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