How I got here.....

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” Coco Chanel.

  “Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.” Coco Chanel

    Alot of times we confuse fashion with whats "in" these days. We seem to think what everyone is wearing is the "right" look. I've always been an opposite when it comes to this. I will always admire someone with their personal, unique style rather than someone who is just another person in the crowd. Choose what you wear! Choose your look! Wear things that you love wearing so that you shine in them. Its how you use fashion not how fashion uses you. I believe that if you think a trend doesnt work for you then you dont need to follow it. People remember us by our personal unique style not by the trends we follow. So be elegant, be fashionable but above all be you!

 I guess its this same rebelious nature of mine when it comes to style and fashion that lead me to making accessories in the first place. I was so tired of the jewelry I saw in every shop I went to that I invented my own! I didnt want to look like I was at a wedding all the time. I didnt want to look like something out of a daily soap. I wanted funky things which reflected me and my style. However the stuff I found at shops was usually very "bridal" or too heavy and the places that did have a bit of the funkier kind of things were well too heavy on the pocket. The usual accessories at stores werent what I would want to wear when going out with friends, or at work. So then came in hera-k the designer =)


No matter what you do and where you are in life always remember that you cannot be replaced. xoxo!

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel.

"Fall" in love.....

With fall season setting in, and my love for autumn in its full swing, I went for a total fall look with this new pair of kolhapuris. I think they go with the whole fall/winter look and plus since its never that cold in Karachi, one can always wear these with winter clothes. 

These are a size 9 and embellished with thread, beads, zari and namda (felt). I love the felt toe look in this. Hopefully they'll find a pair of feet to fit them.

Click for a better look!

Want details? Email me! Limited edition only

Random post!

 I found this list while I was blog surfing and thought well why not have one in my blog as well. Just for fun! I'm sure you've seen it on other blogs and seen similar lists on facebook as well. So lets begin the randomness:

 Bold if true(in my case pink if true):
I am a cuddler.
I am a morning person.
I am an only child.
I am currently in my pajamas.
I am currently pregnant.
I am currently single.
I am currently suffering from a broken heart.
I am left handed.
I am married.
I am addicted to my myspace.
I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
I am a little shy around the opposite gender at first.
I bite my nails.
I can be paranoid at times.
I don’t like anyone.
I enjoy country music.
I enjoy jazz music.
I enjoy smoothies.
I enjoy talking on the phone.
I have a car.
I have a cell phone.
I have/had a hard time paying attention at school.
I have a hidden talent
I have a lot to learn
I have a pet.
I have a tendency to fall for the “wrong” guy/girl
I have all my grandparents
I have at least one brother
I have been to another country
I have been told that I am smart
I have been told that I have an unusual sense of humor
I have OR HAD broken a bone
I have Caller I.D. on my phone.
I have changed a diaper
I have changed a lot over the past year.
I have done something illegal.
I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color
I have had major/minor surgery.

I have killed another person (really?)
I have had my hair cut within the last week.
I have mood swings
I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life
I have rejected someone before.
I have seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I have seen the television show The O.C. (only the fist 2 seasons)
I like Shakespeare.
I like the taste of blood. (ewww)
I love to cook.
I like to sing.
I love Michael Jackson
I love sleeping.
I love to play computer games.
I love to shop.
I miss someone right now.

I own 100 CDs or more
I own and use a library card
I read books for pleasure in my spare time.
I sleep a lot during the day.

I strongly dislike math
I watch soap operas on a regular basis.
I will try almost anything once.
I work at a job that I enjoy.
I would classify myself as ghetto.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
I am currently wearing socks.
I am tired.

I love to paint/draw/sketch/sculpt.
I have had/have a broken heart
Smoked cigarettes.
Rode every ride at an amusement park.
Collected something really stupid.
Gone to a rock concert.
Helped someone.
Gone fishing.
Watched four movies in one night.
Gone long periods of time with out sleep.
Lied to someone.

Been dumped.
Failed a class.
Taken a college level course.
Been in a car accident.
Been in a tornado.
Watched someone die.
Been to a funeral.
Burned yourself. (accidentally)
Ran a marathon.
Your parents got divorced.
Cried yourself to sleep.
Spent over $200 in one day.
Flown on a plane.
 Cheated on someone.

Been cheated on.
Written a 10 page letter.
Gone skiing.
Been sailing.
Cut yourself.
Had a best friend.
Lost someone you loved.
Shoplifted something.
Been to jail.

Had detention.
Skipped school.
Got in trouble for something you didn’t do.
Stolen books from the library.
Gone to a different country.
Dropped out of school.
Been in a mental hospital.
Watched the “Harry Potter” movies. (just the first)
Had an online diary.
Fired a gun.

Gambled in a casino.
Had a yard sale.
Been in a school play.

Been fired from a job.
Taken a lie detector test.
Swam with dolphins.
Gone to sea world.
Attempted suicide.
Voted for Pop Idol.
Written poetry.
Read more than 20 books a year.
Gone to Europe.

Loved someone you couldn’t have.
Had surgery.

Had stitches.
Taken a taxi.
Seen the Washington Monument.
Had more than 5 IM’s/online conversations going at once.
Had a drug or alcohol problem.
Been in a fist fight.
Suffered any form of abuse.
Had a hamster.
Petted a wild animal.
Used a credit card.
Gone surfing in California.
Dyed your hair.

Got a tattoo.
Had something pierced.(ears and nose =))
Got straight A’s.
Your parents sent you to a shrink.
Been handcuffed.
Known someone with HIV or AIDS.
Taken pictures with a webcam.
Started a fire.

Okay so that was fun! Got to know and remember alot of things about my time spent on this earth. Good to know =D

Me and my bestst friend/cousin. Yeah we are pretty colourful people =P

Being creative.....is at times.......not that helpful!

  Okay so I've been going crazy the past few days trying to change the "look" of my blog. I love customizing my spaces. Whether its a room, a workspace, my desktop or this blog for that matter. I want to get the feel that this space has a touch of "me" in it. So after an entire day of searching backgrounds, headers, dividers, etc. I have finally come to this look. Though the header image, in the end, I chose to use my own earring snap but the background belongs to shabbyblogs.com.So for those of you who dropped by in the past 2 days to see the blog it must have been a weird sight looking at this blog change by the click. And for those of you who did not come to this blog during this time.....you were lucky as you were spared the horror of watching this blog shed skins every second!


If you dont like the way the blog is looking right now do let me know. If I have enough people disliking it then it shall change. 


You see thats the problem with being creative. You become indecisive and thats what I have been since a I was a toddler. You cant choose between all the absolutely awesome things in life. Like these backgrounds for example. I just couldnt make up my mind which one looks prettier and better. 

So I got myself a book a few days back. Though I am not an eager reader as I dont read alot of beings. I am a more visual person therefore books which look pretty inspire me =). Yeah I know that sounds odd and foolish but thats just how it is. However this book deals with helping people who are say not-such-great-business-wise and gives them more of a visual guide of how to go about in starting and running a creative business.

Its called "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam. It deals with how you can inspire and train yourself to thinking not only creatively but on the more strategic business level aswell. But the good part for people like me is that it gives you steps to follow in a more visual manner. So theres less reading and more creating involved. Its a DIY book which involves the concept of art journaling. Quite cool for people like me who dont seem to be motivated without pictures.

My addiction, my work, accessories!

I want to list a few points which should sum up my post as to why being creative at times is tough:


- creativity is an addiction.

- being creative means you will mostly not care about the monetary gains and in return you work more and dont care about how much you get in return.

- you become too engrossed in your work which means there will be alot of sulking people around you who you've ignored or not given enough time to since you were so into your work.

The first bracelet! And an event coming up.....

I made my first handmade bracelet today. I'm happy. I wanted to move on to bracelets and anklets soon but somehow wasn't getting the time or ideas. I am in love with this one. Its quite alot like the charm bracelets you find at stores with different stones and beads.

I am addicted to sparkle and bling. Therefore this picture is
dedicated to my love for colourful sparkly and gorgeous accessories.

Okay moving on from this thrill there is another thing coming up soon. A friend of mine called me up to tell me about an auction which is being held by one of the top most art schools in Karachi. I wont disclose names or the venue and time until it is confirmed and all set to happen. The auction is being held to collect money for the flood victims. All the money gathered through it will go for flood relief activities. Many big names will be participating hopefully. The items will include clothes, footwear, accessories, etc. and the good part is......I'm contributing too! InshAllah! However I dont want to get too excited before I know anything for sure. I am happy that atleast I am able to do something with my work for the people who got affected by the worst disaster in history.

    So InshAllah some of these items which are displayed here and alot more of Kolhapuris and jewelry shall be going into the auction. Please pray that the people doing this raise alot of money and it goes to the right place at the right time, because thats what matters the most.

My paradise......my home!

These picture are not just any images for me. They are my home. I am from this place. This is where my father grew up and my grandfather and his father. They spent their entire lives in these lands. These lands are nearby my small little village in Sindh. Its the most serene and scenic place I've been to. And I've been here alot. Sometimes for months. I love the way life has a whole different feel to it there. Its quiet. So quiet that you can hear the clock tick. Its the best place on earth for us.


And today it cant be seen. All one can see standing at these same place is water for miles. Only a few trees popping their branches out amidst the water. My paradise has drowned.


My heart cried so bad the day water entered my village. We knew we couldnt stop it and there wasnt much we could do to make it go away either. We are just waiting in shock. Its like a bad dream. You want to wake up and turn back time. Turn these lands back into the green fields they were before all of this. However it will all take a long long long time and a very hard wait for us to get things back to normal.


I couldnt have posted anything else as the thought kept bugging me from the day I started my blog that I would hate myself if my blog didnt post anything about this disaster. Not because everyone else is but because I am a part of that land. I am a true Sindhi girl. I cant let me land cry alone. I cant be this shallow.


For all of you who want to donate please please please do get up and play your part and donate. Donate to anyone you trust but please DO donate. We need all the help we can use. And if you dont know where to go about donating there are lots of people out there doing great work. Two of such organizations that I have come across are


-Help in a Box. (http://www.facebook.com/helpinabox)

- Watan Foundation. (http://www.watan.org.pk/)


I am personally collecting money for the people of my village and their rehabilitation. But I would recommend you guys do donate to these foundations or any other that you trust as I am a complete stranger to you guys. May Allah shower His blessings on you for your help! JazakAllah!
     

Autumn is on the way.....

    August is about to end. September will start before we know it. And yeah Autumn is coming. I love it. Spring and autumn I love. Summer and winter are somewhat bearable. Living in Karachi you dont get much of winter or autumn for that matter. But the little of autumn we do get makes me thrilled. 

  Autumn means dull hazy evenings when you feel like life is standing still in the midst of a roller coaster town. Karachi life is hectic and all Karachites would agree. However one look at an autumn evening and the dull sunlight and you are suddenly so relaxed, so calm. Even if you are stranded in the worst of traffic jams, surrounded by loads of work, out with friends, or just at home, that autumn evening creates magic everywhere. You agree?

Since this blog is about my work hence I'll add some images from my collection which I think go with the autumn feel. Its the time when:

-you drape yourself with those beautiful shawls.
- when you take out those light cardigans which aren't much for the cold but you just love their feel.
- when you wear dazzling earrings just because you love the way the autumn evening sun shines on them.

- when you grab that cup of warm tea/coffee sitting at a table out in a patio and smell the winter coming in the air.

Around the block.....

 As a creative person theres something I go through which I'm sure everyyyyyone goes through at one time or another. Infact I'm sure the not so creative people go through it too but it must be different for them. Its the "block". You know how people refer to it as the writer's block. Similarly designers, artists, musicians, etc. go through it too. Its when your mind is so blank and out of ideas that it starts to annoy you!

You look around and everything is as it was and yet you seem to be standing still creatively. I hate such days. I feel so useless when I cant come up with something good. 

Till now I haven't come up with a sure shot plan of what to do. Its not like there is a medication out there for it you know. You take a tablet and its gone and suddenly a wave of the best ideas comes splashing at you. Well wouldn't that be an ideal situation. 

I usually let time pass and then it wears off however it does take time. Anyway so Im back from a block and back to creating new pretty lil things that will make someone look prettier than ever!

Of all things so far.....

You know how they say you cant point out favourites from your children......as every child has his/her special place. I personally think all artists feel that way about their work as well. I do so too. I cant really point out which accessory of mine I loved the most. But since I cant really have a long post of pictures pictures and more pictures I will just share some of the few accessories which got great feedback in general.

These were a part of my very first at home exhibition. I loved them alot. A sneaky part of me wanted to keep them for myself. But then again that part of me wanted to keep ALL the accessories for myself which bascially kills the purpose of exhibition.

 

These were a part of the second exhibition. I love earrings personally and anywhere I go I need to wear a pair otherwise to me I feel incomplete. Two things are a must have for me and you'll agree too. Earrings and kohl. Love them.

      Earrings however were not the only thing I stuck to. Though they are my first love yet accessories include more usually so I moved on to bangles and kolhapuri chapal. The kolhapuri chapal is a very tradtional South Asian flat sandal which has been going around for ages! So I had to add my personal touch to that and Viola! I was again .........in love! (P.S the blue and orange sandal in the center picture is not a Kolhapuri)

Who am I? Welcome into my world.....

   I love colours. I personally feel that even the most miserable days suddenly transform if you splash colour into them. A day when nothing is going right, one look at a bright yellow flower makes the day worth it or atleast better. To me a bright coloured bag, shoes or bracelet would do the same aswell. So who am I? I'm a freelance designer. I make handmade jewelry and embellished accessories. I love doing this! 

 If a year ago from now I would have defined myself I would have been someone who was totally a nobody. Why? Just because. I didn't know what to do with my life. Didn't know who I was as an individual. Sure I did study textiles for the longest time but couldn't graduate. So in my eyes I was basically not so important. 

 Then one day out of sheer boredom I decided to make myself a pair of earrings by wrapping a plastic bangle with gold zari thread and embellishing it. I was in love! So I made another one. And another one. And then friends wanted some. Their friends wanted some. So today I create pieces that I absolutely love and adore. 

 This blog is dedicated to all the things which inspire me. And I hope somewhere they inspire you aswell.