Two new pouches added to the assortment!

We've been working on something new to bring the joy of colourful saris as perfect gifts. Say hello to the Alia (pictured top) and Reyna (pictured bottom) pouches.

They are the perfect size and fit into your day in many ways. Keep your makeup tidy in your bag, pack jewellery for a trip, or carry your cards and keys.

You can buy each pouch on its own, or get them together as a set that will be packed in a sari drawstring bag. A set is a great way to keep everything organized, or to give someone a gift that feels complete.

Take a look at the pouches

And while I can't offer any Black Friday saving offers, I can share that every purchase will contribute towards a Diwali bonus for our wonderful female artisans in India!

Thanks for reading!

Priya

Handpainted Paper Mâché Baubles with Recycled Sari String

7.5

Plaited Garland with Bells | Upcycled Saris

25

Sari Fabric Chain | Upcycled

22

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6 days ago

Upcoming workshops... And your questions answered.

Hello! I'm hosting a range of workshops in London and Birmingham in November where you can select your own sari colours to make wreaths and garlands - I'd love to see some of my lovely email subscribers there!

London:

Friday 13th November 11am-1pm Elys SW19 Sari Wreath Workshop - limited places

Tuesday 24th November 6-8pm 192 Collective, N1 , Sari Wreath Workshop - limited places

Birmingham:

Saturday 14th November 11am-12pm Ikon Gallery, B1 Sari Bell Garland Workshop

Saturday 14th November 1-3pm Ikon Gallery, B1 Sari Wreath Workshop

FAQs.... Sometimes, I receive questions about the sari wreaths, so I thought I'd share the answers with you all.

What are the wreaths made of?

Each wreath is handmade from rescued sari offcuts. Hundreds of fabric strips are cut by hand and tied onto a sturdy frame. This keeps fabric out of landfill and gives you a rich, textured wreath.

Who makes the wreaths?

Our finished wreaths are made by hand by women in India who have been trained in tailoring through our partner charity to help these women gain independence and earn an income. Our wreath kits require you to hand knot the wreaths to create your own personal wreath!

Wreath Kit

Wreath Kit

3. Can I hang my wreath outside?

Yes, you can hang it on your front door. While the wreath does spring back to life after a rain shower, I suggest a sheltered spot, away from direct sunlight to keep the colours bright for years to come.

4. How do I display my wreath

You can hang the wreath using a wreath hanger over a door, or use the jute string to hang on a nail. Alternatively use as a table centrepiece with a glass candle in the middle.

How to hang the wreath

How to hang the wreath

If you have another question, just reply to this email. I'm always happy to help!

Priya x

Rag Wreath | Upcycled Saris

37

Make Your Own Sari Wreath Kit

32

Bow Ring Wreath | Upcycled Saris

30

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Thursday, October 22

3 things I've been up to recently...

It's been a busy few weeks and so I thought I'd share a few things that I have been up to recently and tell you whats been happening behind the scenes.

Pri Pri at the Manchester Museum shop

Last week, I visited the Manchester Museum and their retail shop. It was lovely to see such a beautiful collection of products, including our new bell garlands and sari chains displayed. Do take a visit if you're in the area as it's a lovely space with a great cafe too!

The EVAs awards

I was a finalist in the sustainability category at the EVAs awards - an event to recognise and champion women run businesses. While I didn't win, it was an inspiring evening, surrounded by incredible women doing fantastic things - here are a list of the finalists.

A morning back at school

I spent a morning at my old secondary school, hosting workshops for their wellbeing day. It's a lovely way to ensure people take a pause from the academic work and prioritises being outside, taking time off a screen. Everyone made their own key rings and scrunchies and learnt how teenage passions can also lead to fulfilling careers!

I'll be hosting some workshops coming up in Birmingham and London, so please keep opening your emails if you'd like to attend!

Thanks

Priya

Rangoli Placemats 45cm | Upcycled Saris

15

Block Print Cushion with Upcycled Sari Border (45x45cm)

28

Rag Wreath | Upcycled Saris

37

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Monday, October 12

A new home for Pri Pri!

Well maybe not a home, but a new website! Everything works the same as before, but it’s a fresh, colourful new look for the same handmade, upcycled pieces.

I would really love to know what you think... Websites involve a lot of investment, but I felt the previous version didn't quite reflect all the Pri Pri values and brand story, so hopefully you'll agree that this version does!

Pri Pri Website

Pri Pri Website

And if you're not shopping online, I'd love to know if you have come across Pri Pri products anywhere on your travels. With many Christmas departments starting to open, you may find some of our products across National Trust properties, museum shops and some independents. It's always wonderful to see photos!

Christmas Cracker | Reusable

12

Make Your Own Sari Wreath Kit

32

Handpainted Baubles with Recycled Sari String

7.5

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Tuesday, October 6

99 days until Christmas... !

So you may, like me, not pay too much attention to the countdowns to Christmas.

However, I've realised, that a countdown to any annual event actually helps remind me that if I plan ahead, there can be more time for fun activities like homemade presents and crafts. So hopefully this nudge is a helpful reminder of the fun bits ahead, rather than to send anyone into a panic!

Pri Pri sari wreath kit

Pri Pri sari wreath kit

Planning ahead could mean time to make your own Sari Wreath - something totally unique, and even your own colours to match your doors or interiors.

Pri Pri Table Decor

Pri Pri Table Decor

Or if you're planning to add a little colour into your table setting this festive season, then have you seen our new range of table decor? Napkins, table top trees and our new rangoli placemats are all ways to add a bit of pop!

Rangoli Placemats 45cm diameter

15

Block Print Napkins with Sari Border

6.5

Reusable Upcycled Sari Christmas Cracker

12

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Thursday, September 17

Why I loved zero waste before I knew about it!

Hello! With it being 'Sustainability September' and 'Zero Waste Week', I wanted to share how these two terms mean for Pri Pri.

The ethos of not wasting was instilled in me through my grandmother who lived an era where nothing was wasted. It led to an interest and writing projects about textile waste - but 30 years ago the terms 'sustainability' and 'zero waste' weren't actually terms I ever used!

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What that actually means for Pri Pri is that nothing goes to waste. Every offcut of sari is used in some way. And the smallest of scraps go to be used as filling for our star decorations.

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It also means I want to try and share the process of zero waste with others, and love to do this through workshops and kits to share how tiny scraps of fabric can be made into something beautiful!

On Saturday 19th September, I'll be hosting asari wreath making workshop at Wimbledon Quarter for Sustainability September. There will also be a lovely market full of beautiful sustainable products made by local makers. Please book if you are local and want to make some colourful or festive door decorations!

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Make Your Own Sari Garland Kit

32

Make Your Own Sari Wreath Kit

32

Upcycled Sari Hanging Star Decorations

7.5

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Wednesday, September 9

Behind The Scenes

I thought I'd share a bit more about our design process, our artisans and the reason why I sometimes end up choosing the most expensive raw materials...

Every Pri Pri design starts life as a sketch and a bit of sampling. This is 100% my favourite part of the job - I love figuring how to create things from fabric scraps, and bring an idea to life.

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The total design process can need several iterations.

The wreath, for example, went through about four different versions before it felt right! I tested various wreath ring frames, the right width of strips to use, and how many strips before landing on the final design.

A single or double ring frame would have been far more cost effective, and quicker to complete, but... it just didn't look as full or give the same sense of luxury as the four ring wreath I eventually landed on. Not to mention the pretty back too!

The Raw Materials

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For products needing a metal frame, we work with a small family business of welders in India, who are able to bring the final design to life, ensuring our wreath frames are perfect for our finished products. Santosh, our chief frame maker says "This was a new product for us and it is interesting to see how it has been used."

The Saris

Initially, all Pri Pri designs used kind donations of saris from my mum or aunties!

Now, saris and offcuts are selected with the team of artisans in India via messages and online calls. They help me source the right colours, patterns and fabrics for Pri Pri designs as certain saris aren't suitable for repurposing.

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The Makers

Meet Sarika! She is one of the talented women behind Pri Pri's designs. She had to convince her family to let her attend the sewing course at the charity to receive training. While she initially wasn't confident in her tailoring skills, she is now proud to work across several products and bring in her own income to the family.

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Making a difference

When you support Pri Pri, you're not just buying a product - you're supporting a team, sustainable design and craftsmanship! Grateful to every customer who can make a difference to people back in my grandmother's home of Mumbai!

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Upcycled Tote Bag

13

Pri Pri & Neera Seghal block print cushion with sari frill (45x45cm)

40

Recycled Sari Multicoloured Bunting with option to Personalise

13.5

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Tuesday, August 18