For Readers of this blog:  Free E- Book version of "Phool Patti Ka Kaam" 

Phool-patti embroidery dates back to the Mughal period. Its uniqueness lies in the textile decoration style in which small bits of fine fabric are cut by hand, then dexterously folded and shaped into tiny petals and embroidered on to the fabric to create a variety of patterns. This special appliqué finds limited mention in the repertoire of Indian as well as global appliqué embroidery forms and there is no publication on phool-patti.

A photographic journey, this first publication on phool-patti embroidery, explores its background and scope. A finely illustrated book, Phool-Patti Ka Kaam takes us through the different phool-patti shapes, arrays of designs and materials. It collates experiments with embellishments and innovations on its use, including on different garments and household furnishings, and introduces the artisans from Aligarh.

Phool-Patti Ka Kaam is the story of this embroidery told through glimpses of Saleha Khan’s work with the artisan women and girls from Aligarh during the 1970’s and 1980’s. This first publication on the subject is for those who want to appreciate, learn, promote, explore and experiment with this unique appliqué style. Besides being a useful resource for crafts lovers, this publication is also envisaged to trigger interest among designers, entrepreneurs and policy planners to advance phool-patti’s scope, popularity and possibilities while ensuring due share of economic returns and recognition for its artisans.

All the designs and creative ideas by Saleha Khan in this book can be freely copied, used and adapted to encourage promotion of phool-patti embroidery for advancement of its artisans – particularly marginalized women and girls. However, no part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission. 

All proceeds from the publication and sale of this book will go to SAFAR - Supporting Action For Advancement & Rights - For Women & Girls living in Uttar Pradesh, India. 

For crafts lovers and readers of this page we are offering a free E-Book version of this >100-page book .  Send you e-mail request  to safarsecretariat@gmail.com for your free copy today ! 

Thanks for your interest in Phool-Patti Applique! 

 

Innovations in Phool-Patti Ka Kaam

Samrah e' ASRA o' SAFAR

Many readers of this blog have asked me for contact of Phool Patti artisans.  I am sharing information on a recent phool-patti women artisans’ project which is part of the initiative, of preserving and promoting the applique embroidery of Phool-Patti Ka Kaam through supporting design innovation and empowerment of the craftswomen and girls doing this applique embroidery. The objective is to provide opportunity to experiment with new designs and innovative ideas in taking forward the art of Phool-Patti applique embroidery. 

The project is being implemented by ASRA- Aligarh Self Reliance Association For Women in collaboration with SAFAR- Supporting Action for Advancement and Rights of women and girls. The Phool-Patti Collection called "Yaakta" meaning "unique" from this collaboration with include experimentation in design, colors and fusion and adaptation techniques also mentioned in the publication - Phool Patti Ka Kaam: Reviving a Traditional Indian Applique Embroidery. 

Yaakta Collection  

This collection is envisaged to use only the five primary colors- Black, White, Red, Yellow and Blue. The collection with use a play of these "Mondrian" colours. 

Experimenting with Black and White. (Photo ASRA August 2020)

Design Innovations

The collection will innovate with using  different design innovations. One experiment is on the use of calligraphy in Urdu, English and Hindi alphabets in applique to develop monograms, logos in applique work inter-woven with the traditional bel-buta designs . The idea is to provide the client and handicraft lover with a personalized product , different from off the shelf bulk variety. 

"Sabah" - Personalized scarf/dupatta with your name in appliqued in Urdu calligraphy 

Artisan Empowerment  

The Yaakta collection will also factor in the artisan stories and experiences during COVID19 and the impact on the artisans and the art. The core objective of the project is artisan empowerment and income generation. All design innovations are broaden the scope of the art to allow for economic empowerment of the artisans. 

ASRA Artisans at Work 

All the designs in the publication Phool Patti Ka Kaam: Reviving a Traditional Indian applique embroidery can be replicated by the artisans at ASRA. For information and orders contact ASRA directly at:  asraforwomen@gmail.com