For most art lovers who are juggling between their work and love as time passes the former becomes their priority and the latter, an art lost. There are only a few who are able to strike a balance between the two just like our this week's blogger, Indira Tanwar.

Indira who admires all forms of arts and crafts, and loves making cards has a full-time job at an IT MNC but makes sure that she devotes her weekends to her love of making cards and tries to create at least one art work a week. She shares her work on her blog - Arty Sorts.

Indira started her blog in 2007 and since then has been posting her work there. She makes everything from greeting cards (for all occasions), quilled photo frames, keepsakes and jewelry, bookmarks, gift boxes, scrapbooks, name plates and more. Her work is not only wonderful but is neat as well.

Her current passion is quilling and making handmade cards. She is currently based in Mumbai, India.

To know more about Indira and her cards we got in touch with her and here's what she has to say.

Happy reading!

1. Hello Indira, please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, my name is Indira Tanwar and I reside in Mumbai, India with my husband. I am a MBA by profession and I work for an IT MNC. My dad is a retired Army Officer and I have had the pleasure of travelling across the length and breadth of the country owning to his transferable job.

2. Your cards simply look awesome. When did you decide to become a DIY artist? Have you ever tried your hands on something else other than card making?

I have been crafting ever since I was a small kid. All kinds of crafts work attract me, be it working with recycled material, making cards, mixed media, etc. I wanted to be a fashion designer while I was growing up, but then destiny had better plans for me.

3. Do you remember the first card you made? Tell us the story.

There are many that I made as a kid. I remember making small note cards for my friends on Diwali with silver and golden decorative paper and gifting it to them. They were so thrilled. Their moms were also quite impressed and told them that they should reciprocate the gesture.


My source of inspiration has been my mother. She is a very talented artist. She used to make oil paintings, do needlework, etc. She actively took part and won many competitions held in the Army club for ladies. I used to love assisting her in all that she did. Slowly, I developed my own style and realized I am more into crafting or creating stuff with paper. Painting was not my cup of tea.

While creating, I take inspiration from the things around me, like a newspaper illustration, bedsheet patterns, designs on crockery, etc.


For me crafting is a hobby and I don't get time for it every day, as I have a full-time job. I mostly craft on weekends, especially on Saturdays. It is my day when I like to be just left with my crafting supplies in my room.

6. What are you fond of doing when not making cards?

I like reading blogs of my favorite artists, surfing the net for newer ideas and learning new techniques.

7. You use a huge range of materials to make cards, which one do you find the best to use and which one is the hardest to be used?

I love using waste material to create my cards. I think twice before throwing away packaging material, dress tags, gift boxes, etc. I like to make the best use of them. I can't say that I find something hard to use, but I would rather say water coloring is something I would like to try. You can really do wonders on a little piece of card with just few colors and a paintbrush!



It is like asking a mother who is your favorite child! But still if you insist, I'll pick something from my latest creations: A lattice card. Also another favorite of mine are the explosion boxes. I have made them on various themes as per requests by customers and they never fail to delight someone.



Internationally, Jennifer Mcguire is my current favorite and among the Indian artists/bloggers, there are many whom I admire. It's hard to pick one!

10. What rank would you provide card making, as a hobby, passion, profession?

I would say it is a hobby which is my passion and I hope that one day it turns into my profession.

11. What compliments have you received for your cards? Which one have you loved the most?

I receive lots of lovely comments on my blog and Facebook page for my creations. When people say that I make best use of recycled stuff, it really means a lot to me and I feel I am able to do my bit for mother nature.

12. What are the current projects you are working on?

Currently, I am mostly into cards. I do make big projects like Explosion Boxes, Quilled frames, picture frames, albums, etc., but they demand more time and planning. Depending on the time at hand, I plan my projects. I also make some of these bigger projects only on order as per the client's requirements.

13. Any message you would like to give to the budding DIY artists?

There are a lot of talented people around the world and each day we come across new artists/bloggers online. For the budding artists, I would just say that identify your style and concentrate on developing it rather than aping anyone else's style. Your work will be valued for its originality.

Thanks Indira for taking out the time and doing this interview with us. We'd like to wish you the very best for the future.

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