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  • From Earth to Elegance

    • September 17 to September 18, 2026
    From Earth to Elegance: Crafting Terracotta Treasures

    The Department of Fashion Design at Yeldo Mar Baselios College organised a two-day hands-on workshop titled "Earthen Jewels: The Art of Creating Terracotta Jewellery" on 17 and 18 September 2026. Designed exclusively for the Third Year Fashion Design students, the workshop offered an enriching opportunity to explore the creative, technical and sustainable dimensions of terracotta jewellery making. By transforming natural clay into wearable art, the programme encouraged students to appreciate the beauty of handcrafted design and the possibilities offered by environmentally responsible fashion. The workshop was led by Ms. Meera Chandran, founder of Mannu and a celebrated conceptual clay jewellery designer. With her expertise and practical knowledge, she introduced the students to the complete process of creating terracotta ornaments. The sessions combined demonstrations, guided practice and individual experimentation, enabling the participants tounderstand the craft from its initial stage to the final product. Terracotta jewellery, traditionally made from baked earth, provides an eco-conscious alternative to accessories created from synthetic or non-biodegradable materials. Its natural texture, lightweight quality and scope for artistic expression make it a meaningful medium for contemporary fashion design. During the workshop, the students were introduced to the essential stages involved in terracotta jewellery making. They learned how to prepare and handle clay, develop forms and shapes, create beads and decorative elements, and use impressions and textures to enhance the visual appeal of each piece. The students also explored techniques of drying, baking, painting, finishing and assembling the jewellery. Through these activities, they gained practical insight into the patience, precision and attention to detail required to transform a simple piece of clay into a carefully finished accessory. The workshop also encouraged the students to experiment with different design possibilities. Pendants, earrings, beads and other jewellery components were created by combining traditional craft methods with contemporary forms. The participants had the freedom to explore their individual aesthetic preferences while learning to maintain balance, proportion, durability and wearability in their designs. The process enabled them to understand how surface decoration, colour, shape and material can work together to communicate a distinct demands of product development and accessory design. For the students, the workshop was a memorable and deeply enriching experience. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Meera Chandran for her patient guidance, encouragement and valuable insights into the craft. Before participating in the programme, many of them believed that making terracotta jewellery would be a simple process. However, the hands-on experience helped them recognise the time, effort, patience and technical skill involved in every stage of production. The workshop gave them a deeper understanding of the craft and inspired them to continue creating, experimenting and exploring new possibilities in jewellery making. The programme also highlighted the importance of sustainable creativity in the fashion industry. Working with natural clay encouraged the students to think beyond conventional materials and consider design practices that are more environmentally conscious. It demonstrated how traditional craft can be reimagined through innovative ideas and integrated into modern fashion. The workshop further opened possibilities for students to develop handcrafted products, build creative portfolios and explore future opportunities in accessory design and small-scale entrepreneurship. The Department of Fashion Design sincerely thanks the management of Yeldo Mar Baselios College for providing the students with this valuable learning opportunity. The institution's support made it possible for the students to engage with an accomplished designer and experience the complete process of creating terracotta jewellery. "Earthen Jewels" was not merely a workshop in craft technique; it was an inspiring journey from earth to elegance, nurturing creativity, sustainability, skill development and a renewed appreciation for the timeless value of handmade design.

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