The Elephant Head blog

Reviving a 200-year-old Toy Making Craft

lacquer turnery natural materials sustainable products Wood craft

Reviving a 200-year-old Toy Making Craft

Last season, we worked in collaboration with Varnam Craft Collective, a multi-award winning social enterprise in India, to promote sustainable Christmas decorations, home accessories and gifts and therefore Introduce the 200-year-old traditional lac (short for lacquer) turnery craft to the UK. What truly inspired us to work with Varnam, are not only it's striking and aesthetically beautiful products, but this social enterprise's true dedication to preserving the traditional methods and materials employed in the craft of lac turnery and the efforts taken to provide employment for Channapatna artisans.  History of Channapatna Toys Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town...

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Self-sufficiency and a better future for rural women in India

Self-sufficiency and a better future for rural women in India

Each cushion cover has been hand-embroidered by an artisan from a village on the outskirts of Bhopal, India, as part of The Embroidery Project, an initiative by the charity Aham Bhumika.

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How to paint your DIY Frames

How to paint your DIY Frames

If you are going to paint a picture frame, choosing the paint and preparing the frame to be painted are your main considerations. After all your photographs—especially those fancy shots and much-loved pieces of art—deserve better than a boring store-bought frame. Here we'll show you a few ways you to finish your DIY frames. 

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Tips for Eco-Conscious Interiors

eco friendly products Handmade Handmade gifts Natural materials reclaimed wood Recycled paper products sustainable products world environment day 2020 worldenvironmentday

Tips for Eco-Conscious Interiors

On World Environment Day, let's look at simple, cost effective and versatile ways to decorate your home and introduce greener and environmentally friendly décor, whatever the size of your space.  

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Of Jewelled Tones and Rich Traditions

Of Jewelled Tones and Rich Traditions

Mixing vibrant colours, bold patterns, luxurious textures and accessorised in decorative tassels, our globally-inspired Ikat cushions are trendy yet steeped in rich history and tradition.

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