the X-acto or craft knife to cut the X in the switch opening.

4.     With a small paintbrush spread a thick layer of decoupage glue on front of switch plate.  Place the paper design on top of the switch plate centering so that the ½ inch edges overlap evenly and the X opening is in the proper place.   Smooth down with your fingers. (Mod Podge washes away easily with water)  Turn over and working on one side at a time, spread some of the decoupage glue on each back edge and fold to the back.  Smooth down the corners with your fingers.  Continue until all the edges are glued down.  Do the same thing with the center opening folding down each triangle of the X inward and down.

5.     Turn to the right side and apply a thick layer of decoupage glue to finish.  Make sure you smooth out any bubbles with your fingers.  Let dry.  If you would like your switch plate to be extra shiny add another coat of decoupage glue and let dry. 

6.     When the switch plate is dry and you are ready to screw it back on the wall turn to the back side and make a tiny hole with a pen point so you can see where to put the screws.

Monday Musings: The Early Edition

Hi,

Since my men are gone, I'm a little ahead of schedule. (Boy, not too often we get to say that, huh?!) So, why not post a little ahead of schedule?

OWH Sketch #114

Another Sketch, Another Any Hero Card! This week's sketch calls for the background rectangle to be divided into two sections. I considered a couple of options before deciding upon a more subtle approach. 

Paper: Bo Bunny Liberty, Bazzill admiral, BasicGrey kraft
Cuttlebug embossing folder, red and blue Stickles

I was really struggling with the square until I added the layer of kraft. The navy by itself was just too strong. I'm thinking navy behind the embossed kraft would have made the card even stronger. But, not too bad -- and I'm thinking of tweaking this a little to make a few "My Dad, My Hero" cards.

I'm really liking this Liberty paper. I picked up a few 12 by 12 sheets recently and found out there is a 6 by 6 pad. My LSS wasn't able to order it since it was last year's collection. Luckily, I found it online at ODBD. So, a few pads of this great paper is headed my way!

OWH's Father's Day Challenge

Looks like we rocked the Mother's Day card challenge. So, we're moving on to a Father's Day card challenge. (It's still not too late to send in a few "Love You, Mom cards.)

I was able to carve out a significant amount of card-making time yesterday. And, cards for dads were my number one priority! All of the following cards were made from Kaiser's Konstrukt 6 by 6 pad.



Kaiser Konstrukt paper, Zip'eMate letters

Kaiser Konstrukt paper, Zip'eMate letters, Kaiser rhinestones
small rectangle: crimped and inked

Kaiser Konstrukt paper, Zip'eMate letters
Sentiment: Jillian Vance Celebrate Dad stamp set
(Sorry about the scanning distortion on this one.)

Wish that the scanned images did  better justice to these. Cards with "bumps" don't tend to scan as well... Hope the designs come across anyway.

CFC45

This week's CAS-ual Friday challenge is to make a card using pastels and black. The card below was also made from Kaiser's Konstrukt paper.

Kaiser Konstrukt, American Crafts black cardstock
Kaiser rhinestones, Celebrate It ribbon, Fiskars border punch
Butterflies are tri-layered: bottom, purple; middle: black, top, polka dot.
(Another disappointing scan. The shadow takes away from the prettiness of the card.)

Designers always tell us to not be afraid of black. (I sure remember hearing that a lot on Trading Spaces!) Yet, there's a natural tendency to stay away from it. So, I'm really glad I gave this a try -- I love the way this card turned out!  :)

Parting Thoughts

Hoping to get a few more cards made today. But, my first goal is to catch up on Tim's Thursday and Friday online classes.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy scrappin'!

Heaven is a place on Earth with You

Every morning I wish to wake up by your side, let your smile bright up my day. Every Saturday all I wish is to cuddle up to you under the bed sheet you picked. To feel your fragile skin against by bare chest and sniff the lovely scent of your hair. Every lousy evening all I want is to lie on your lap and laugh out loud at your silly jokes. All you have ever done is make my life a bit brighter every day and I have absolutely no idea what I have ever done to deserve you. The funny thing about life is it’s been too generous to me; after all it just gave me you.

Every time I see your eyes my mind takes a journey through all the stupid mistakes that took me to you. And when I look upon it now I know one thing for sure, every step was a step in the right direction, and every step just took me one step closer to you. Life was one hell of a roller coaster and I owe to god for being able to share it with you. Every now and then when I am scared I have a hand to catch on to and every moment of absolute pleasure I have someone to hug. Heaven is just a place on earth and it’s simply because I get to spend time. Heaven is just a place on earth because I have you.

Friday Night Writes

Hi, there,

It seems hard to believe that a whole week has passed -- and, sadly, that I have very little to show in the way of cards.

But, before I get to my one lone card of this post, I want to thank those who commented on how much you liked last week's Any Hero card. I'm sure you've all made cards that you really, really like. This Any Hero card was one of those for me. So, it was great to hear so many others liked it, too. Let's hope there's a hero who will feel the same way.

OWH Midweek Challenge

This week's challenge was to make a yellow and green card. (Okay, so mine has a touch of brick red. The yellow was totally washed out on the green without it.)

One really exciting thing about this card is that all of the paper -- and the funky ribbon -- came from my scrap stash!  It also boasts of two firsts: the first use of this cute little stamp and the first use of my Tuesday Morning AC stamp markers! (Sorry about the shadow on the scanned image.)

image on watercolor paper
Stamp: Watercolor Daisy by Hampton Art
Stamp Pens: American Crafts (cranberry and leaf) 

Let's Hear it for Online Classes!

Like many of you, I've been taking Tim Holtz's Online Class this past week. I must say I'd never heard Tim speak before -- only heard all of those many accolades. Talk about someone who really lives up to the hype! What an amazing skill set: creativity, organization, a clear teaching style -- and charisma and cuteness, to boot! Wow!!!

 Unlike many of you, I've yet to post anything to the gallery. Since I don't have many Ranger products, my plan is to "attend" all the classes before deciding which style(s) to try first!  My only fear is that this could get really expensive -- really fast.  :)

Ribbon Storage

If memory serves, Sandy asked folks to post their favorite ribbon storage solutions on Facebook. Since I'm not a Facebookie, I'll share 3 strategies that work well for me.

I've repurposed some letter trays from my teaching days to organize stamps, ink pads, etc., on my work station. The top tray has my I-don't-know-what-I-would-do-without-it ATG gun and a repurposed memo keeper that holds the rolls of ribbons I use the most. (Yolanda, you were so right about digital cameras!)

Individual strips of ribbons are wrapped and cardboard floss holders and stored
in a floss caddy repurposed from cross-stitching days.

Speaking of floss, it's become one of my favorite embellishments.
This floss set was a Christmas gift from my mom many, many years ago.

And, what would a craft room be without a couple of wall racks for rolls of ribbon and tulle?

Parting Thoughts

My men are out of town for a couple of days. The bad news is that the house is so quiet tonight. The good news is that I'm going to be able to catch up on my online class. And maybe I'll be able to get a good start on some Father's Day cards. (Making cards certainly sounds like lots more fun than doing housework!)

Happy weekend and happy scrappin'!

Easy to make Paper Hunger Games Mocking jay pin

If you want to make a mockingjay pin to wear to your Hunger Games movie going experience, you’ve come to the right place.  If you can color in a coloring book you can create one of these replica pins in a flash.  The easy tutorial follows:

You will need:

Mockingjay pattern

Graphite transfer paper

Heavyweight watercolor paper

Stylus or dried ink pen

Metallic acrylic paint in gold and pewter

Dimensional paper glaze

Small paintbrush

Small scissors

Pin Back

Tacky glue

1.     Print the mocking jay pattern full size or any size you like.  Place the graphite paper between the pattern and the watercolor paper. Transfer the pattern to the watercolor paper by going over the lines with a stylus or dried ink pen point.

Mockingjay pattern

2.     Using a small paintbrush, color in the pin with the gold metallic paint, staying within the lines.  Let dry.

3.     Use the pewter metallic paint to shade and outline the pin.  (See photos for step by step)  Let the paint dry completely.

Add pewter paint under front wing

Add pewter paint on back wing and upper back

Add pewter paint on head and neck and under body

Add pewter paint on tail and arrow

Add pewter paint around ring

Outline bird with pewter paint

4.     Use the small paintbrush to spread a thick layer of dimensional paper glaze on the areas where you painted.  Don’t worry if some gets outside the lines since you will be cutting around it when it has dried. Don’t put any paper glaze on the background area; this will slightly raise up the mockingjay and make it dimensional.  Let dry.  Drying time depends upon the humidity and how thick a layer of glaze you have added. Add another coat of paper glaze and let dry.  Allow to dry between coats.

5.     With the small scissors carefully cut around the pin.  Put a dab of tacky glue on the back and add a pin back.  Let dry.  Show your support for Katniss and friends and wear with pride!

Want more cool, creative ideas?  Why not visit....itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com