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We are the Art by Brandon Sanderson
Art
15 Tips for Creating a Calm Home
I am not a Calm person.But I like a Calm home.I like a home full of potential for exciting work but with a corner for embracing Calm.That’ the reason I paint calm too.
15 Tips for Creating a Calm Home
Buy less.Shop from your home.
Have hobbies that are useful for home decor.That way its a wonderful way to have art and craft as part of your life.
Reduce visual clutter and really declutter.
Empty the surfaces.Tops of dressers,cabinets are dust magnets.The less you have on them the easier it is to clean.Have a few pieces and recycle the rest.
Allow everyone to help.
Have a place for everything.
Put away stuff ,not in their places before bedtime.
Give yourself grace for those difficult days.Goblin mode and the Marie Kondo method arrived from the same brain.Her name is Marie Kondo and once upon a time she talked about the Life Changing Magic of Clearing up.We have different seasons in life too.Sometimes leaves need to fall before new ones can truly sprout.Marie married and after she became a mommy ,she realized sometimes goblin mode is the other name for survivor mode.
Love the home you have by Melissa Michaels is a must read too,if you want to love the home where you live.Because home is not just an address its where your heart lives,breathes,loves and sleeps. It’s your haven ,the place where you find calm and peace
Avoid low quality passing trends in home decor.Throwing away decisions are the hardest.Letting go in life and relationships are always an inner battle.
Have green plants around you.
Use calming colours and minimalist prints in your furnishing.
Have art prints with nature inspired art for the full effect.
Have a no-overwhelm cleaning routine .
Buy less.
Your home should be your favorite place.Your place for finding calm.
This is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon .
Sharing is good Karma!
Colour 4 Life Contest by Faber-Castell #Video
Colour 4 Iife Contest by Faber-Castell is open globally ,for the first time in 2025. Its an opportunity to show the world how my world looks like. My daughter and I both submitted our art work and we spent a weekend painting together and recording the process .
The interesting part of painting together, is it keeps us both feeling calm .I like painting nature,tree,leaves ,flowers and plants with the occasional landscape. My daughter likes sketching and painting girls .Her style has evolved over the years but she always draws pretty pictures. That’s her things. My thing is usually painting leaves.
The best part about painting is being able to use them for creating customized gifts. That’s the reason I created my blinkstore. Its easy to get started, but I am not sure its visible to the world wide web of holiday shoppers. Reading up all I can about print on demand and selling online is my goal for the rest of the year. Do let me know your plans for the remainder of 2026 .
This is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon .
Sharing is good Karma!
Why Blinkstore? Best Print on Demand Store in India
October means a lot of praying, being grateful for my blessings ,meeting family and friends plus trying new things. That’s why I decided to take a good look at getting my art on products.But before I get into the details I want to share a little backstory of the why behind my print-on-demand adventures.
Key Takeaways
- October brings opportunities for gratitude, family, and trying new things, prompting exploration of selling art on products.
- Print-on-demand offers a cost-effective way to share and sell art, however, finding the right platform can be challenging.
- After testing various platforms, blinkstore.ai shows promise with easy setup and product variety, though functionality can be inconsistent.
- The author seeks a print-on-demand site that integrates seamlessly with Amazon and has no upfront costs, hoping for a more user-friendly experience.
Check out the Healthwealthbridge Store
Check out my first book in Print ,the Krishna Mishra Mystery series books 1-4 .
As an artist I dream of selling my art prints .But as a very practical person I know that will probably happen only if its in my destiny .Yes I am practical with a very large dollop of hope in me .Now print-on-demand makes art work shareable, wearable, licensible and sellable to the masses without breaking the bank.But setting it up without a system is cause for severe boredom .I often try different store options to see what kind of back end work I have to do, to get things moving .I prefer options which don’t have an upfront cost ,but work on commission basis fora particular volume of sales. Once the stores are making a significant profit, upgrade options, are definitely on the table. If not print-on-demand at Draft2Digital I wouldn’t have my books in print so easily .
When I started blogging I knew only about affiliate income and sponsored posts as sources of supporting blog .That was 2014 and now eleven years later Healthwealthbridge has a whole umbrella of platforms .But passive income needs a lot of active work upfront. Mompreneurship has always been a thing .
I was getting tired of trying out different print on demand plaftorms and after jumping through the hoops realizing it doen’t work out for me .I was searching for the best print-on-demand Store option in India.
I tried Texindiamart .It doesn’t have a store option.
Fizdi is something I am still working out.Its my art shop website which allows custom prints in India.Amazon shop will have a GST thing which would require more hoop jumping
Then I found Qikink and it integrates with Shopify, woo commerce and Amazon. All options I cant afford right now.
Shopify is a store option I loved .I trued out the free trial, but its just too expensive for me to try now.For a basic plan with a store I will need a minimum of 1499 per month billed annually. That’s 17988 per year I will spend regardless of what I sell. So that option went right out of the window.
Gelato is another international platform with a steep subscription fee.
Amazon Store has a subscription fee after a few months of free ,it requires GST number plus it has no P-O-D option
I also tried Etsy and in India its a scam of zero support and strange charges.
So I was back to square one, when I found blinkstore.ai .
It looks simple to set up ,but adding products is a whole different thing .Luckily I was able to get one design accepted
Best part –
Once the design gets uploaded on one product , blinkit puts it in a range of products from which you can choose which one you want on the store.That way its a collection, without being tedious.Painting is fun .Getting your head around how ai works and why it doesn’t work can be excruciating .
By the way the chatbot on the blinkit site didn’t seem to work.
But saying all that I am still glad I got the store up and running .Now to find out whether it works or not .
Here’s a raw version of my blinkstore .
What I am trying now is-uploading my designs,getting the products ready according to things I would buy or gift myself .
What I would love:
A print on Demand site which help you also sell on Amazon effortlessly.No upfront cost ,like a Draft2Digital of Print on Demand. I hope the Universe is listening. Right now Blinkstore is the best Print on Demand Store option in India
Sharing is good Karma!
Crochet Vs Hand Knitting:Plus Resources
I absolutely love crochet.But hand knitting ?It has a life of its own.With the right kind of chunky wool I can do it for hours .
It is meditative,addictive,calming,creative,useful,lovely to make for someone you love.
But it takes up a tremendous amount of space in my wardrobe.
The worst part you can’t enjoy it in the summers of West Bengal .But after gardening,writing, painting ,its hand knitting which has become a friend in my troubled times.
Finding a pattern from a ball of wool is a strange kind of fun.
Wondering whether you will like the finished product is a mystery that must be solved.
Where I run into trouble?
Storing my WI(work in progress)and finished products.
Explaining to my husband why I need wool in the middle of summer.
Explaining to people where I get my granny genes.
Explaining to people when I get time.
What do I use for crochet?
Crochet hooks?
What do I use for hand knitting?
My hands.
Best wool for hand knitting?
The chunky kind.
What can you make with hand knitting?
One of the best parts of hank knitting?
You can just unravel it ,if you don’t like it and start again!
What can you make with crochet or hand knitting?
With hand knitting, you can make a wide variety of practical, decorative, and even wearable items. The beauty of hand knitting is that you can customize size, color, and texture depending on the yarn and stitch patterns. Here are categories of things you can make:
🧣 Clothing & Accessories
- Scarves & Cowls – beginner-friendly, endless stitch variations
- Hats & Beanies – simple ribbed designs or patterned with cables/fair isle
- Gloves, Mittens & Fingerless mitts – cozy for winter
- Socks & Slippers – snug, customizable, and fun to gift
- Sweaters & Cardigans – classic projects for intermediate knitters
- Shawls & Wraps – delicate lace or chunky warm wraps
- Headbands & Ear warmers – quick and useful
🏡 Home & Decor
- Blankets & Throws – chunky knit or patterned heirloom pieces
- Cushion Covers & Pillowcases – textured or colorwork designs
- Rugs & Mats – made with thick yarn or fabric scraps
- Wall Hangings – decorative textured panels
- Dishcloths & Towels – great for practicing stitches
🎁 Gifts & Toys
- Amigurumi / Stuffed Animals – soft toys for kids
- Dolls & Miniatures – customizable characters
- Holiday Ornaments – mini stockings, stars, snowflakes
- Gift bags or pouches – reusable and eco-friendly
👶 Baby & Kids
- Baby Blankets – soft yarns, pastel shades
- Booties & Hats – tiny, fast projects
- Baby Sweaters & Rompers – adorable heirloom items
- Soft Toys – rattles, bunnies, teddy bears
👜 Bags & Accessories
- Tote Bags – sturdy with cotton yarn
- Market Bags / Net Bags – stretchy and eco-friendly
- Laptop Sleeves or Phone Cases – padded and stylish
- Belts, Ties, Suspenders – unusual but possible
👉 With chunky yarn or even using your hands only (arm knitting), you can make large, trendy blankets, rugs, or oversized scarves in just a few hours.
Resources to learn Hand Knitting/crochet :From beginner to advanced
📚 Books on Hand Knitting
(Most available on Amazon, libraries, or even Internet Archive for free in some editions)
- Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook – Debbie Stoller
– Fun, beginner-friendly guide with illustrations. - Vogue® Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book – Vogue Knitting Magazine
– Comprehensive reference, techniques, stitch patterns, finishing. - Knitting Without Tears – Elizabeth Zimmermann
– Classic, empowering book teaching knitting logic and creativity. - The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge – Debbie Bliss
– Covers techniques, yarn science, and project finishing. - The Principles of Knitting – June Hemmons Hiatt
– Encyclopedic reference, great for serious knitters. - Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns – Sterling Publishing
– Perfect for experimenting with textures. - Arm Knitting: 30 Home and Fashion Projects for All Ages – Mary Beth Temple
– For chunky hand/arm knitting without needles.
🌐 Websites for Learning Hand Knitting
- Ravelry
– The world’s biggest online knitting community with free + paid patterns. - Knitty
– Online knitting magazine with tutorials, patterns, and tips. - VeryPink Knits
– Video tutorials, patterns, and technique guides. - Purl Soho
– Free patterns, modern knitting projects, and tutorials. - LoveCrafts
– Patterns, yarn shop, and guides for all levels. - AllFreeKnitting
– Free patterns sorted by skill level and project type. - The Spruce Crafts – Knitting
– Beginner-friendly articles and photo tutorials.
🎥 YouTube Channels for Knitting Tutorials
- VeryPink Knits
– Clear, concise tutorials with close-up demonstrations. - RJ Knits
– Beginner-friendly, easy projects, fun teaching style. - Sheep & Stitch
– Beautifully filmed tutorials on knitting basics and projects. - Kristen McDonnell / Studio Knit
– Simple patterns, fun projects, great for beginners. - Purl Soho
– Professional tutorials from the Purl Soho team. - Nimble Needles
– In-depth tutorials for advanced techniques (lace, cables, socks). - Expression Fiber Arts
– Tutorials + yarn inspiration, colorful projects. - Ewe University
– Technique-focused videos with explanations of knitting science. - Hooked by Robin (also crochet)
– Great arm-knitting and chunky yarn tutorials.
Download the resource for free here
🧶 Hand Knitting — Books, Websites & YouTube
Carefully curated resources for beginners → advanced knitters. Tap any link to open in a new tab.
📚 Books (recommended)
- Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook — Debbie Stoller
- Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book — Vogue Knitting
- Knitting Without Tears — Elizabeth Zimmermann
- The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge — Debbie Bliss
- The Principles of Knitting — June Hemmons Hiatt (reference)
- Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns
- Arm Knitting: 30 Home & Fashion Projects — Mary Beth Temple
🌐 Websites
- Ravelry — patterns, community, stash & project tracking
- Knitty — online knitting magazine with free patterns & tutorials
- VeryPink Knits — tutorials & technique guides
- Purl Soho — modern patterns, clear tutorials
- LoveCrafts — patterns, yarn shop & guides
- AllFreeKnitting — free patterns by skill & project
- The Spruce Crafts (Knitting) — how-tos & photo guides
🎥 YouTube Channels
- VeryPink Knits — clear step-by-step videos
- Purl Soho — studio tutorials & projects
- RJ Knits — friendly beginner tutorials
- Expression Fiber Arts — colorful project videos
- Sheep & Stitch — beautifully shot tutorials
- Nimble Needles — advanced techniques (lace, cables)
- Ewe University — technique-focused lessons
- Hooked by Robin — arm-knitting & chunky yarn projects
Tip:
For patterns and community help, create a free Ravelry account. When following YouTube tutorials, match the yarn weight & needle size mentioned so your gauge matches the teacher’s sample.
🧶 Hand Knitting Resources — Learn to Knit
📚 Books
- Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook – Debbie Stoller
- Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book – Vogue Knitting
- Knitting Without Tears – Elizabeth Zimmermann
- The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge – Debbie Bliss
- The Principles of Knitting – June Hemmons Hiatt
- Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns
- Arm Knitting: 30 Projects – Mary Beth Temple
🌐 Websites
- Ravelry
- Knitty
- VeryPink Knits
- Purl Soho
- LoveCrafts
- AllFreeKnitting
- The Spruce Crafts
🎥 YouTube Channels
- VeryPink Knits
- Purl Soho
- RJ Knits
- Expression Fiber Arts
- Sheep & Stitch
- Nimble Needles
- Ewe University
- Hooked by Robin
✨ More knitting guides: healthwealthbridge.com | @misra_amrita
✨ What You Can Make with Hand Knitting ✨
🧣 Clothing & Accessories
- Scarves & Cowls
- Hats & Beanies
- Mittens, Gloves & Socks
- Sweaters & Cardigans
- Shawls & Wraps
- Headbands & Ear Warmers
🏡 Home & Decor
- Blankets & Throws
- Cushion Covers
- Rugs & Mats
- Wall Hangings
- Dishcloths & Towels
🎁 Gifts & Toys
- Stuffed Animals (Amigurumi)
- Dolls & Miniatures
- Holiday Ornaments
- Gift Bags & Pouches
👶 Baby & Kids
- Baby Blankets
- Booties & Hats
- Rompers & Sweaters
- Soft Toys
👜 Bags & Accessories
- Tote & Market Bags
- Net & Eco Bags
- Laptop Sleeves
- Phone Cases
- Belts & Ties
💡 With chunky yarn or arm knitting, you can make oversized blankets, rugs, and scarves in just a few hours!
The research part of the blowout is written with the help of AI.
Since I want to use AI ethically,this affects disclaimer I am giving ,whenever AI helps me.Do you know about AI Safety?
Sharing is good Karma!
Recreation of Landscape at Vetheuil by Monet
Recreation of a work of a master is tough.But Domestika challenged me with an interesting contest and I jumped in!
I recreated Landscape at Vetheuil by Monet .I love the impressionist style of painting Landscapes and I bought the life and work of Monet in June of 2025 to study his work in more detail.But the magic happened when Domestika sent me a email inviting participation in the masters recreation contest.If not for this contest I would never dare to share a recreation of a master like Monet.Even when I painted it and also finished it I didn’t submit it for two months.
(At the time of publishing this post,I still couldn’t submit it ,because I got an unknown error message on the website.Unfortunately Domestika support was not helpful in solving my problem and their Instagram chat response was a bot.But anyways I finished the painting and here it is.)
I felt worried about sharing the finished painting with the world.I love nature and nature are things I constantly paint.I shared the almost completed picture on Instagram and Youtube but didn’t submit on Domestika. I felt like a fraud. Then I read the book War of Art and I knew I just had to finish of a few details and submit it.Getting rid of resistance is more difficult than reinterpreting a master art work!
I used Camel artist watercolour,generic brushes and Posco marker pens .
My reference book was the book The Life and Works of Monet.
I sketched the landscape roughly to give a general idea about the landscape.Then I spent a few days ruminating about whether to use watercolor or acrylic.I finally got my watercolor colours and brushes in one places and put in the first wash to have an idea of how to go forward.
Watercolor reinterpretation of an Oil painting
Not only was I trying to recreate an impressionist master,I was also using a different medium.I have never painted with oil paints so there was no chance of doing that.But with Watercolor I knew adding highlights would require something more than just white spaces.I painted the entire picture in about 4 sittings and then I let it pickle. I published a WIP on Instagram and Youtube and let self doubt overcome me.
I used gold acrylic pen to colour a midday sun.White Posco marker for highlights on cloud,trees flowers and black dot pen to add depth to the painting.
