A visit to an Antique store

As much as I would like to, I haven't had a chance to visit many antique stores.

However, on my recent trip to India, I had the pleasure to visit an antique store in Rajasthan, in the outskirts of the city of Jaipur. It wasn't any known place but my aunt had found it just by accident- almost like finding treasure:)

I was as excited to go as a little girl going to Disneyland.

The store housed a myriad of beautiful pieces, from lanterns to jharokhas, from old clocks to brass handis, from wooden blocks to carved furniture, and much, much more. I not only feasted my eyes but brought quite a few beauties home with me:)

I was a happy, happy gal!

Here are a few shots from my camera....while I strolled through the alleys of the three storied shop.

Images: Clicked by me

Ten Thousand Villages

It was on my recent trip to Philadelphia when I was roaming around the city, looking for some unusual gifts for a few of my friends who I was meeting after a long long time, that I happened to find this store.

As soon as I stepped in, I knew I had to share it with all of you here. As I browsed through the products, the lady at the counter walked up to me and told me all about them.

Sure enough, I was all the more fascinated and so glad that I found them.

Ten Thousand Villages is a Fair Trade International Crafts supplier. They source crafts and handmade products from all around the world, especially to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries.

Every product purchased through them helps provide fair income to artisans.

Not only that, each product comes along with an information card telling the story about the product and the artist who created it. Isn't that so unique?

I thought this was the perfect place to pick up special gifts for my friends.

A few things that I chose.....

An owl shaped candle holder from Nepal





A terracotta dragon from Bangladesh

 

A bird wind chime from Indonesia

  

To read more about ten thousand villages and to browse their collection,

visit their website here.

They have stores all over the U.S:)

India on my mind

I am going for my annual India trip beginning of next month and these days all I can think of is all the shopping that I have plans for once I'm there. I'm super excited!!!

I have browsed the web and so many blogs for all possible shopping resources. I have a long list of places to shop- some of them are my all time favorites (read dilli haat & fabindia) and some newer stores.

As I'll be in and around Delhi for most part of the stay, here's a list of all the the stores and places that I'll be going to-

1. Mora Taara
2. Varya
3. MaxiMum store
4. Fabindia
5. Good Earth
6. Santushti complex
7. Crafts museum
8. Janpath
9. Cottage Emporium
10. Dilli haat
11. Renovation Factory (Khan Market)
12. People Tree near Janpath  

I am thankful to all the bloggers out there who have helped me in finding about all the wonderful shopping places for Indian handicrafts.

Anyone who lives in Delhi or knows about the place, please, please can you suggest any other interesting place that I could add to my list?