My Maharajah's Palace- Trees (Pt 2)

SUNDAY RUNS are the best. We wake up at 5.30am so that we can start our run by 6.30. Faizz plans the route the night before and since he loves dirt-road runs, we often end up visiting the off beaten tracks. This Sunday's run was the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the trees there are just magnificent. Faizz and Cherk (co-runners) had to wait for me alot cos I was stopping and staring at trees.

I knew I had to do something about my tree. Right after I came home, surfed the net for tutorials (didn't find much) and then showered, I set off for Bras Basah's craft shops. I eventually bought so many things (all dollhouse related), I need another post to list them all.

Anyway, with all that distractions, I reached home at only 3pm and immediately set down to "play". I took a long hard look at Tree and decided it had to be reshaped. So I glued and clipped the branches that I thought would add more height and volume to Tree and made it straighter. Elmer Carpenter's wood glue claimed to be quick setting but it really is not.

In the meantime, my little elf, Fafa has helped me picked out more moss. So I laid out my finds from the craft shops and these are HIGHLY recommended for anyone who wants to preserve real plants. These floral spray are from "Design Master" and come in too many colours. Here's what it says on the can: Design Master is formulated to provide the professional florist or developer with a versatile and valuable colour tool. Here is a product delicate enough to colour and preserve real flowers."

If you are preserving moss, a good colour is Basil. Moss Green is actually too dark and will not come up nicely in minis since they look black in small scale.

Anyway, I use Basil on the front of the moss and Moss Green on the back. The colour came out really nicely and still maintain the natural essence of the plant. Amazingly, it dries almost immediately and does not stick to your hand.

While waiting for Elmer to dry, I started blogging about "How Not to Make a Miniature Tree-Pt 1" 2 hours later at about 5.30pm, I took out the clips from Tree whereupon it looked decidedly healthier (1st pic below). I then started "styling" the tree by placing the moss over the branches in a test run and after I got the shape and look I like (2nd pic below), I applied glue on the moss and branches. You will see that Tree (3rd pic below) ended up looking slightly different from Test Tree because it fell before I applied the glue and I could not remember what went where.

All's well that ends well for Tree, I believe. At certain angle, it even looks taller than Termite House -to be re-named "Bombay Tea Leaves -Where the Party Never Ends" after I learn how to wire up the place ll:I (worried smiley)

Here's my taller, healthier and yet undeniably old tree that has seen the births and passing of many a Maharajah. If you feel like making a miniature tree, I hope I have shared enough to let you know that it really is not that difficult at all. As if you don't know that already.

My Maharajah Palace- Trees (Pt 1)

I was coming home from my usual 5km run on Thursday evening when I found this dead branch on our driveway, screaming to be made into a miniature tree. It had come from the palm tree we have in our garden. If you look at the close up picture of the tree (right of the 2 on your left ), you can see how it used to look like with its fruits.

The "tree" stands at 13" high and and is too small for an old 1:12 Bodhi /Banyan tree which I had wanted for my palace (see Day 12 for details). Never mind, I decided to try making it anyway.

So the 1st thing I did was to find the tree a base. It just happened to fit into this wooden base (see 1st pic). This base had come with some plants I bought for my fish tank a few months back. The plants and all my fishes have since gone on to a better place but I kept all the wood base. As you will be able to see from the picture of the kitty litter (the one below the one below), this base already has 3 holes drilled through them.

I then went into the garden and started gathering material. Picture on left shows the 1st harvest. Took more of the dead branches because I thought they would be good for the roots that hung down from the branches, (see real banyan tree pic), some angsana seeds, cos they are pretty, some small roots and MOSS.

Eventually I used only the MOSS and maybe 2-3 pieces of roots. Quite obviously, the most important ingredient is MOSS and wow, let me tell you, they sure make great foliage, much to my surprise. Sometime back, I had tried to cultivate moss indoor but it was useless and since then, I stopped respecting MOSS and didn't think you can do much with them. I was WRONG. Those in my garden, which come in the most brilliant basil / lemon green turn out to be gems. More about that later.

I tried to use Xerxes' litter basket because that was the only container big enough for the work. Even then, I managed to dirty almost the entire floor of my dining room with sand and soil to the dismay of everyone else in the house.

Anyhow, I decided that the tree would not stand in the centre of the base but on the right so that maybe there would be a bit of space for a rock landscape.So the tree went into the right hole and I started working on the wood base by gluing the moss on, piece by piece. Very messy work because the moss kept getting stuck to my fingers. After the 1st hole was done, I then stuck roots into the 2nd hole and glued them in place. After that, more moss until the whole base was covered to my satisfaction.

Back we go then, to the garden because I ran out of moss. I also needed to study the real trees for reference. While I was out, I thought I should also whip out my camera for some photo opportunities . So here they are, my tree at Stage 1 (my camera is actually quite good for outdoor shots!)

I then continued by gluing moss on the tree until the tip of all the branches were covered (according to real trees). I also made some tree accessories which I quite liked and finished only at about 1.30pm (started at 6.30am in the morning). Here are the accessories:

1stly, mushrooms:

Oh please, those are my reference mushrooms from the garden, created by God. The ones below are mine:

See the mushrooms on left of the treeClose-up of my "giant" mushrooms below ( my garden has them as well but not in "bloom" serious, these are to scale). My mushrooms are made from pot pourri. Just picked the ones which most resemble and glued them onto base. The one behind even has a stem which can't be photographed nor seen )

Then there is the bird's nest, modelled after the one residing in my mother's bougainvillea plant (mum has almost godlike green fingers):

And lastly, my favourite fern:

Don't ask me what fern this is, it's my favourite cos I made it. The "realistic" looking leaves were from a very very old plastic plant we put in the kitchen behind the stove. The leaves have been blackened, thanks to years of wonderful cooking. This fern was also made with moss (see how versatile moss is) and pot pourri.

So,as you can tell, I was quite pleased with what I had done

and then the camera flashed

WHAT WAS THAT??

I couldn't believe my eyes so I took the tree out to the garden where my camera seemed to love and

I am in tears now as I typed (from laughing). This won't do! Especially not after all those exquisite flowers by Jayne and Sylvia and then there's Mercedes' garden patch and shucks, Sumaiya just posted another exquisite doll which she has made for me. (oh, she's so gorgeous but that's another post)...

Cont..Part 2

My Maharajah's Palace Projects-Books (Hindu Deities)

This post 1st appeared on My Maharajah's Palac-Day 38

I HAVE been really busy with my stitching this past 2 weeks, hoping to finish my first carpet by the end of this month. Last night, after a trillion stitches and with very bleary eyes, I decided to switch from stitch to Hindu Gods & Goddesses, the next subject matter of my books. After some Adobe manipulations, (actually I was too sleepy to know which button I clicked), lo and behold, the pictures I was working on turned into these:

In researching the subject matter, I found the following facts most interesting:

Hinduism is often regarded as a religion with a multiplicity of Gods, and does not worship just one particular deity. There are apparently thousands or even millions of gods and goddesses of Hinduism, all representing the many aspects of only one supreme Absolute called “Brahman”.Thus, to believe that the multiplicity of deities in Hinduism makes it polytheistic is erroneous. For the Rig Veda says: "Ekam sath, Vipraah bahudhaa vadanti" (The Truth is one).

On the other hand, to equate “Brahman” with “God” is also imprecise. It is neither the “old man in the sky” concept, nor the idea of something capable of being vengeful or fearful.

The doctrine of Spiritual Competence (‘Adhikaara’) and that of the Chosen Deity (‘Ishhta Devata’) in Hinduism advocates that a Hindu should practice and worship according to his or her spiritual competence and that a person should have the freedom to choose (or invent) a form of Brahman that satisfies his spiritual cravings and to make it the object of his worship.

The following are short descriptions as well as the manipulated pictures of the other Gods/Goddesses I will feature in the books:

TRINITY

Within the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer.

In order to create the world and produce the human race, Brahma made a goddess out of himself. One half was woman and the other half was man. Brahma called the woman Gayatri aka Saraswati. Brahma has four heads, but used to have five. The four extra heads appeared when Gayatri was very ashamed with Brahma's love for her and tried to escape from his gaze. One head was lost later when Brahma lied to Vishnu and thus caused Shiva to become very angry.

The Hindu god Vishnu is the preserver and protector of creation, the embodiment of mercy and goodness, the all-pervading power that preserves the universe and maintains the cosmic order.VLike superman, Vishnu never sleeps. Most of the time, good and evil forces are evenly matched in the world. But at times, the balance is destroyed and evil demons get the upper hand. Often in response to a request by the other gods, Vishnu then incarnates in a human form to set the balance right again.

Shiva is the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon. He is responsible for change both in the form of death and destruction . The most complex of Hindu deities, Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities. Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol of the 'linga'. As Shiva is regarded as a mighty destructive power, he is often fed with opium so that he will be oblivious to the world and to numb his power. On the night of Shiva worship, devotees, especially the menfolk, prepare an intoxicating drink called 'Thandai' (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in praise of the Shiva and dance to the frenzy rhythm of the drums.

SONS OF GOD

Brothers and sons of Shiva, Ganesha became the Lord (Isha) of all existing beings (Gana) after winning a contest from his brother Kartikay. They both enter a contest to see who can go around the universe the fastest and is thus the most befitting to temporarily replace Shiva. While Kartikay rushes off on his peacock, Ganesha walks around his parents at leisure, declaring them to be "The Universe".

Many stories describe how Ganesha got the elepant head. One tells how Parvati, his mother, created Ganesha in absence of Shiva to guard her quarters. When Shiva returned and wanted to see Parvati, Ganesha forbade it, at which point Shiva cut of his head. Later Shiva restored Ganesha to life and provided him with the head of an elephant, because no other was available. In worshipping Ganesha, Hindus are taught to look beyond outer appearances and look to its inner powers.

On the other hand, Kartikay, has 6 beautifully formed heads. Apparently when Kartikay was born, 6 goddesses fell in love with the child and were quarrelling over who should nurse him. To satisfy them all, Kartikay grew 6 heads. Kartikay later became commander of the army of the gods.

GREAT HINDU GODDESSES

Parvati was the mother goddess, Shakti, reincarnated to save the world with her love. The times were dark. Demons from the netherworld had driven the gods out of their heavenly homes. Unfortunately Shiva, the God of War, was no longer there to defend them. Grieving the death of the woman (Sati)he loved, Shiva had turned his back on the world and all its pleasures. When Parvati won Shiva's love( which she did by living as a ascetic like Shiva in a cave), she also bore the child, Kartikay who eventually slayed the mighty demon. An interesting episode illustrating Shiva's prowess speaks of a battle between him and a demon who disguised itself as Parvati. (For the squeamish, please close your eyes here but this is something I absolutely have to share for sheer Gore Value) It seduced Shiva and tried to kill him by lining its illusory vagina with nails. Shiva was not fooled and put a sword on his penis and vanquished the demon. Parvati represents the part of ourselves that creatively brings forth nourishment even in the midst of what seems to be rejection (Shiva apparently rejected her love at first because she was dark-skin) and disapproval. She is a wonderful affirmation that there are no limits to what a woman can do when she uses her spiritual energy in the pursuit of any goal she chooses.

Durga is a fierce warrior goddess. She is depicted in Hindu art as riding on a lion or a tiger, brandishing a varity of weapons and attacking the buffalo demon Mahisha. Her battles against evil are told in the popular Hindu text Devi Mahatmyam (Glory of the Goddess), and it is said that hearing the stories cleanses one from sin.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, so naturally she is quite popular. But she provides not only material wealth, but also good health and a joyful family life. Lakshmi's husband is Vishnu. The love stories of these divine couples are of epic proportions and are the most beloved in Hinduism for Vishnu and Lakshmi ended up as husband and wife each and every time they were reincarnated in human forms (10 times).

In Hindu myth, Kali sprang from the furrowed brow of Durga when the latter could not defeat the demon Raktabija. Every time Durga struck the demon, drops of blood would fall the ground and form another demon. Durga was getting frustrated, but Kali took care of it. She stuck out her tongue and caught all the drops of blood, then ate the demon right up.Kali's name means "She who is black." She is generally depicted half-naked, with a garland of skulls, a belt of severed limbs and waving scary-looking weapons with two of her 10 hands. She is often dancing on a prostrate Shiva, who looks up at her admiringly. Two of Kali's hands are empty and in the mudras (gestures) of protection and fearlessness. Her tongue is stuck out to swallow up evil and negative thoughts.Kali is associated with death, sexuality, violence and, sometimes, motherly love. She was probably adopted from the tribal mountain cultures of South Asia, though never quite tamed. She continues to be an intriguing, paradoxical figure. She has sometimes been the object of devotion of violent cults, the most common modern Hindu perspective of her is largely symbolic. She is revered for her no-nonsense way of eradicating negative thoughts and bad habits in the minds of her followers. In other words, she will lop off your inflated ego in no time flat if you ask her, and she offers no guarantees that the process will be painless.

Sita is one of the reincarnated wife (Lakshmi) of Vishnu and epitomises all the virues of an ideal wife. She left the palace charms and amenities in order to stay in exile with her husband. During the period of exile, Sita was abducted by the demon-king Ravana and imprisoned for months. Now, no women has resisted the charms of Ravana except Sita but nobody believed her, not even her husband Rama (Vishnu reincarnated). To prove her chastity, she walked into a fire after swearing that she would burnt into a crisp if she had been untrue to Rama. Despite coing out of the fire unscathed, the people were not content (as her chastity had put them to shame) and demanded that Rama banished her which he did in order to appease his people. Sita is thus your ultimate sacrificing wife who will do anything to please her husband, even if it means being banished to live in shame without him.

THE MANY FACES OF GODS

Indra is the king of the Hindu gods and goddesses. He is the ruler of heaven, and the God of thunder and rain. He symbolizes fortitude and courage and is the Chief Deity.

Agni is the god of fire, the messenger of the gods, the acceptor of sacrifice. He is the fire of the sun, in the lightening bolt, and in the smoke column which holds up the heavens. The stars are sparks from his flame. He was so important to the ancient Indians that 200 hymns in the Rig Veda are addressed to him, and eight of its ten books begin with praises dedicated to him. Agni is closely associated with Indra, and is sometimes said to be his twin brother.

Ram is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana epic. He won the hand of Sita by being the only suitor who could bend her the bow of Lord Shiva (with 1 hand, mind you and the bow broke, double mind you). The epic and tragic romance between Ram/Rama and Sita has already been told above.

Hanuman is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Hanuman is the perfect manifestation of devotion, humility, discipline, strength and selfless service and is often regarded as the ultimate devotee. He is the one who has conquered the senses and ego. He has one purpose only and that is to serve Lord Ram. Hanuman was the monkey god who led the army to save Sita from Ravana.

Krishna , 8th reincarnation of Vishnu, was the son of Devaki, sister of the demon King Kamsa. Kamsa had been informed by the sage Narada, that he would be killed by his nephew. So, he put to death, six of Devaki's children. The seventh child, Balarama, managed to escape, and the eight, Krishna, was exchanged for a cowherd's daughter.Krishna was brought up in the cowherd's family, by his foster-mother Yashoda. He looked after and protected the cows and his favourite past-time was to play the flute and seduce the village girls. Krishna is the deity of humor. Of the Hindu gods and goddesses, Lord Krishna is the prankster, and the deity who embodies love and joy. He became King after he killed Kamsa.

Kama is sometimes associated with sexual desire, a more frivolous aspect of his creativity. In this aspect, Kama is blessed with eternal youth and is figured as the most handsome of the gods. He rides a parrot and carries a bow made of sugar-cane stalk strung with a line of humming-bees and he shoots arrows tipped with flowers. These are the shafts of desire and whoever is struck by them falls in love. Thus, Kama has great resemblance to the Greek Cupid. Kama is accompanied everywhere by his wife, Rati (passion), and his friend Vasanta (spring).

My Maharajah's Palace Projects-Flowers

This post first appeared onj My Maharajah's Palace-Day 33

I was so inspired by what Doreen and Jayne had done with their flowers that I went out and bought a vase (very beautiful Japanese bead (1/2" (w) & 1 1/8" (h) which I thought has a Mughal feel and will look good in Tara's room) and these pretty white rosettes. This is the result (2 3/4" h total) after a failed attempt and 4 hours. The leaves are from the Daiso batch which I bought in Day 2.

For me, apart from a sense of accomplishment, (no matter how amateurish the effort may seem,) the fun part is also the photoshoot of my handiwork afterwards:

It starts with a simple arrangement, a table, maybe a rug:

Then someone, ah, Mahendra, following the sensual scent of the fresh blossoms, comes in and starts dancing with joy at the sight of my priceless beauty:

She decides it will look great in her room at the Haram Sara and so "commandeers" what she thinks is a masterpiece and places it carefully on her dressing table.

There is more prancing and preening while Mahendra admires the vase and of course herself

You can see how she is so mighty please with herself in the close up shot here:

The next day, someone reports Mahendra's theft and poor Mahendra is promptly sentenced to die by being pricked to death with rose thorns.

Strangely the roses in the vase never fade or wilt or die. Legend has it that it is due to Mahendra's dancing as she has done so with the purest and most complete joy. That dance is now known as the Dance of Eternal Beauty and the Prince regrets to this day, the execution of Mahendra and his lost chance for immortality.