Monday 28 February 2011

upcycling craft heroes

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Manek Chowk, Ahmedabad

Shaheed Bhagad Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana

Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, near Phillaur

Jandiala, near Phagwara

Made by Muktesh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar

First spotted while trotting around Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad with Meanest Indian, I have come to discover that women across the country are making these beautiful woven charpoys (manja in Punjabi) or beds for their homes. These are often made from remnants or old sarees and dupattas, although some women also use new fabric. They braid the fabric into rope, which is eventually woven around a wooden (traditionally) or metal frame.

Unconventional material like shiny crisp packets or plastic bags are also used, as seen here. I came across some shiny charpoys in Delhi on a recent visit but unfortunately couldn't take any photos at the time. I will have to go back and find them again!


 The rope can be bought for Indian Rupee ₹50/kg and used to make charpoys or as fancy rope to hang laundry.


They are woven in many different weaves, details of some can be seen below.




23/03/2011: I found some unconventional manjas on my way to Mussoorie last weekend. The one below was spotted in Herbertpur in Dehradun district (Uttrakhand). It is made of plastic bags and sachets.


8 comments:

Renuka Arora said...

am in love will all the different manja weaves!

d4design said...

Wow!! They're quite awesome!!! Kangan Im gonna get in touch for more details! Lovely post and thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

thank you!

Kangan Arora Design said...

Thanks all!

Sonal - sure thing!

Kamini said...

Hey, came here via Dlesteesign Sponge while looking for some DIY inspiration on how to re-weave 2 old rope chairs. Love your post. Where can I buy that rope ball from? The one you mention is Rs 50 a kg? Its just what I need.....

Kangan Arora Design said...

Hi Kamini,

you'll have to hunt around a bit - these are not available to readily buy from the market. I found a lady who runs a boutique in Sunait pind in Ludhiana who had already made some that she has ready to sell.

I'm not sure where you're based, but it may be the case of going in to the close by villages and making an enquiry (if you're in India)

Hope this helps
x

Kamini said...

Hmmm...am in Hyderabad, so am pretty sure I may not find anything like it. But I'll ask around.
Not sure why Design got spelled "Dlesteesign" in my first comment.. :-)
Oh I know why, cos I almost did it again....my word verification was "leste" and i must have typed it in there by mistake. Oh well.....
Thanks Kangan.

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