Hello arty crafty friends! It’s time to focus on another crafter’s amazing story this week on ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’. Today, Ranjana Jindal, a homemaker and a zealous crafter from the holy city of Haridwar shares her interesting story with us.
Ranjana’s childhood passion for crafting got its wings when she moved to Bangalore a few years back. Decoupage is her favorite, besides indulging in painting, quilling, cardmaking and decorating bottles. She delightfully juggles between family, household chores and crafting. Ranjana strongly believes that patience is the key to turn one’s imagination and creativity into reality.
Let’s find out how did Ranjana get into crafting, what inspires her, how she wishes to encourage fellow crafters to follow their passion for crafting, her favourite quote, how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers? Read further, to know about her favorites at Itsy Bitsy and also catch glimpses of a step by step project by her. Don’t forget to shower some love on her in the comments section.
Rashmi Closepet M.D Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?
Ranjana Jindal: Hello! I am Ranjana. I belong to the ancient and sacred city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand. I have a post-graduate degree in Microbiology. I am a home maker and a mother to a teenager. Art and craft has been my passion since childhood.
RC: How did you get into crafting?
RJ: I was inclined towards art and craft since childhood. I enjoy painting, embroidery, scrapbooking, upcycling waste products, and a lot more. However, I never got a chance to pursue my hobbies, since craft supplies and courses were not readily available in a small city. It was only 3 years ago, when I moved in to Bangalore, I started crafting again. And then I was encouraged to take my passion to a higher level by one of my friends. She introduced me to Itsy Bitsy store for craft supplies. My visit to the store gave wings to the artist in me. This is how Itsy Bitsy gave a kick start to my hidden talents and I started crafting full-time. Digitization made it easier to learn and explore different art forms.
RC: What is your favourite type of craft?
RJ: I started with making hair accessories using felt, satin ribbons, beads, etc., but decoupage is my favorite. I also paint, make cards, do quilling and up-cycle bottles. I’m in love with decoupage which has endless possibilities and which allows me to create beautiful home decor items.
RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?
RJ: Itsy Bitsy is like a dreamland for all crafters. I love the pattern papers, chalk and acrylic paints, glitters and sequins, ribbons, the entire range of embellishments and decoupage glue.
RC: If you had magical powers, how would you contribute to the crafting world?
RJ: If I had magical powers, I would first grab my favorite craft supplies from all over the world. I would love to share my knowledge and expertise with those you are interested and pursue crafting as a hobby. I want to spread this message among crafters that with patience and innovative ideas, how they can create magic.
RC: Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?
RJ: Chalk and acrylic paints along with mini stickers and boutique embellishments …from flowers to burlap and the glitter ones.
RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?
RJ: I do not have a defined crafting style. Each time I craft, I wish to create new and unique pieces. The only thing I take care of, is detailing. That’s what makes them… “Different”!
RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?
RJ: I try to ensure not to mix up my family time along with my hobby. As far as possible, I explore craft related things during the day, when my son is at school and husband is at work. This gives me 3-4 hours a day to do what I love, in addition to my daily routine work at home.
RC: Tips for people who want to craft
RJ: Let your imagination do the work for you. However, patience is the key with which you can turn your imagination into reality. There are many courses which can help each one to learn the basic techniques and then apply it in different ways. Always keep learning and trying new things. You’ll learn even from your mistakes. Enjoy crafting!
RC: Your all -time favourite quote?
RJ: Follow your passion which may soon become your profession.
Here is a gorgeous project by Ranjana & the step by step procedure:
Making of Decorative Glass Bottle using Decoupage technique
Materials required: (all materials used are from Itsy Bitsy)
- Glass bottle
- Gesso
- Sponge and flat brushes
- Acrylic or chalk paints
- Decoupage glue
- Decoupage napkin
- Embellishments (flowers, twines)
Procedure:
STEP 1:
Take a clean glass bottle and apply an even coat of artists’ gesso with the help of a sponge brush. Let it dry completely.
Select a decoupage napkin and tear the pattern to be used. Separate the top printed layer which is used for decoupage.
Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue in the area where the print is desired to be stuck. Stick the tissue neatly making sure there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
Apply 2 coats of decoupage glue over the pattern to seal it completely (provide enough drying time between each coat).
Merge the pattern with the background using acrylic paints (stamping, stenciling can also be done).
At the end, embellish it with flowers, twines, beads etc. and we are done!!
Here are a couple of Ranjana’s other awesome creations:
Many congrats Ranjana for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY !
You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms. Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!