Deepavali is not complete without sweets and festive decor. Days and even weeks of preparation go into dishing out delicacies and doing up the home to reflect the spirit of the festival of lights. While gorging on sweets, homemade, bought or gifted, require us to go on post-festive diets and sensible eating to ward off the ill effects, most decor items can be reused and re-arranged for another occasion. Deepavali brings to mind images of beautifully illuminated living rooms, balconies and courtyards because lights are symbolic of the cheer nd goodness this festival brings.
Here are a few do-it-yourself ideas if you haven’t got around to doing anything yet and if you are not too keen on splurging on new purchases.
Before you start your craft session, make sure you have all the material ready; paper, glue and sequins. Let’s ditch the glitter powder and sand because they are non-biodegradable and can pollute water bodies.
Those who are hooked onto YouTube and Instagram, may have already got their hands on coloured papers string lights, flowers, tea lights, diyas, wine bottles, mason jars, glasses and what not. String lights are an integral part of the festive decor, so pull out the old ones and put them to use. Adorn them over any metal frame to look like an illuminating piece of abstract art or make little balls out of them by wrapping it up around any round and light weight object.
Similar to the making of lampshades one can build bangle-wall hanging and candle holders. Many DIY experts on Instagram suggest these ideas. Glue and stack glass bangles one on top of the other to create a cylindrical shape that is not more than two inches in height. Once done, place the tea lamps or candles. Bangles can also be tightly bundled together to make bangle loops. Simply tying them up with ribbons can also be used a decorative option for any room.
Other suggestions come in the form of arranging different-sized and shaped tea lamps and candle holders on a big tray to light up a corner of the house. Tea lights can either be placed on the floor within holders or can be made to float in bowls. You can add colour to the lights by covering the tea light holders with crepe paper or gift-wrap papers.
Sequins and tassels could be strung together and placed alongside Deepavali lights. Tassels are also a good option to be hung on doors and walls. They fill up space easily and completes the decoration quickly.
A lot of DIY suggestion on making diya tassles with coloured paper and Live Creative on YouTube make these craft sessions an easy affair.
