How cute are these? via ExclusivelyIn. Find more here.

Cool finds – Designs inspired by South Asia on the wonderful world of Etsy!

(1st row – left: ring inspired by turkish design $10, right: Indu patterns $2.50 (sheet); 2nd row – left: delhi pigment ink framed art $18, right: waafia “beards grow on you” pin $2; 3rd row – left: Cairo inspired scarf $27, right: Turkish tea pot tile bracelet $35; 4th row – left: turkish design earrings $18, right: photo print on wood block $28)

Inkling prints are pretty and fun – available on pillows and totes, each design is handmade in the artist, Kiran’s studio in the UK. All prints are on natural linen. See more at her studio site! Great work, Kiran!

“Sevya” means caring through service; caring for humanity and for the environment.’

Sevya is an eco-friendly organization dedicated to maintaining indigenous art forms of India through programs that give artisan communities the opportunity to continue long traditions of art. Sevya products are all made from natural materials. The sales earned are recycled to provide developmental programs throughout India.

Another wonderful organization producing beautiful art with a greater purpose in mind. The handicrafts available represent artforms centuries old, sustaining the beauty of tradition and the communities they come from. Handmade cards, painting, scarves, jewelry are some of the products available. See and learn more about Sevya here.

Kandahar Treasures not only stands for beautiful home decor but an even more amazing mission. The organization started by Rangina Hamidi has founded itself on the social responsibility of  being “fully committed to supporting the improvement of women’s social and economic life in Afghanistan”.

KT employees 400 artisans from the area, empowering women by bringing literacy programs to their homes and educating them on medical awareness. A really great program with beautiful end product. Learn more at their site here.

Some finished products include beautiful shawls, pillows and throws.

Educated at Pratt but inspired by the local artisans of Asia, John Robshaw (full site here) creates textiles from his penchant for South Asian art and techniques. Currently working in workshops in India, he travels extensively throughtout Asia to Rajasthan and Gujrat to find his next inspiration. Fascinated by the dyeing and printing processes that are common among the local artisans in India, he learned and created his own mix that defines his textiles. His bedding is hand printed in India — using various prints and patterns, colors and textures to bring together a vibrant mix. (In order: Jessamine, Kochi, Damascus, and Precious Metals)

My favorite — inspired by the winding souks and the patterns of the Ummayad mosque.

And last but not least, he even does baby bedding!

I met Asma Shikoh back in 2007 at her gallery exhibit “Liberated” and have been a fan since. She was recently featured in a great article in the NYTimes (here). Asma uses popular icons and images as a way to express herself and her identity as a Muslim woman. I think her art is skillful and unique – ultimately timeless when thinking about self-identity.

Some of my favorite pieces are below – I really love the subway map in Urdu. See her full artist site here.

Indian based Viya Home is this friday’s Inspirational Friday. Viya Home designs one of a kind home furniture and accessories inspired by Mughal history and luxury. See and learn more here.

Discovered on Design*Sponge – thought this paper design was really simple and really pretty! Kamal started “Art on Paper” through her inspiration of designing invitations. I really love the subtle South Asian design elements she adds to her invitations. Very beautiful. Check out the details and embellishments at her full site here.

Indian elegance for your home – find it here at Ankasa.