Learn How to Make Rakhi

Rakhi is round the corner, and obviously you will be busy scouring several stores to find the most superb rakhi for your superstar bro. But hold on for a sec. Just ask your self; will your ready-made rakhi trigger the same magic as a hand-made rakhi? If the answer is no, then this rakshabandhan is the right time to painstakingly craft a personalized rakhi. It is common knowledge that even the simplest thing done by hand outdoes the most expensive expression picked up from a store. This is why there is really no comparison to a rakhi made specially by you.

Well, however, good looking or expensive a ready-made rakhi will be; the fact is that a hand-made rakhi is priceless and helps keep emotions evergreen. Take some time out and send rakhi to India which is hand-made this time.
 

Although they may look extremely ornate and very delicate, it does not take rocket science to fashion a beautiful looking rakhi. They are quite easy to make, and with a little imagination, a simple thread can quickly transform into a work of art.

Here we present an easy method of Rakhi making which will help leave a lasting impression on your brother’s mind.

Materials Required

1 Silk Thread Reel (color of your choice, preferably red or green)

1 Cotton Thread Reel (matching to the silk reel color)

1 Toothbrush (an old one)

Scissors

Glue

9-12 small Artificial Pearls

Method:

1. Get a silk thread reel. Cut it into 20-25 pieces. Ensure that each thread is around 25 inches long

2. Bring together their ends such that the ends meet each other. Then fold the threads at the mid point

3. Get a cotton reel and tie the bunch with a cotton thread nearly 4-5 inches lower than the mid point

4. Split the longer portion of the thread bunch into two identical parts

5. Plait the split portions separately.  Tie a small piece of cotton thread at both the ends leaving some space in the end.      The longer portion forms the string part of Rakhi.

6. The smaller part still has loops given the fold. Cut the loops right at its center with a scissor. This will form the central     part of the Rakhi.

7. With a toothbrush comb the central part in all the directions which helps create a circle of the tiny threads

8. Brush both the ends of the strings. Brushing makes the thread softer

9. Finally stick the small pearls on the central part of the Rakhi with the help of glue

 

Kalava Rakhi

Okay, this time if you desire that your brother keeps the rakhi tied for a longer time, then make a Kalava Rakhi. Basically, made of rakhi thread, the materials required include

Materials required:

A Moli or Kalava

Cotton Thread

Glue

Scissors

Religious Symbol/ Rudraksh

Tulsi/ Sandalwood Beads or Tiny Shells

Method:

Get a 50" long thread. Fold it in the middle. Then plat it in the required manner. Now tie a cotton thread and do leave some space at the ends. Remove all the loops from the ends. Fix a religious symbol or rudraksh in the middle. If you wish you can even beautify the rest of the rakhi with beads. Stick them or even stitch the beads on the braided thread.
 

Desginer Rakhi

This is not just interesting, but also extremely attractive as well. What is great about this rakhi is that your brother is sure to want to keep this on for several days after the festival is even over. This is not very difficult to make, but once done, it is sure to be a complete stunner.

You will need:

Think cotton or silk thread in a color of your choice.

Matching beads, pearls and diamond sequins

Scissors

A centre piece – this could be an embellished first letter of your brother’s name, or even a decorative decoration

Method:

Start by taking a few strands of the thread, ensuring they are all of equal lengths. Start by tying a tight knot about two inches from the end. Braid or twist the strands such that they start to entwine. Once this is done, decide on the way in which you would like to have the beads and sequins fashioned. Divide them into half so that they may be placed on either side of the centre piece. Thread the decorations onto the thread and then the main decoration. Now thread the remaining sequins and beads before you secure the threads in the same manner that you did at the beginning, and voila! You have a masterpiece ready. This is the perfect rakhi for those who are looking to Send Rakhis to India.

When you make a rakhi by yourself, there are a few rules of thumb that you should follow. The first, most important is the size. You should have some approximation of the size in mind when you make the rakhi. This will ensure that it wears well. Look for the preferences of your brother when selecting a design. Think of colours and styles which suit his personality best, and you are less likely to go wrong. And finally, put in some special touches and love, and your rakhi is sure to be a treasure.

To make your job easier, and also to make the experience happier, GujaratGifts.com brings to you the biggest collection of rakhis, decorations and Raksha Gifts to India. Make Raksha Bandhan 2011 a special year that no one can forget.