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

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.