Anand Prakash

All workshops will be conducted by Anand Prakash
Anand Prakash, born in 1978, is a self-taught designer and an entrepreneur based in New Delhi, India. He single-handedly turned his passion into a profitable venture. He creates visually appealing merchandise that is handcrafted from environmentally responsible and sustainable materials. He primarily works with 100% recycled and wood-free handmade paper and this has been his medium by choice since the year 2000. His designs have been showcased at trend shows across the world. He was runner-up at the Indian Young Design Entrepreneur Award in the year 2008 held by the British Council. Read more…

Why attend his workshop:
He has 10 years of relevant experience in the field of paper and craft. His work starts from designing the paper to creating the end-product therefore he has in-depth knowledge and experience of craft techniques from across the world. He believes in simplicity. He owns the successful paper products company Anand’z Creation, the success of his company is due to the innovative designs that he brings out keeping intact the functionality. He has a vast collection of exclusive and unusual paper sourced from across the world. His approach to design is simple, he likes to experiment with materials and then moulds them into functional objects of art. He provides you with specially designed craft materials, kits and templates.
His workshops help you get away from mundane everyday life to a fun filled day of creative activity. His job is to help you discover a long lost hobby in a fun filled way. What he teaches is simple and interesting things that you can later do on your own and also use the knowledge to create gifts and personal items for your loved ones.
He has created unique craft kits for people to easily follow the activities. His workshops are a mix of crafting activity, interesting techniques, anecdotes and snippets from his vast experience from across the world.
You can read more about his past workshops here.

Final Word – Summer Papercraft Workshops – June 2010

I am writing this after the successful completion of our summer workshops. This was my first foray into hobby classes which were launched under “School for art & craft”. It took under a month to get my studio and workshop ready for the event. At this nascent stage I thought my studio would be the best launching pad as I could control things better here. The participants got a feel of our work and also a variety of raw  materials and craft products that we use. Since this was the first class, I left no stone unturned; I squeezed in as many activities as I could.  It was so much fun for all of us, on the third and the last day people did get nostalgic as none of us wanted it to stop. The participants enjoyed listening and learning to all that I had to say; 10 years of passionate creativity! And I did what I have loved most; working with paper. In the process I observed and learnt a lot of things. I never give too many instructions; I rather encourage them to use their own imagination to do things differently. I am self taught therefore I realize the importance of independent thinking. I did get a lot of new ideas which I will definitely use in the coming future therefore it was also a learning experience for me.

Age Group – 19+years

I had a lot of activities planned out for this group as their understanding and skillswere more advanced. The brochures, information leaflets and my website mentioned very little about the activities that would be conducted during the workshop. As all the renovation activity was at its peak I did not get enough time to build upon the detailed activity list. For all who have seen my work know how meticulous I  am. On the last few days before the workshop I sat down and compiled the list of activities, I added a few more in case we had extra time. My newventure is not just business, it is more of passion to do things well and to see everyone happy and satisfied.
I planned every activity in minute detail, all tools were organized in each participants drawer. Raw material for each activity was arranged in individual packs and placed in the drawers as I did not want them to waste time searching and waiting. I was looking to cover as much as possible. We even had the needles threaded to save time.

Day One
We started with a small talk on recycling and handmade paper. Each participant got a paper sampler that contained swatches of our exclusive and unusual papers to feel and smell them. We also gave them a small leaflet that explained in detail how handmade paper is made. I tried to show them the versatility of natural fibres and a few of the immense possibilities. Since it was my first class it took some time to get into the flow. Our first activity was making a greeting card with glass beads strung on a copper wire. After the initial explanation the participants got busy with the beads. Our second activity was making a greeting card using handmade paper, jute and felt. Participants were told in detail about the jute fibre and tips and tricks in using it. The felt needed some stitching therefore everyone got engrossed in their cards. I in the meantime kept giving them ideas, tips and information about all that we were using.  We then moved onto making bookmarks, the first one required the use of a pen knife to cut the paper after which cane was woven onto it. The second one required fraying of edges and then stitching of brass sequins onto it. By the time they completed it was already time to go.

Day Two
A few participants arrived early, while chatting I asked if they had any suggestions on the workshop; One requested if they could get some tea and coffee as two hours was a long time. I did arrange for water but missed out on tea and coffee. I am an avid tea drinker and I stock a variety of teas like Tulsi, Typhoo fruit infusions, Masala, etc. So I made sure the participants got what they wanted. Another suggested some music, from next time we will have some Buddha Bar in the background.  Paper quilling is gaining popularity day-by-day so I thought of it as an activity for the workshop. I have a variety of designs inpaper jewellery, cards, etc and we have always used our hands to make them. For the workshop I called for paper strips, quilling tools, paper crimper, quilling coach and circle shaper. We started with our old favourite butterfly, The participants learnt how simple tools if used in the right way can have fascinating results. They then made earrings with quilled paper rolls, sounds difficult but was easy to do as I had step by step instructions for them. Next was a card with quilled paper flowers, by now people were tired of quilling so they asked if they could complete it at home. Yesterday a participant had shown interest in learning how to make an envelope; I too think it’s something everyone should know. It sounds and looks simple but actually it is very technical and is  based on measurements. So we got down to making our envelope; measuring, cutting, scoring and folding. As everyone followed my instructions, their envelopes were perfectly symmetrical. Everyone was surprised as they had never imagined they could do so. I told them then that for one whole year I made envelopes by hand using the same long process. Their homework was to make another one all by themselves. You will be surprised to know that not many designers can make a perfect envelope.

Someone asked if they could make a collage as they had been hearing about it from the children’s workshop. Being an impromptu demand I had to quickly organise it. In my work we never waste paper, in fact we keep all of it, I don’t know why and till when; I have loads and loads of it. I called for a sack and laid it on the table. I told everyone that there were no instructions as to what was to be made – they had to use their imagination. Slowly people started composing their collage and by  the time it was over it was way past three hours. I was tired but not physically….I guess speaking all the while really sapped all the energy out of me. We then called it a day, many of us nostalgic that the coming day was the last.

Day Three
Our session started with an activity that I called “Creative gift-wrapping”, my idea was not to repeat the mundane cellophane, bows, ribbons, etc. I had thought of earthy and natural materials as surface ornamentation. Each of the participants got to wrap a boxwith a natural banana fibre paper. It’s a thin sheet so it adapts well to the shape of the box. Then we tied it with a jute string adorned with beads. I also gave them ideas about a few gift tags using spices. We explored a few more ideas and finally were ready for our paint textures and techniques session. I knew this would be the most exciting activity so I had prepared well. We rolled the protective plastic sheet over the table and settled down. Each of the participants were provided with colours, palettes, a variety of brushes, stamps, stencils, sponges, rollers, wax candles, combs, etc. And we were ready to go. For the first texture I asked allparticipants to crush a fresh sheet of handmade paper, they were puzzled but continued anyway, I then asked them to open the crushed paper and use colours  over them. Many of the textures and techniques had fascinating  results. The other textures that we did were stencilling, mottling, stamping, brushing, water washes, wax effects, combing, etc. As the class neared its end all the participants collected their pieces of art, raw materials, etc. I then asked all of them to fill our feedback form. Slowly everyone said their thank yous and good byes and left.

All’s well that ends well.

Age Group – Under 12 Years

Children are always eager to learn and they ask in-numerable questions; I enjoyedanswering all of them. A parent travelled all the way from Noida on two consecutive days  so that her children could attend the workshop. These days parents try very hard to give the best to their children. When children get different opportunities they get a chance to explore the talents that they too did  not know existed. Another parent came along with her five and half year old daughter to register for the 19+ class and asked if her daughter could participate; even though she was below the minimum age that we had set, I said yes and she did have lots of fun.

Day one
We started with a small talk on recycling and handmade paper. Each participant got apaper sampler that contained swatches of our exclusive and unusual papers to feel and smell them. We also gave them a small leaflet that explained in detail how handmade paper is made. The first activity was tomake a collage using a variety of materials like recycled paper, jute, natural fibres, felt, etc. The next activity was to make greeting cards for anyone they wanted to. We wrapped-up after making a few simple bookmarks.

Day two
We started with quilling, all of them were taught the basics and told to practice in theirfree time.  The next activity was paint textures and techniques so when we rolled the protective plastic cover and placed the paints on the tables; they were all smiling. We did  a lot of textures like stamping, mottling, comb effect, brushing, stencilling, etc using paint brushes, stamps, stencils, rollers, combs, cloth, etc. By the time we finished it was time to say good-bye, the children gathered all that they had made along with the left-over materials for future use. After all we love recycling!

Crafting Material, Tools & Art Supplies

While holding the workshop another idea struck me – why not retail craft supplies and materials under my registered brand “School for art & craft” as I have availability, good knowledge and experience in sourcing them.

What’s Coming-up?

I am planning workshops on the following activities starting July 2010. If you are interested then please email me your name, age and topics of interest. My email is on the contact page.

Batik Textures On Paper | Paper Quilling | Paper Jewellery | Envelope & Paperbag Construction | Box Making Using Threads | Greeting Card Making | Scrapbooking | Paper Cutting | Tie “N” Dye Wrapping Papers | Paint Textures & Techniques | Creative Gift Wrapping

The final dates for the workshop are as follows:

Age Group: 8-12 years

9 June – 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (1 Hour 30 Minutes)

10 June – 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (1 Hour 30 Minutes)

Age Group: 13-18 years

11 June – 9:30 am – 11:30 am (2 Hours)

12 June – 9:30 am – 11:30 am (2 Hours)

13 June – 9:30 am – 11:30 am (2 Hours)

Age Group: 19 years +

11 June – 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (2 Hours)

12 June – 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (2 Hours)

13 June – 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (2 Hours)

Venue: At my studio

Address: Anand’z Creation, 32, First Floor, Shahpur Jat, Near Asian Games Village, New Delhi – 110049

We have a variety of activities tailor-made for different age-groups. Younger groups have shorter sessions and simpler activities while older groups have longer sessions with more detailed activities.

8-12 years

About Paper & Re-cycling (Talk)

Collage Making (Activity)

Using our specialised handmade papers, our aim is to give the children an opportunity to touch and feel it. Recycling is an important lesson that children are learning at school to be in tune with nature. Our papers incorporate these factors while also being aesthetically beautiful. We give a selection of papers like spice paper with cardamom and cinnamon, papers with straw and jute, papers recycled from newspaper cuttings, etc.

We want the children to explore, tear and crumple paper; therefore we do not allow scissors.

Greeting Card Making (Activity)

Children love motifs like quilled butterflies, sun, trees, felt hearts, etc. We ask them to create a card for someone they know.

Paint Textures (Demonstration & Activity)

We will be teaching the children a few paint textures and techniques.

No. of classes: 2

Duration: 90 minutes each

Dates: June 2010

Total Fees (including cost of material): 1295/- (Introductory offer)

Participants per class: Max 15

13-18 years

About Paper & Re-cycling (Talk)

Greeting Card Making (Activity)

Handmade card with pre-cut motif- Participants will be taught to assemble motifs together. Motifs will differ.

Collage Card: Participants are taught to make handmade cards with colourful handmade paper.

(1 -3 cards, depending upon the time)

Bookmark Ideas (Activity)

These are great gifts that encourage reading. Participants get to create a few.

Paint Textures (Demonstration & Activity)

We will be teaching the participants a few paint textures and techniques.

Paper Jewellery (Activity)

Paper is a versatile medium and therefore we can do wonders with it. We teach participants to make simple yet fashionable and wearable jewellery.

No. of classes : 3

Duration : 2 hours each

Dates: June 2010

Total Fees (including cost of material): 2200/- (Introductory offer)

Participants per class: Max 15

19 years +

About Paper & Re-cycling (Talk)

Greeting Card Making (Activity)

1 -3 cards, depending on the time

Beaded Card: We teach participants to make handmade cards with glass beads. It is a detailed procedure requiring stringing of beads onto the paper.

Collage Card: Participants are taught to make handmade cards with with colourful handmade paper.

Creative Gift-Wrapping (Activity)

Participants will be taught a few interesting ways to gift wrap and about a variety of materials that can be used.

Bookmark Ideas (Activity)

These are great gifts that encourage reading. Participants get to create a few.

Paint Textures (Demonstration & Activity)

We will be teaching the participants a few paint textures and techniques.

No. of classes: 3

Duration: 2 hours each

Dates: June 2010

Total Fees (including cost of material): 2500/- (Introductory offer)

Participants per class: Max 15

All workshops will be conducted by Anand Prakash

Anand Prakash, born in 1978, is a self-taught designer and an entrepreneur based in New Delhi, India. He single-handedly turned his passion into a profitable venture. He creates visually appealing merchandise that is handcrafted from environmentally responsible and sustainable materials. He primarily works with 100% recycled and wood-free handmade paper and this has been his medium by choice since the year 2000. His designs have been showcased at trend shows across the world. He was runner-up at the Indian Young Design Entrepreneur Award in the year 2008 held by the British Council. Read more…

Why attend his workshop:

He has 10 years of relevant experience in the field of paper and craft. His work starts from designing the paper to creating the end-product therefore he has in-depth knowledge and experience of craft techniques from across the world. He was lucky to get an opportunity at Wynberg Allen School, while he was young, to show his talent in art and craft, the teachers their encouraged him to follow his heart, even though it was a strict no-no back home; a rural town in sleepy Jharkhand. He feels that children should get an opportunity to discover their hidden talents, not only in art and craft but also theatre, music and dance. He believes in simplicity. He owns the successful paper products company Anand’z Creation, the success of his company is due to the innovative designs that he brought out keeping intact the functionality. He has a vast collection of exclusive and unusual paper sourced from across the world. He believes in the adage “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”  His approach to design is simple, he likes to experiment with materials and then moulds them into functional objects of art. He provides you with specially designed craft materials, kits and templates.

Instructions

· Participants must arrive 5 minutes before the workshop starts.

· Workshop will start at the exact time, please come on time or else you will miss some instructions and details.

· Each participant gets a craft kit containing paper and relevant raw material. At the end of the session participants can take what they make along with the leftover material.

· Participants do not need to get anything with them. We provide all instruments and stationery like colour pencils, crayons, felt pens, glue, scissors, etc. These have to be returned.

Important Terms & Conditions

· Only participants will be allowed for the workshops. People accompanying the participants will have to make their own arrangements to wait elsewhere.

· Fees are non-refundable and have to be paid for the complete duration for all sessions.

· These workshops are not a professional course or training programme. They are for people with general interest in paper craft.

· Food will not be allowed during the duration of the workshop.

· All workshops will be held in Delhi

· Fees will be refunded if the workshops are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Queries:

If you are interested please fill in the form below with your email address, the participants name and age

Previous Workshops

Papercraft Workshop at American Embassy School, New Delhi – 29 April 2010

Age group : Kindergarten(5-7 years), No. of participants : 86, 5 sessions of 45 minutes each.

You bet I was tired at the end of it but it was great fun interacting with the children. They made a collage with recycled papers, the children enjoyed feeling the varied textures and materials that go into them. They also enjoyed smelling the spice papers. With this age-group there is very little that you can do as their attention span is limited. Most of them did not want any help as they had learnt about recycling and collage-making. Our session was a completely hands-on experience… means no scissors, as the beauty of our papers is in tearing and crumpling them. I observed that most of them were doing original work and none were copying. I observed a few, come-up with brilliant ideas and also the dexterity of some. I think if children are provided good exposure to varied art forms like art, craft, music, etc. they get an opportunity to show what they are good at. In the end we gave  each child a greeting card making kit to take home.

Mumbai Kalaghoda Arts Festival 2010

I held a workshop on paper craft for children above 10 years of age. I took craft kits which included handmade paper packs, motifs, natural fibers, etc for the participants. We had a lively bunch of 15-20 kids who at times had so many questions that it was getting difficult to answer. A mother strolled in with an eight year old but was denied entry due to the child’s young age, she pleaded fervently and asked me if her daughter could just sit by the side and watch. I being self-taught, know the value of “interest”, this if carefully nurtured becomes a hobby and a passion and also a profession. This gifted child went on to win the special prize that I had for the most creative work.

I was wanting to do something really creative with the kids so I thought of a collage making session with waste paper generated at my manufacturing unit. I took a sack full of rubbish for the workshop all the way from Delhi. The children were given the scrap paper and asked  to make a collage using only their hands to tear the paper, scissors were kept out of the picture.

While this was going on parents waited patiently outside. There are so many parents who  hardly have time for their kids but here I truly realised the bonding and the happiness the children shared with their parents. I think we all need to spend more time with our children.

New Delhi – Fabindia Shops at Khan Market & Vasant Kunj

New Delhi – Japanese Association

Bangalore – A little bit of sunday