Creating Art At Your Finger Tips For May 2018

Colour Stories

Did you know that nail polish originated in China as early as 3000 BC? With the introduction of nail polish, there was nail art. Read all about this fascinating form of art…

According to earliest records, the Chinese made nail polish by mixing egg whites, beeswax, gelatine, vegetable dyes and gum. They left it to sit for several hours on their nails and what resulted was a pink finish. Egyptians and Indians practiced nail art during the same time using an orange dye derived from the Henna plant. In 1917, Cutex produced the first modern nail polishes by introducing coloured nail glosses, which gave birth to nail art. One of the first designs to become famous was the "moon manicure." This design in nail art involved painting the middle of the nail while leaving the moon of the nail unpainted.

The next revolution came from the Revson brothers and Charles Lachman who created Revlon, the famous nail enamel. There was a dramatic change in the industry due to their use of pigments instead of dyes. This allowed for new designs and colours to quickly be adapted.

Today, nail art has become more artistic with symbols, magnetic polish, crystals, air brushing, nail wraps, crackle polish, acrylic and gel polish getting introduced. Japanese nail art has gathered prominence in the past few years as well. The popularity of Japanese nail art comes from its technicality and preciseness in creating spectacular works of art.

Nail art is a rage in the world of fashion and is flaunted as an accessory to a look. It requires mastery over the art and is done with the help of needles, stencils and nail brushes. Another art of nail designing is done by applying stones, beads, flowers, feathers, clips and stones on the surface of the nails. Yet another popular method of nail art is piercing. Chains, clips, buttons, precious and semi-precious metals are glued onto the nail surface in this form of nail art.

Nail art is a great way to treat yourself and almost every woman, no matter her age or style loves trying it out. Nail parties make for great birthday parties and family gatherings! If you interested in nail art, you can start with something simple and creative. You can experiment with different colours, polishes and designs. No matter the event or the season, there is a nail art that is appropriate and fun for every occasion possible!

What do you think? Aren't you surprised by the history of the nail art?

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For May 2018

1. The world is filled with languages that do not have words to describe some colours, and without any word to describe those colours, they are quite harder for speakers of those languages to distinguish when they encounter them. Historically, the Japanese haven't distinguished between the colours green and blue. Did you know that the Japanese word "ao" is used to describe both blue and green shades? For example, in Japan, green traffic lights are described as ao shingō and blue skies are described as aozora.
2. The colour pink is named after the flowers called 'pinks', which are flowering plants in the genus Dianthus. Dianthus is not really a single flower but a genus of about 300 species. Pink is the word derived from the frilled edge of the flowers. The verb "to pink" dates from the 14th century and means "to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern" which is probably derived from the German pinken, "to peck." Interesting, isn't it?
3. The names of our everyday colours have origins in the earliest known languages, which dates back to centuries. The word 'green' is closely associated with the Old English verb 'growan', meaning "to grow" and was first recorded as a colour name in English. Subsequent languages wrote it as 'grene' (Old Frisian), 'graenn' (Old Norse) and 'grown' (Dutch). In Old English, it was 'grene' and meant the colour green as well as young and immature.

Colour Quotes For May 2018

• "Blue colour is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight"

  - John Ruskin

• "Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."

  - E.Y. Harburg

• "Life is a celebration of passionate colours."

  - Leialoha Cator

Colour Tips For May 2018

1. Have you ever wondered how to go about painting around a light switch? It is best to remove any wall plates before you start painting to avoid spending time painting around them carefully. You can also use the cutting-in method while painting around a light switch. Cutting in means that you use a paint brush to paint areas that are too tight for rollers. However, keep in mind that since the light switches are at eye level, if you make mistakes while cutting-in, it will be clearly visible.
2. It is a good idea to use a paint grid and not a tray while painting. Rolling paint from a paint tray is a futile and a messy idea. However, fret not as there is a better approach. You can roll paint directly from a 5-gallon bucket using a paint grid. What is a paint grid, you wonder? A paint grid is simply a rectangular and rigid metal or a plastic screen that you can hook onto the rim of a paint bucket. All you need to do is fill the bucket about halfway with paint, and then hang the grid inside the bucket. Dip the roller sleeve into the paint, and roll it against the grid to remove the excessive paint. Just drop the grid into the bucket and snap on the lid.
3. If you are done painting for the day but have to resume it the next day, don't worry about the process of cleaning your brushes and paint-roller sleeves. Instead, simply brush or roll off the excess paint and tightly wrap them in a plastic food wrap. If needed, double up the plastic to seal out any air and place the wrapped brushes and roller sleeves in the fridge to keep them fresh. This way the paint will not dry overnight and you just have to remove it from the cold storage half an hour before painting. You just have to properly store it in the same manner for several days if you have a long painting task at hand.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For May 2018

1. When we feel different emotions, have you noticed the subtle colour changes on the face? The blood flows in the face, changing the colour that other people can notice. In fact, according to a new research, people can properly identify someone's emotions from these colour changes up to 75% of the time. Isn't that fascinating? This means that being "blue in the face" with anger holds more truth than just being an old idiom.
2. In the hot climate of Australia, you will observe that most buildings are coloured blue or green.
   This is psychological, as it is thought to make people think that the environment they are in is cooler and pleasant. On the other hand, in Europe, bright primary colours are used to create a warm ambiance owing to the long winters and colder climate. In the hot Mediterranean where summers have high temperatures, plenty of homes and villas are white in colour. This is to reflect as much sunlight as possible away from the building to keep the rooms inside cool. The window frames in these building are coloured light blue. This is known as the Mediterranean colour scheme.

Colours & Fashion For May 2018

The popularity of nautical style in society can be traced back to Queen Victoria. She was the one who served as an inspiration and the trend of wearing white with blue stripes became widespread. In 1846, Queen Victoria had a child's sailor uniform made on board the royal yacht for her son Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales.

The nautical influence in fashion made into the wardrobes of high society women by the 1800s and remains a favourite till date.

Colours & Gems For May 2018

1. Rhodolite Garnet gets its name from the Greek word, "rhodon", meaning "rose coloured", which refers to its pinkish hue and rose-like appearance. The name "garnet" comes from the Medieval Latin word, "granatum", which is an adjective that means "dark-red". It is a form of Garnet that has a lighter tone and more purplish colour than the typical Garnet gemstones. It is a variety between the Almandine and Pyrope series, usually containing more of magnesium than iron in its chemical structure. This is the reason it is often regarded as a variety of Pyrope.
2. Sardonyx has been found in plenty of locations such as Brazil, Germany, India, Uruguay, Russia and USA, but it is believed that the best gemstone comes from India. This stone is a type of striped or banded Chalcedony, and is a mixture of Onyx and Orange Carnelian. It is also known as Sardian Onyx and has a less defined mix of colours. It is believed to be a highly protective stone with metaphysical properties worn for happiness, confidence and optimism. The stone is considered to boost self-control and is good for someone who is studying or in a profession where mental discipline is required.

Colours & Nature For May 2018

1. Wattle-cup Caterpillar
   Have you ever seen a Wattle-cup caterpillar before? It may look like something enveloped in a sweet wrapper, however, don't be fooled by its appearance. It has an acid-yellow body that is covered with protruding spikes that are known as tubercles that can puncture three times as painful as a bee sting! The caterpillar is a native of Australia and looks like this only for a few weeks, after which it transforms into a dull brown moth.
2. Blue-ringed Octopus
   Meet the blue-ringed octopus. In addition to being one of the most brightly-coloured creatures in the sea, the blue-ringed octopus is also one of the most deadly species in the world. Its venom is present in its saliva, and it is deadly enough to kill an adult human being! It has bright blue or black rings that look extremely striking and change its colour dramatically when it is threatened. Just 12 to 20 centimetres in size, it spends most of its time hiding in crevices of the coral reefs and rock pools of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Décor

Confused With Various Interior Paints Colours Available In Market?

Choosing the right interior paint colours can be confusing. Worry not; we are here to guide you on how to go about picking the colours…

Firstly, you need to decide the ambiance you wish to create before selecting the colours. Certain shades have a lighter feel while others add weight.

If you wish to make a small room look large, your best bet is to pick a light colour. Opt for cool pastels to create an illusion of spaciousness.

You can draw attention to the walls by using bold and bright colours than any of the other colours in the room. If you want to create an illusion of height, choose colours that are light.

Warm colours make a room feel intimate and cosy. You can paint the walls in red for an inviting appeal. This colour automatically triggers a sense of comfort. You can try burnt orange to create a comfortable space. Violet is a regal and romantic colour. It can give a room a sense of balance and harmony. Use violet to create an air of serenity. You can use grey to add a little bit of drama without becoming too intense. The hue is believed to inspire creativity. Opt for brown walls if you want a warmer neutral and wish to create a warm ambiance.

Avoid using red on the ceiling as it can appear harsh. Instead use a light pink or light blue hue for it. Pink also works best in a girl's bedroom as it is a feminine shade. You can try a versatile shade of green. It is a colour found most prominently in nature that blends in easily with most rooms.

You can consider bright red, bright pink or bright orange as accent colours. Use these colours in accent pieces, or paint one wall a bright shade while picking something more muted for the other walls.

Hope this article gives you better insight on the various colours you can choose for your home interiors. Good luck!

Top Interior Paint Colour Options For 2018

If you are planning to do things differently this year, it is a good idea to give your home’s interior at least a little bit of thought. We bring to you a wide range of trendy colours to beautify your walls and your entire house.

1. Turquoise
Turquoise is a bold yet very relaxing choice of colour for your living space. You can use this hue on just one single wall as an accent shade and attract attention of guests. It is a great shade to keep your living room fresh.

2. Powder Pink
Powder pink is a great colour to experiment with this year. It is sure to add depth to your living space and is a wonderful way of creating a colourful yet light room.

3. Bright Yellow
With its sun-like brilliance, yellow exudes cheerfulness and has a welcoming vibe. You can add splashes of this sunny shade in your favourite rooms.

4. Red
A powerful colour like red may not be a choice for everyone out there but it can add energy to a dull space in a jiffy. It is a true eye-catcher no matter which room you use it in.

5. Green
Embrace this hue to invite the beauty of the outdoors into your living space. If you are looking for a touch of freshness for your home, look no further than the colour green.

6. Grey
The colour grey is a classic, which always gives rooms a subtle, stylish and elegant flair. It lends personality to a space.

7. Orange
Orange is lively, cheerful and full of personality. A room painted in this shade is sure to evoke warmth and exude a wonderful energy.

8. Berry
Berry is a great shade to spice up a living space. Splashes of this hue will make a stunning statement and turn heads.

These were some of the interior paint colours that you are probably going to see a lot this year. Hope you liked this list of wall paint colours. You can choose the colours as a feature wall in any part of your home. Happy Painting!

What’s The Right Interior Paint Colour For Your Home?

Choosing colours for your home can be a tricky affair. There is a world of paint colours out there. Read further to know the right interior wall paint colours for your home that are both powerful and timeless…

Cool colours
Pale blues along with cream accents offers relaxation and adds interest to the entire room. If you wish to achieve a modern look, you can pair grey, blue and white.
In general, shades of blue are often a popular choice for living spaces as they are versatile and soothing both. It complements traditional as well as modern furniture and accessories.

Warm colours
If you want to achieve a bright but more subdued feel in your home, use splashes of yellows and oranges. The colours exude cheerfulness and are a great choice for your home. Turquoise is another good option as an accent colour if you are considering a feature wall or you can display décor pieces in this striking hue.

Bright colours
Using uplifting shades like bright green, lime and fuchsia is a great idea for homes. These colours are vibrant and energetic that is sure to liven up any room of your home.

Rich and dark colours
Brown is a great shade to create an inviting atmosphere. You can offset this dark colour with beige and white elements. You can pair it with bright orange for a stunning effect. It is a great wall colour combination for you to try out.

Earth-tone colours
Using natural colours is a great option for living spaces as it tends to have a calming effect. You can pair shades of tan and brown with green to create a visually appealing environment. You can make use of some colourful décor pieces, which will add to its beauty. It is suitable for just about any room in the house.

Hope you found this article informative. Now that you know the trendy colours for your home interiors, just look around for some inspiration and pick shades that speak to you. All the best!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For May 2018

Kids need play areas where they can express the active, curious and exploring sides of their personalities. Follow these simple Feng Shui tips to help create a happy and healthy atmosphere for your kid’s playroom…

Feng Shui Your Kid's Playroom

Feng Shui is the ancient art that aligns the mind, body and spirit in a way that it brings harmony to the entire being. 'Yang' is the Feng Shui term which denotes energy and its use can help a child in the developmental process by stimulating and challenging the mind. This can be tapped into by the use of correct colours in the playroom. The best way to do so is by picking colours that are full of energy and purpose such as reds, yellows, greens, purples and pinks. However, do keep in mind the personality, likes and dislikes of your kid when choosing a colour scheme for the playroom.

The other important thing to keep in mind is not to clutter the playroom. This is a common mistake committed by many people when designing the playroom. People tend to go overboard and end up cluttering the area in a bid to create a fun and stimulating environment for kids. What you can do is provide plenty of bookcases and shelves for efficient storage of the kid's books and toys. You can provide them with milk crates, bins, cubbies, boxes to stow away the toys after use.

A large whiteboard, chalkboard, cork board or magnetic board mounted on the wall can be a wonderful way to provide your child with a place to display his or her artwork. All the awards, accolades, letters from teachers and homework projects of your kid can be showcased on the south wall. It is best to have some inspirational posters and pictures of role models that your kid can look up to. You can use pictures of superheroes but avoid use of depressing, aggressive and chaotic images. Also, avoid images of fierce and aggressive animals that are disturbing in nature. A full-length mirror in front of a window in your kid's height can help reflect light into the room, creating a calming Feng Shui effect.

In addition to this, make room for a proper-sized desk and chair and place it in the north-east direction in a way that the child is facing the room. This will help in the kid's concentration and general well-being.

Hope you find these Feng Shui tips helpful!

Reiki For May 2018

Did you know that Reiki can help you if you get panic attacks? It is believed to have the power to help you handle it. Read on to know more…

Reiki for Panic Attacks

Panic attacks occur when a person becomes overwhelmed by a sudden and uncontrollable feeling of dread. During these attacks, the individual may experience several physical symptoms including breathing problems, trembling, weakness, dizziness, chills, sweating and a pounding heart. Some people also feel nauseous or develop stomach pain during a panic attack.

Whatever the cause of panic attacks, know that the panic itself will not kill a person and you can work through it. There are several ways to get through the attacks, and there are people who can help you work through it.

Reiki is believed to have a good effect on the individual as throughout a Reiki session, the practitioner strives to restore the sufferer's normal flow of spiritual energy to reduce the frequency of panic attacks and/or of limiting the severity of a panic attack when it happens.

During the Reiki session, the practitioner uses a static and gentle light-pressure touch with both hands slightly above the person in various Reiki hand positions. The duration of each session depends on person to person but it is usually an hour.

Reiki provides several benefits that may be helpful for people with panic attacks such as lowering stress levels and restoring feelings of control. Participating in Reiki session allows the person to regain some sense of control, which may reduce the risk of future panic attacks.

Many people have admitted that Reiki sessions provide them with a chance to relax, focus on their selves and develop a sense of calm. This enables them to manage themselves from spiralling out of control.

Learning how to use Reiki on yourself is actually quite simple and it is an excellent way to add more self-care into day-to-day life. It channels the earth's energy to heal the mind and body. At the very least, the worst that could happen is nothing and no harm is done when undergoing a Reiki practice.

Vaastu For May 2018

Did you know a rooftop garden designed in the north-east corner of your house can bring you troubles? In this article, we address such concerns. Read on…

Vaastu for Rooftop Garden!

Many people love having a garden in the house. Some even build rooftop gardens in their house to nurture flowering plants. Plants full of flowers and greenery give us natural energy and uplift our spirits. Workplace or domestic stress is totally dissolved in a lovely green surrounding, isn't' it? However, one created in the north-east corner of a house isn't a great idea and is not Vaastu-compliant. However, Vaastu defects can be rectified to make immediate good effects if identified.

If you wish to make a rooftop garden, making it in the south-west corner of the terrace is a great idea. The mud filled at this corner increases the weight of the south-west corner and improves the Vaastu energy of the house. This corner is assigned to 'Earth', which is one of the Five Basic Elements. A garden at the south-west corner brings in the Earth energy to the house. A house with a garden in the south-west corner is believed to attract luck and bring great fortunes. The garden can also be created in the west and south of the terrace of a house. The same rules are applied for shops and industries.

There are some things you need to remember when maintaining a rooftop garden. Prevent dust from gathering and prevent waste material from occupying the space on the roof of your house. Grow Tulsi plant on the roof as it activates the universal positive energy, which is beneficial for the physical and mental health of all the family members in the house. Small plants are believed to activate the positive energy, which is why it is recommended that it be placed on the roof. While arranging the pots on the roof, it is best to place them in the north as they are light in weight. Bigger plants are best placed in the south, west or south-west direction.

Hope you found this article informative!