Handmade Stories

“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” — Robert Henri

Art has always been a way for me to express and explore, and lately, I’ve found myself diving into three very different yet deeply engaging styles — Madhubani painting, découpage on MDF wood, and ceramics. The contrast between these techniques makes the journey even more exciting, blending intricate hand-drawn details with layered textures, modern crafts, and tactile sculpting.

My Madhubani Artwork: A Deep Dive into Tradition

Madhubani painting is an ancient Indian folk art form known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolism. Originating from Bihar, it traditionally depicts nature, mythology, and daily life using fine lines and geometric patterns.

For my piece, I wanted to stay true to the essence of Madhubani while infusing my personal touch. I worked with bright hues, detailed borders, and traditional motifs — peacocks, fish, and floral patterns. The process itself was meditative, with each brushstroke connecting me to a centuries-old tradition of storytelling through art.

What I love most about Madhubani is its rawness — there’s no erasing, no second chances. Every line and shape adds to the story, making the final piece a perfect representation of both discipline and spontaneity.

Exploring Découpage on MDF Wood

While Madhubani is deeply traditional, découpage is a playful and modern craft technique that allows layering of printed paper, paint, and textures onto surfaces. My next project involves using MDF wood as a base and experimenting with découpage to create decorative, functional art pieces.

I’m excited to work with vintage-style prints, floral patterns, and even metallic accents. The idea of merging hand-painting with layered découpage feels like an extension of storytelling — where tradition meets contemporary design.

Laser Cutting MDF for Custom Diaries

Taking my MDF work further, I’ve also been experimenting with laser cutting to create customized diaries. The precision of laser cutting allows me to add intricate designs, patterns, and even Madhubani-inspired elements onto the covers. By combining this with découpage, I can create truly unique and personalized pieces that blend tradition with innovation.

Exploring Ceramics: A Hands-On Approach to Art

Recently, I’ve also been working with ceramics, an art form that brings a completely different sense of creativity. Unlike painting or découpage, ceramics require working with clay, shaping it with my hands, and experimenting with textures, glazes, and firing techniques.

There’s something grounding about working with clay — feeling its texture, shaping it, and watching it transform through the firing process. I’ve been creating hand-painted ceramic pieces that incorporate Madhubani-inspired patterns, merging the vibrancy of folk art with the earthy elegance of ceramics. The possibilities feel endless, from functional tableware to purely decorative pieces that add character to any space.

The Joy of Blending Art Forms

While these art forms are quite different, I find a common thread in their attention to detail and storytelling aspects. Madhubani tells stories through symbols and patterns, while découpage lets me create layered, textured compositions that feel almost like collages from different times and styles. Laser cutting adds another dimension, giving a tactile, carved-out effect that enhances the final look, while ceramics allow for a hands-on, sculptural approach to artistry.

This journey into both traditional and modern crafts has been fulfilling, and I can’t wait to explore more ways to bring them together. Maybe my next project will include Madhubani elements within découpage and ceramics — who knows where creativity will take me next?

If you’ve ever tried Madhubani, découpage, laser cutting, or ceramics, I’d love to hear about your experience! What styles or crafts are you drawn to?