Craft-based training is revolutionizing rural India by equipping artisans, especially women, with practical, income-generating skills like crochet and macramé. This blog explores how Rural Handmade’s people-first training model empowers communities, nurtures entrepreneurship, and creates sustainable livelihoods, offering a replicable roadmap for NGOs, CSR teams, and government-led initiatives.

Community | People
Paper quilling is an art form that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing strips of paper to create decorative designs. The paper is often curled, twisted, and manipulated to form various shapes, such as spirals, teardrops, and hearts. These shapes can then be combined to create intricate patterns and designs. Quilling can be used to decorate a variety of items, including greeting cards, picture frames, boxes, and jewellery. It's a popular craft that offers a relaxing and creative outlet.
Community | People
Tripura, the third-smallest state in India, is situated in the country's northeastern region. It shares borders with Bangladesh to the north, south, and west, and with the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the east. Agartala, the state's capital, is also the second-largest city in Northeast India, following Guwahati. The handicrafts and handlooms of Tripura are renowned for their uniqueness and charm. The artisans of Tripura possess a natural talent for creating exceptional crafts using basic materials such as clay, bamboo, and wood. Various cultural groups within the state excel in bamboo and clay craftsmanship, producing items like cane furniture, lamps, idols, bamboo dining table mats, and floor mats, which are among the most popular handicrafts. The artisans are also skilled in weaving exquisite fabrics with intricate designs, with each tribal group contributing its own distinct style. Cane, bamboo, and idol-making are among the oldest and most esteemed industries in Tripura.
Community | People
Mud mirror art, a captivating and intricate craft from India, reflects the rich tapestry of the country's cultural heritage. Originating from the vibrant communities of Gujarat and Rajasthan, this traditional art form combines the natural elegance of mud with the shimmering allure of mirrored embellishments. Artisans meticulously apply layers of clay to create textured patterns and motifs, which are then adorned with pieces of glass or mirrors. The result is a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow that transforms everyday objects into striking, reflective masterpieces. Each piece of mud mirror art not only showcases the artisan's skill and creativity but also embodies the deep-rooted traditions and timeless beauty of Indian craftsmanship.
Community | People
Macrame, a word of Spanish origin derived from the Arabic "migramah," is believed to mean “striped towel,” “ornamental fringe,” or “embroidered veil.” This craft is thought to have begun with 13th-century Arab weavers, who would knot the leftover thread and yarn along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics, creating decorative fringes on shawls, coverings, and towels. Macrame gained widespread popularity during the Victorian era, when it became a common decorative feature in homes. The art form was introduced to Spain and later to Italy, spreading throughout Europe after the Moorish conquest. In the late 17th century, macrame reached England, where Queen Mary II taught the craft to her court ladies. Sailors also played a significant role in spreading macrame to the New World, creating items such as hammocks, bell fringes, and belts during their off-hours at sea, which they would sell upon landing.
Community | People
Painting is the art of applying colors using brushes in a specific manner to create visual works. It can be done on nearly any surface, using different types of paints and brushes, and is a reflection of creativity. Through painting, one can express thoughts, emotions, and capture various aspects or events from the surroundings. It involves applying different colors or paints onto a solid surface. Painting has been recognized as a significant art form since ancient times and is believed to be a powerful medium for channeling positive universal energies. Artwork with balanced positive energies is thought to bring good luck and positivity, with favorable colors and themes attracting wealth, health, and prosperity. There are numerous styles of painting, with emboss painting being one of them.
Community | People
Bamboo root carving is an intricate art form that involves transforming the naturally shaped roots of bamboo plants into detailed sculptures and decorative items. The process capitalizes on the organic shapes and unique textures of bamboo roots, which are carved into various forms such as figures, animals, mythical creatures, or abstract designs.


You can subscribe and listen to Rural Handmade on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SimpleCast, Spotify. If you're interested in sharing your story with us, please reach out to support@ruralhandmade.com

I Understand

By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies.

Know More.
X