Blog by Shakti.ism, a women's empowerment initiative

Every hand-stitched piece from Shakti.ism carries the quiet confidence of someone who knows their craft. One artisan’s work is defined by precision and care.  Each item finished with the kind of detail that only time, practice and love can bring.

There’s a quiet strength in every stitch, a resilience woven into every seam and one artisan’s journey shows us just how powerful needle and thread can truly be. Eighteen years ago, she began crafting with a needle in hand and a heart full of determination.

There is always an ordinary kind of bravery that starts the steady, unseen work of women who stitch dignity back into their lives. One artisan’s story reminds us that every quilt, bag or journal made is more than a product; it is a lifeline, a declaration and an act of hope.

In the heart of Rajasthan, amidst the hum of wooden blocks and the rhythm of wood being pressed to cloth, one artisan’s journey reminds us of the true strength behind every handmade piece.

At our partner centre in Rajasthan, one artisan’s journey speaks to the quiet resilience and radiant passion that fuels her every creation. “I have always been a creative person,” she shares. Her roots in painting and crochet laid the foundation, but it was stepping into the world of textile printing that brought her creative spirit to life in new untapped ways.

In the heart of a busy workshop, one artisan has spent the last fifteen years transforming plain fabric into vibrant stories. Armed with her trusty Pantone cards and a set of newly inked printing blocks, she delights in experimenting with fresh hues.    

Imagine moving away from cold factories and whirring machinery. Envision the gentle sun shining down on a courtyard in Nepal, the sound of water splashing, and the concentrated effort of talented artisans. Here, discarded paper scraps are not waste but raw potential. 

Through patience and artistry, artisan women transform yesterday’s scraps into tomorrow’s treasures. This isn’t just recycling, it’s mindful alchemy with a human heartbeat. 

Screen printing is a centuries-old technique used to transfer designs onto fabrics using a stencil and ink. A fine mesh screen is used to hold the screen in place, and ink is pushed through the open areas of the design using a tool called a squeegee.

Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, making the process both technical and artistic. It’s especially prized for its bold, vibrant results and the ability to reproduce detailed patterns by hand.

Behind every Shakti.ism piece lies the story of an artisan whose hands have helped reshape tradition and in doing so, reshaped her own life. For seven years, this incredible artisan woman  has brought intricate block‐printing to vibrant life, defying expectations in a craft once reserved for men.

At the heart of every Shakti.ism creation lies a story of resilience, love, and unbreakable hope. One artisan in Bangladesh who has dedicated more than a decade to her craft reminds us that each piece we carry into our homes is far more than fabric and thread. It’s the product of hands shaped by hardship, hearts filled with determination, and spirits uplifted by community.

A social impact project to delve into the rich heritage of traditional handicrafts across South Asia, learning from artisan masters and sharing their skills with new audiences, led byShakti.ism. The initiative will focus on creating opportunities to preserve these timeless crafts, provide economic empowerment for artisans, and foster cross-cultural appreciation through workshops and sustainable travel experiences.

At Shakti.ism, we believe every product we offer carries a story of empowerment, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Among our cherished creations are our handmade Lokta paper notebooks, which are not just stationery but a testament to sustainable practices and the resilience of women artisans.