What is Diwali without diyas? While very few would be interested in making their own from scratch, you can certainly decorate yours to make them truly unique.
What you need:
~ A few earthen diyas (they cost very little and come in many shapes and sizes)
~ Oil or fabric paints
~ Varnish
~ Mirror work, sequins, lace etc to decorate
Method:
~ Soak your earthen diyas in water for two days and leave them to dry naturally. By doing this, they will soak up less oil when lit.
~ Coat the outside of each diya with paint. You can use oil paint but it requires at least two days to dry. Fabric paint is a good alternative -- it dries in a couple of hours.
~ Next, coat each diya with varnish before you add on any decoration -- this will make them washable and longlasting.
~ While the varnish is still wet, add on the bits of mirrorwork, sequins or glitter -- any decorations you want, so that your diyas stand out as little works of art.
Photograph: Top: Sam Panthaky/AFP/Getty Images
Below: Strdel/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: Cooking for a South Indian Diwali
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