Phulkari Mehla SHG is an initiative of The Nabha Foundation (TNF), has been built on the philanthropic activities of the Khemka family and its roots in Nabha. Phulkari is a traditional craft in which the embroidery is done in a simple and sparse design with closely packed parallel stitches arranged in geometric patterns. This unique coasters has been crafted exclusively by a woman artisan from a village in Nabha, using the indigenous skills of Phulkari. Adding to the uniqueness of this piece, the embroidery was done on a natural hand-woven cotton fabric. The technique used is by counting of threads. Motifs used were an adroit representation of the dear and sundry values of Punjab.
Phulkari literally means flower work. Densely embroidered motifs, barely revealing the base fabric is Bagh (garden). Time was, when on the birth of a son, during weddings and festive seasons, women all over Punjab sported Phulkari and Bagh odhnis. It was a personal craft, an expression of one’s creative urge. Usually a group activity for women, Phulkari means floral craft. It is traditional embroidery done in a simple and sparse design with closely packed parallel stitches arranged in geometric patterns with gorgeous glowing colors blending in a silky shimmer resembling a carpet of flowers in full bloom. The most spectaculars called Bagh or "flower garden" are embroidered with closely packed designs to resemble a dense carpet of flowers in full bloom The needlework on a particular piece is usually a labour of love of a single embroiderer, for the excellence of the embroidery lies in the uniformity of the smooth silk stitches. Originally Phulkari patterns were done...
