By Heart, By Hand

Holiday decorations are festive, but they get packed away in January, which can make those drab months feel even more lackluster. To liven up your abode 365 days a year, we have collaborated with Mela Artisans to create a unique, handcrafted line of home accessories. Working with an artisan in India, Mela blends traditional techniques like hand enameling, woodworking, ceramics and painting with contemporary design.

We selected Mela Artisans for our partnership for their message to preserve artisan techniques and skilled artisans, but also for their mindful efforts with donating a portion of proceeds of all sales towards promoting health and education in over 10 developing communities throughout India. Since 2014, they have worked with over 20,000 female artisans, paying them a fair wage, opened up three medical camps in different communities, fitted over 600 pairs of eyeglasses and delivered many solar-powered lanterns to remote locations.

For our collaboration, we took some of our most popular prints and had them hand-lacquered onto bowls, frames and vases. Most of the woodworking happens in Saharanpur, a small city about 125 miles outside of Delhi. The ceramics are primarily crafted in Khurja, which has been dubbed “the ceramics city” as it has over 500 small factories with kilns.

One of our favorite pieces is the enamel decorated Clermont Vase, with its bold, spring-themed floral design that’s perfect for storing cooking utensils next to the stove. Speaking of utensils, a great gift for you or someone you love are the Clermont Serving Spoons, crafted from wood with painted handles to add a fresh pop of color to all salads or serving dishes.

For your picture-perfect moments, we love the Bardeaux Large Frame and the Enchanted Large Frame. Both can either stand on a dresser or be hung on the wall. With their bright designs, they are a perfect contrast to a black and white photo and one of our favorite gifts for loved ones is a framed picture (that was the inspiration behind these frames). Also, great for office desks or when creating a salon-type wall in a hallway or living room.

Finally, for something more neutral, the Mela Hammered Aluminum Bowls are stunning. Each one is hammered by hand to give a beautiful hand-hewn texture with a raw edge, while the inside is painted with a layer of bold enamel. These can stand alone or be filled with citrus fruits, dried flowers or even a potted succulent. Also, if you need something in your entryway to stash keys and mail that still feels high design, this is our pick.

What better way to spend Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend than making memories with family?  

Gather all the kids and bake a batch of your family’s favorite cupcakes or cookies.  Served on Mela Artisan’s Coastal Life One Tier Stand ($98) reflects just how special the activity was to all.  Handmade with aluminum and ceramic, this 11”H x 13” Diameter piece is elaborately detailed with starfish and shells.

If a visit to the beach is on your holiday weekend agenda, spend some time collecting sea shells by the sea shore.  Show them off on the Coastal Life Rectangular Tray ($58) handmade with brass and mangowood.  This 18.75”L x 1.75”H tray, detailed with brass seashells, is perfect for serving food…or showing off treasures.

Serve up a pitcher of mimosas or punch in the beautiful Coastal Life Pitcher ($98) in white ceramic, adorned with brass sea coral.  Morning or night, the Coastal Life Pitcher and collection will enhance your gatherings and memory making this holiday season.  

Perk up your living space with pops of color to promote happiness in your home.  Hues in shades of red, blue and yellows are sure to add cheer to any room.

Red is a power color, associated with strength and energy.  It is also the color registered the fastest by our brains.  Mela Artisans Starshine collection of items in marsala red brightens up any table with coasters ($35), frames (starting at $65) and chargers ($89).  Featuring a geometric pattern in a lovely red and white, each item is individually handcrafted with natural bone and resin.

Shades of blue are calming colors, bringing serenity like the ocean.  Consider a vibrant indigo piece, made with natural bone and resin, from Mela’s Fantasy collection such as a tray ($75) or small decorative box ($40).

Shades of yellow and gold top the list of happy colors favorites.  You’ll feel like your “walking on sunshine” with the bright and light Chantilly serving bowl in bone and brass ($250). Master artisans handcraft intricately pierced designs in natural bone, emulating all the sophistication and delicacy of lace.

With National Philanthropy Day and World Kindness Day both recognized this week, Mela Artisans salutes all who give back to their communities and exhibit kindness to all.

Mela Artisans aims to meaningfully impact artisans throughout India by bringing their handmade products to the global market. With a philosophy based in empowerment, kindness and mutual respect, Mela’s fair trade practices provide a more stable income, improved livelihoods and enhanced well-being for entire communities.

Since 2012, Mela has placed orders from 50 groups across 10 states throughout India.  Collectively, these groups employ 4,500 permanent artisans, of which 77% are women and more than 6,000 part-time artisans, 29% women. We are proud to have generated enough direct income for artisans to support 830 individuals working full-time for two months. The average household size of our artisans is 6.5, meaning we are impacting more than 5,000 family members.  

The core of Mela Artisans values is to enhance the quality of life for our artisans. To support this goal, Mela Artisans invests 1% of revenue into social programs that benefit our partner artisan communities.

You can celebrate Christmas in July…or July at Christmas!  One of the stand-out trends this holiday season is incorporating summery themes…from silver dusted seashells to Santa in sunglasses.  Display ornaments, trinkets or holiday gifts on the Coastal Life Rectangular Tray ($58) hand carved out of mangowood with brass sea-inspired accents.  Mela Artisans’ Coastal Life collection of servers, bowls, trays and more is sure to add warmth to any table setting or living area.  Or, top a Seahorse Decorative Wood Stand ($25) with a Santa hat and tinsel.  

Shelves lend the perfect framework to display personal effects or seasonal décor.  Incorporate one or more of these trends into one with a holiday “shelfie.”

It’s a “blue” Christmas and Hanukkah this year with hues of blue being the color of choice.  Splashes of blue weaved into the greens and reds…or blue with silver and white…are popular combos.  Display your favorite holiday memories in one of Mela Artisans’ indigo Fantasy Frames (starting at $40) in various sizes. 

Gold is traditional…and it’s trending this holiday season.  Dress up your holiday table with any of the decadent Raj Palace Collection pieces hand sculpted in white ceramic and stainless steel with magnificent gold accents.  The Raj Palace Cake Plate ($98) and Raj Palace Round Tray ($98) can double as ornament or present displays on your “shelfie.”

You won’t strike out with “bowling” your holiday decorations this holiday season.  Collect pinecones, tinsel, ornaments, and anything that lends meaning to your holiday, and show them off in different sized bowls to place on your shelves, coffee table and even your nightstand.  Mela Artisans offers a wide selection of handmade bowls in mangowood, gold, brass, marble and natural bone.  

Make the first impression of your home the best it can be with a simple, yet magnificent, statement piece from Mela Artisans.  You can create your own foyer with a few select accessories.The Yamuna Rug in ebony and white ($120) mimics the rhythms of the major rivers of India with varying stripes in different sizes, patterns and shades.  Hand woven from 100% cotton, this rug comes in two entryway-ideal sizes, 3” L x 5”W and 5”L x 7”W.

A stunning greeter is the Imperial Beauty Flower Vase in ebony and white ($225), made with a floral motif created in hand-carved natural bone and wood.  Evoking the majestic beauty of the British Raj, this collection evokes a regal sophistication.  Add white blooms such as roses or gardenias for added warmth.

Dress up a small table with a frame, or a collection of small frames in different sizes and shapes. The Fantasy Frame measures 6.5”L x .5”W x 6.5”H with a 4”x4” opening.  This indigo and ivory piece is made from natural bone and wood set in a daring and geometric pattern.  Pair this with the Noor Round Frame ($50) that is handmade in a delicately shaped lotus flower design that will shine brightly around your 4”x4” photo in brass.   

If all you have is a wall to work with, hang the eye-catching and elegant Adrienne Oval Mirror in whitewash ($89) is the perfect centerpiece.  Measuring 24”L x 28”H, the mirror is bordered with a delicate floral pattern hand carved from mango wood by artisans in Saharanpur.  

On behalf of all of us at Mela Artisans, we wish you a joyous Diwali, or Festival of Lights.  Celebrated this year on Sunday, October 27th throughout India and parts of South Asia, Diwali recognizes the triumph of good over evil and the blessings of success, liberty and insight.  On this special night, dozens of candles and lamps are lit throughout homes and roadways to light up the night.  

Mela Artisans aims to meaningfully impact our artisans throughout India by bringing their handmade products to the global market. With a philosophy based in empowerment and mutual respect rather than charity, our fair trade practices provide a more stable income, improved livelihoods and enhanced well-being for entire communities.

Since 2012, Mela has placed orders from 50 groups across 10 states throughout India.  Collectively, these groups employ 4,500 permanent artisans, of which 77% are women and more than 6,000 part-time artisans, 29% women. We are proud to have generated enough direct income for artisans to support 1000 individuals working full-time for twelve months. The average household size of our artisans is 6.5, meaning we are impacting more than 6,500 family members.  The core of Mela Artisans values is to enhance the quality of life for our artisans. 

Inspired by the traditional handicrafts of India, Mela Artisans products fuse traditional art forms with current trends, offering a curated collection of stylish home décor and accessories that reflect the company’s global journey and passions. Product categories include home décor, textiles, tabletop, accessories, and newly introduced product lines of accent furniture and pet accessories.  

It’s all treats with a variety of goodies from Mela Artisans to serve up the sweetest Halloween party or gathering. Display an assortments of cookies, cupcakes or candies on the Coastal Life two-tier stand ($78).  Handcrafted with mango wood and accented with aluminum, this piece measures 13.5” in height with 9” and 12” round tiers.  Topping the stand is the Coastal Life collection signature shell motif.  The collection’s one tier stand ($98) features a white ceramic platter bordered with a silver star fish motif.  As perfect on a coffee table as it is in a dining room or kitchen is the Coastal Life rectangular tray ($58) hand crafted in mango wood and brass with triple shell design motif handles. 

The Raj Palace collection oval tray in natural wood and gold ($78) measures 17” in length and is 8” wide, and makes anyone feel like royalty.  Taking the cake – literally – is the collection’s opulent cake plate ($98) made with white ceramic and gold accents in aluminum and stainless steel, and matching cake server set ($48) in brass and stainless steel.  This heirloom quality collection features luminous white and natural wood elements richly decorated with a lustrous gold beaded border detail, a magnificent blend of modern and traditional design.

If you have a dinner date or staying with a friend for the weekend.. what do you bring? You don’t want to go over the top, but you want to leave an impression to express your gratitude. A bottle of red.. a bottle of white? Step up your guest game with these fabulous top five affordable gifts from Mela Artisans. 

Pair homemade gifts such as a specialty chip dip or cake with a gift that keeps on giving. The Coastal Life Bowl ($78) is hand carved out of mango wood and sits atop a starfish-laden metal stand. Measuring 8.25″ diameter and 5.25″ in height, it is perfect for a party fish dip or guacamole. Be the best guest with the Raj Palace Cake Plate ($98) in hand. Majestic and palatial, this platter takes the cake with its luminous white ceramic base and lustrous gold beaded border. 

Other guests will never hold a candle to you when you arrive with a Wisteria Candle (starting at $21). Hand carved from mango wood from Indian Artisans in Saharanpur, these holders feature a sprawling vine motif and are finished with whitewash, giving them an antique look to complement any décor. 

A perfect hostess gift when staying overnight or for a weekend is the Hanging Gardens Gratitude Pillow ($60).  Hand embroidered with cotton fibers in natural beiges, browns and crème, and carefully accented throughout with intricate beading that spells out “thankful,” this pillow embodies a true statement piece.  No “thank you” card required with this gift!

Give a nod to the pooch of the home, or gift the pet lover with the Mela Artisans’ 4” x 6” hand carved wooden frame in various shades, and subtly embossed with a brass bone.  

You are sure to fall for timeless handmade pieces by Mela Artisans, designed to elevate this autumn season of entertaining, sharing and indulging. Adding just one new piece to a table can make a splash and lend warmth to your abode. Handmade in India, each piece is a one-of-a-kind find, and make superb wedding gifts for the most-popular nuptial season of all or holiday gifts for those who like to start their shopping early.Choose among salad server sets, trays, bowls, pitchers, tables, cheese knife sets, cake stands and servers, and more.

Bring the summer into fall with Mela Artisan’s Coastal Life  collection. Elaborately detailed metals, inspired by sea life, adorn each piece and emulate the natural and unique beauty of a beach treasure. These exquisitely hand-crafted designs are the perfect addition to any home. Sculpted by hand and brimming with luxury, Mela Artisan’s Raj Palace collection tells the story of majestic, Indian empires celebrating their adorned heritage from one generation to the next. This heirloom quality collection features luminous white and natural wood elements richly decorated with a lustrous gold beaded border detail, a magnificent blend of modern and traditional design.

Mela Artisans is a design-driven luxury lifestyle brand that contemporizes traditional handcrafted techniques and celebrates local artisanal skills, along with fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable social uplift in the communities in which it does business.Co-founded by entrepreneur, Navroze S. Mehta and his daughter Sonali Mehta-Rao, Mela Artisans collection is available at www.melaartisans.com.

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October 2, 2019, marks the 150th birth anniversary of ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi. An apostle of peace and non-violence, Gandhi’s life and ideologies have been celebrated and embraced around the world. His birthday is a major national holiday called Gandhi Jayanti, and it is marked with a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout the country.

The United Nations has also declared October 2 as the International Day of Nonviolence to honor Gandhi's message. Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi -- he wasn't known as the title Mahatma, which translates to "Great Soul," until 1914. He was a lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer.

He became the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India through his non-violent approach. Then, shortly after India gained independence, Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.

On sundown March 1st to sundown March 2nd, Hindus celebrate the holiday of Holi, also known as the “festival of colors.” Each spring, Holi celebrations around the world spread infectious cheer wherever Indians gather. Marked by the light hearted tradition of throwing colored powder at family and friends, the festival is known for bridging the usually strict social divisions of caste, sex and age, bringing Hindus together as one joyous community. As with typical Hindu traditions, Holi originates from an ancient religious myth in which the demon Holika was punished by Lord Brahma for his hubris in challenging the supremacy of the gods. Brahma sent a destructive fire to consume Holika and it is this triumph of good over evil that is celebrated in the holiday of Holi.

Traveling through the northwestern state of Rajasthan is a feast for the senses.  Hot winds blow over the desert dunes; villagers in vibrant traditional dress celebrate with music and folk dances; traditional artisans gather in local markets to trade and share news.  In this state characterized by its stark landscapes and harsh climate, the irrepressible spirit of a creative, resourceful people is richly expressed in art and music as they joyfully embrace life.

Having stopped along the way in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, we arrive, finally, in Jaipur, the state capital and truly its brightest jewel.

Kiva surfaced over ten years ago as a microfinance platform that connects people in the States with entrepreneurs around the world, enabling one person to lend to another.

It was built on a simple belief: trust.  And a yearning to connect with people halfway around the world.

Similarly the Mela Artisans story has been about connecting people over vast geographies. We do it through art.  Kiva does it through finance.