Coppre.

It's all about this blushing metal. Copper.

Coppre is a creative collaboration between the 'Tambat' craftsmen in Maharashtra and Rashmi Ranade, a product designer from Industrial Design Centre, IIT Powai and Sir JJ School of Architecture. 

Coppre works with the craftspeople, by modernizing their products for contemporary sensibilities thereby making the old relevant in the new. 

Inspiration from nature...

Rashmi draws inspiration from  interesting objects she picks up during her long walks like palm leaves, castor leaves, peepal leaves and lotus buds.

Castor leaf tea lights.


Nature Inspired floater.

Copper Pod tealights.

Peepal Leaf.

"The legacy of the Tambat craftspeople who handcraft Coppre's products dates back to the 17th century when they were invited to Pune by the Peshwas when Shivaji set up the city as the capital city of the Maratha Empire.

When the Tambat craftspeople migrated from Konkan to Pune, they formed their settlement in Kasba Peth, an already established nucleus of old Pune. Their precincts came to be known as Tambat Ali (Ali:precincts). These narrow and dusty alleys of Tambat Ali where the timeless sound of metal-hammers clang on copper, have remained pretty much the same as they were almost 300 years ago.

From making armour, coins, canons, copper utensils, ritual wares for the Peshwa rulers, the craftspeople embraced the culinary and ritual needs of Maharashtrian communities and crafted traditional products such as utensils and puja items."~Coppre

Coppre and Light...

This series shows the interplay of light and the reflective metal.

Circle of light tea lights.

Hurricane lamps.

‘Matharkaam’ or beaten work is the distinguishing feature of Tambat craft. The hand-beaten indentations, made by profiled beating hammers, strengthen the object and enhance the inherent rich surface by imparting a mirror-like appearance. It is a skill intensive craft and needs strength, dexterity and a keen hand-foot-eye coordination.

~ Coppre

Reflecting the old in the new...

Drawing inspiration from old traditional vessels, Rashmi has created a modern twist to her Grandmother's trinket box and her mother's Meditation Urlis.

Chip Dip Platter.

Meditation Urlis.

Trinket Boxes.

The bedside Water carafes designed, have drawn inspiration from the ayurvedic practice of drinking water stored in copper vessels. 

This craft started dwindling due to loss of patronage by the Peshwas, mechanization, many bans imposed during British Rule and more recently the changing traditions, rising copper prices and the convenience offered by other materials has reduced the number of families practicing this craft to a small number.

Traditional Tambat Products...

Here are some beautiful traditional Tambat products made today.

Water Jug.

Modak (Dumplings) Steamer.

Water Container.

This art of beaten copper metal brings in aesthetics as well as functionality.

Kudos to Rashmi and her team at Coppre and supported by INTACH & Forbes Marshall for this grand effort in keeping this diminishing craft alive and supporting the Tambat Craftspeople.

You can check out their Facebook page here or email them at coppremarketing@gmail.com

(Images from Coppre)

Anthropologie.

One weekend while exploring France Avenue in Minneapolis I stopped in my tracks when I looked above to see a board framed by the backdrop of clear blue sky and fluffy clouds.

Before the family could turn back to see where I had disappeared, I had pushed the door open into a store that I had followed online for years: Anthropologie.

What I have liked about Anthropologie has been their vibrant design with a prominent global flavor.

Anthropologie is an American brand owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc. based in Philadelphia. It caters to women looking for unique, one-of-a-kind design.

The store display of shabby-chic meets rustic style was very impressive. Old brick floor, distressed wooden planks, textures on the wall. Vintage metal signboards.

Couldn't resist a close up of the colorful tea mugs that seem to filter the natural window light and gleam in the yellow store lights.

Funnel-shaped ceiling display near the cash counter.

Design books on display.

Ceramic jars.

Was amazed by the fusion of global influences. Most of the time saw a familiar name when I turned to check from which country the products were from:-)

 Pretty earrings display.

Also saw a copy of 2012 Design*Sponge Newspaper at the store.

(Images by Arch)

Minnesotan Ganesh Chaturthi....

I was overtaken by a huge wave of 'festive nostalgia' as I posted a photograph of our last years eco-friendly Ganesha on Facebook this morning. Instead of basking in it too long I decided to celebrate my favorite God and festival the Minnesotan way!

Rummaging through drawers I found a small packet of sandalwood powder tablets that I seem to have brought from India along with few incense sticks.

Thus in the late afternoon today in my kitchen I decided to mould my dear Ganesha with fragrant sandalwood powder, turmeric and water and captured the process to share with all of you.

The paste took form gradually...

...and a pebble forms His throne.

Peppercorns and cloves...

Vibrant colours enhance the features...

I 'paint my prayers' on a pebble and offer it to the Lord.

In the absence of my favorite Frangipanis I offer Him flora from here, a few pine cones, acorns and grass from my front yard.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi from Minnesota! May Lord Ganesha remove all your obstacles and shower his blessings on all of you!

P.S. The readers who entered in the Artnlight Blog Anniversary Giveaway, do stay tuned as Vineeta Nair announces the winner on 19th September, 2012.

(Images by Arch)

The Cottage House, Minneapolis.

Our quest for finding the right kitchen table for our new home has yielded in some delightful treasures.

The Cottage House on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis is one such.

Every month they open only for a couple of days unraveling some amazing vintage finds under different themes. This month it is French Country.

 The Cottage House owned by Ted & Tim has a team of designers who refurbish antique and vintage finds.

Funky yellow chairs hang from trees...

Chrysanthemums bloom along with whimsical metal blossoms...

Iron flower pot holders.

I stopped in my tracks at the entrance of The Cottage House when I saw this beautifully hand-painted floor poster  about Squashes.  I got to know later that Ted hand-paints the floors every month with different themes!

Ms. Ellie Rose English.

The peeling paint on the ceiling and the golden hue of the lit chandeliers was alluring...

The wooden shutters so reminded me of Calcuttan homes back in India.

This was one serene corner in the house.

Salvaged painted iron window grills.

Yes. Something I completely believe in.

It's a treasure trove for magical garden accessories.

Hand-painted brick flooring and a basket full of vintage crockery.

I longingly stood in front of this huge framed blackboard for a while and promised to come back soon for it:-)

A wonderful sunny Sunday spent in a delightful 'home decor market' called The Cottage House.

Do check out their website for their upcoming sale for October. You can also keep updated on their Facebook page 

(Images by Arch)

Some sunshine & a cup of tea...

...to all the lovely readers of Rang Decor.
It's been a month since we moved from Bangalore. I understand Labour Day here in the US marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

 As I type in the words on my post I can see a shower of leaves gently glide down trees, landing softly on grass that is much duller than before. There seems to be some kind of quickened activity among the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds of different kinds that I am yet to identify.

I picked up some bright sunflowers from the Minneapolis Farmer's market.

After clicking I realized that it was so similar to this shot which I clicked back in Bangalore.

Everything seems different yet somehow similar:-)

Have a great day everyone. Promise to be back soon!