Varalakshmi Ammavaru Temple Backdrop 2023

Varalakshmi Vratham Backdrop Details:

My favorite time of the year is here ! For this year Varalakshmi Vratham I decided to do a temple backdrop to compliment my gorgeous temple Ammavaru ! My prior posts mention the love I have for this beautiful Ammavaru face.

If you liked my decor and would like to recreate it, you can follow my post here where I'll be adding all my sources from where you can buy the products.

Firstly the backdrop:

So the wall I used for my backdrop is a wall with two windows which have the brightest of light all day until 7PM, to achieve this look ,I decided to block the light, to do this I added three foam boards  measuring to the length and width of the wall as required. (8X8)

The foam boards I used: I needed three of them 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/R-2-9-0-75-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Faced-Polystyrene-For-Use-In-Garage-Doors-Board-Insulation/3014189

These boards are pretty huge and are delicate I suggest getting them delivered unless you have a pickup truck :D

The wall panels used are from Amazon. 12 pack 6 on either sides.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BYF2CY16/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ceiling Lotus Hangings: I used six of them spacing them equally

https://www.amazon.in/Home-Centre-Splendid-Hanging-T-Light/dp/B089DYG24B/ref=sr_1_53?crid=2AQS4RV8WJVFZ&keywords=lotus+lamp+hanging&qid=1701625751&sprefix=lotus+lamp%2Caps%2C1304&sr=8-53

Hanging Plastic Leaves: I used about 2-3 sets approximately

https://www.thugil.com/toran-tapestry-toran062.html

Gold backdrop cloth behind Ammavaru: The one I bought is sold out, adding a similar one

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Fabric-Sewing/Special-Occasion-Fabrics/Lame-Fabric/Gold-Tissue-Lame-Fabric/p/153783?queryId=2b9d4acc8f34ce0de1c8ff8493b300b9

Flowers: Jasmine and Rose Garlands:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07XKM2HJ3/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

Banana Leaves: Source: Hobby Lobby

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Floral-Wedding/Greenery/Greenery-Picks-Stems/Banana-Leaf-Stem/p/152855?queryId=2caf11139ee20bb857896c89776573a7

White Cloth with Gold checks on either sides:  Source: Joann

Looks like it is sold out can't find it online.

Varalakshmi Vratham Ammavaru Alankarana Details

Prabhavali: Source:Thugil

https://www.thugil.com/prabhavali-thiruvachi001-3feet-norod.html

Ammavaru Doll:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07TJ62ZL2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 New Saree:  Source: Thugil

https://www.thugil.com/amman-zari-saree-gdsaree052.html

Ammavaru Face:  Source: DESI DIY

The most important of the whole set up I would say, bought this gorgeous buddha Ammavaru face from Divya, which comes with a pair of earrings, bottu (3 sizes) and mukkera (1 piece)

You can also look for similar in Amazon.in/Thugil

Contact: contactdesidiy@gmail.com

Ammavaru Crown: Source: Amazon.in

I used rubber bands to fix it over the top , to give it a koppu shape You can also use wires to keep it intact.

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08V193TT4/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

Ammavaru Jewelry:  Source: Amazon.in

I used all my gold jewelry to do my ammavaru alankaranam except the thali, I bought the Thali Mangalasutra from Amazon.in.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08F3PTVC2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ammavaru Hands and Legs with accessories:  Source: Amazon.in

Since the saree covers the legs of the existing doll, I bought pair of both hands and legs, they ran a bit small, so I suggest browsing more to see if the one that you are planning to buy are ample enough for your idol.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07FYKH992/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Hands with Lotus and Legs with Stones are also from Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08WPXGJVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.thugil.com/lotus-hastham-hp102-10.html

Ammavaru Jada:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B01M4KRF6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ammavaru Bhujalu: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09BKY2XJS/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Ammavaru Vankeelu: Thugil

https://www.thugil.com/traditional-south-vangi-je038.html

Ammavaru Mala around the shoulders:  Source: Vivek Flowers

https://vivekflowers.com/english/flowers/pooja-garlands.html

Varalakshmi Ammavaru Alankarana and DIY Flowers Backdrop 2022

 

This is that time of the year, Sravana Masam is here to keep us all busy with all the lovely festivals lined up until the end of November

For this year Varalakshmi Vratam, I chose pastels as my palette and decided to bring lots of subtle colors together to elevate my Ammavaru.

I wanted to keep the backdrop simple yet elegant.

DIY Flowers with Sola wood flowers and foam boards:

Sola wood Flowers: I bought all the below flowers for this DIY

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07BHFRDFF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08W4J3DH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08W4JTWXR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08W4JTDXH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Foam Boards: I picked yellow for this DIY

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Canvas-Art-Surfaces/Foam-Board/Yellow-Foam-Board---20%22-x-30%22/p/101654

Gold Metallic Sheet for stems:

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Party-Baking/Gift-Wrap/Wrapping-Paper/Gold-Foil-Gift-Wrap/p/57751

Process:

Step 1: Draw an outline of flowers, buds, leaves and birds on the foam board

Step 2: Cut them using a hand knife in a shape

Step 3: Using hot glue gun, start sticking the flowers by mixing nice colors to give it a vibrant look

Step 4: After all the cutouts are ready with flowers stuck on them, draw an outline of stems on the foam board cut them in a shape and stick the gold metallic sheet on it.

Step 5: Now place the flowers buds on the stem and stick them, the birds can be scattered on the backdrop 

Step 6: How to stick them on panels: I used zip ties to secure them on the panels, but you can also try using twine or two sided gum tape.

TADA.. the customized DIY backdrop is ready, This can be done in different shapes and designs matching the theme of your decor, if you need a perfection in the design you can use a stencil instead of free hand drawing.

Diving into the details of the backdrop, I picked cream hydrangeas panels as a base, I used 20 panels which covered about 8X8 ft area which is most of the space behind the idol.

Cream Hydrangeas Panels: I bought them from tablecloth factory but amazon also has them

https://tableclothsfactory.com/products/11-sq-ft-4-panels-uv-protected-hydrangea-flower-wall-mat-backdrop-cream?variant=1529963151375

https://www.amazon.com/Enova-Home-Artificial-Hydrangea-Decoration/dp/B091PCXDCJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1YJS8ZOJN0GLR&keywords=cream+hydrangea+artificial+flower+panels&qid=1660263280&sprefix=cream+hydrangea+artificial+flower+panels%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-4

Pink flowers on either sides of the panels: I bought them from Amazon India

https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B08W9YG3FW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Hanging Lotus: They are from Amazon India, if you are local you can try them at home center

https://www.amazon.in/Home-Centre-Corsica-Hanging-Standard/dp/B0922S8KZT/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B0922S8KZT&psc=1

Lotus Stands next to Ammavaru: Amazon India

https://www.amazon.in/AGAAS-ENTERPRISES-Decoration-Showpiece-Festival/dp/B082SX8RZ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=1AIS50HGF6HUO&keywords=lotus+stands+for+home+decoration&qid=1660268947&sprefix=lotus+stabd%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-7

Banana Leaves: Hobby Lobby

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Floral-Wedding/Flower-Stems/Banana-Leaf-Stem/p/80925074

The Gold Faux Leather Fabric on the steps:  Source: Joann

https://www.joann.com/keepsake-calico-cotton-fabric-shimmer-foil-white-gold/16951212.html 

Prabhavali:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09BD2DC3W/?coliid=I3RU0KV4RF0UI6&colid=1VA1ADWJVQVAU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Ammavaru Alankarna:

Everything I used to make the Ammavaru: 

1. Ammavaru Doll:  Source: Amazon.in

I bought mine from Amazon.in as it is convenient from me to select and purchase the one I want. If your family can shop for you, you can get these from Begum Bazaar Hyderabad or other novelty stores, for folks in the US you can buy them in temple novelty stores, most of them will have these dolls.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07TJ62ZL2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

2. New Saree:  Source: Amazon.in

Believe it or not, even the saree I got was from Amazon.in, I just loved the color and decided that this is it and I'm buying it. Loved how the whole look turned out.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B01LZZZ3VO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3. Ammavaru Face:  Source: DESI DIY

The most important of the whole set up I would say, bought this gorgeous buddha Ammavaru face from Divya, which comes with a pair of earrings, bottu (3 sizes) and mukkera(1 piece)

Contact: contactdesidiy@gmail.com

4. Ammavaru Crown

The ammavaru kereetam was from Amazon.in as well, I used rubber bands to fix it over the top , to give it a koppu shape I used bubble wrap and covered it with felt fabric, to cover the pink portion above the forehead I used a sparkly gold ribbon and wrapped it around.

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08V193TT4/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

5. Ammavaru Jewelry:  Source: Amazon.in

I used all my gold jewelry to do my ammavaru alankaranam except the thali, I bought the Thali Mangalasutra from Amazon.in.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08F3PTVC2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6. Ammavaru Hands and Legs with accessories:  Source: Amazon.in

Since the saree covers the legs of the existing doll, I bought pair of both hands and legs, they ran a bit small, so I suggest browsing more to see if the one that you are planning to buy are big enough for your idol.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07FYKH992/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Hands with Lotus and Legs with Stones are also from Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08WPXGJVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09B7LRSMJ/?coliid=I21MXJHHASZ5AT&colid=1VA1ADWJVQVAU&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

7.  Ammavaru Jada:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B01M4KRF6W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

8. Ammavaru Bhujalu:  Source: Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B099FGP4Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

9. Ammavaru Mala around the shoulders:  Source: Vivek Flowers

https://pin.it/3M3kNw6

https://vivekflowers.com/english/pooja-garland-pg-16.html

 

Pichwai Wall Hangings

 The Pichwai Wall Hangings Decor is a quick one hour DIY. These can be used as a backdrop for any traditional event or an entry way decor.

These can also be used as flower trays or jewelry holders. 

What did I use to make these:

1. Trays (I found them in $ store, but other options can be Hobby Lobby or Michaels)

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Wood-Crafting/Unfinished-Wood/Rectangle-Wood-Tray-Set-With-Handles/p/28868

2. Acrylic Paints (Bright colors that suited my theme)

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Stencils-Craft-Paints/Acrylic-Craft-Paints/Anitas-Acrylic-Craft-Paint/p/80847641

3. Pichwai Cows and Lotus cutouts from Trove India

https://trovecraftindia.com/products/copy-of-set-of-6-cows-in-white-cut-out?_pos=3&_sid=d6aa29196&_ss=r

4. Command velcro round self adhesive dots

https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Adhesive-0-39in-Diameter-Sticky/dp/B07CQRRZ6J/ref=asc_df_B07CQRRZ6J/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241959224857&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6539179286184577480&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003470&hvtargid=pla-450030374310&psc=1

Process:

The process is quick and simple pick the colors that will go well with the cutouts, start painting each tray with color of your choice.

Let them dry

Pick the cutouts and add the self adhesive hook dot on the cut out and loop on the tray and simply stick the hook to the loop, TADA the tray is now ready, you can use a push pin to hang it on the wall or simply add them to your table decor by add some diyas on either side or some flowers.

DIY Golu Steps

All you need

1- 6 Step Riser

https://www.homedepot.com/p/6-Step-Ground-Contact-Pressure-Treated-Pine-Stair-Stringer-279715/301040027

8- Wood Boards 5 ft long

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-4-in-x-6-ft-S4S-White-Wood-Board-0000-914-673/302172512

2 - Long wood pillars to hold the step risers

https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-x-4-in-x-8-ft-Premium-Kiln-Dried-Whitewood-Framing-Stud-Lumber-96022/315592380

Wood Screws (as required)

Assembly:

1. Fix the wood pillars to each step riser
2. Attach the two step risers on the top and bottom with the 5 ft wood planks on the backside
3. Now place the remaining 5 ft wood planks on each step and fix them to the base with the nails

💥 TADA 💥 The Golu Steps are ready to be adorned with beautiful dolls

DIY Pooja Mandiram

 DIY Pooja Mandiram / Vratham Peeta

What you need?

1. Drilling Machine

2. Screws

3. For the Mandiram Pillars: 2912 2-1/4 in. x 2-1/4 in. x 15-1/4 in. Pine Round Furniture Leg  (4)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Waddell-2912-2-1.../314254012

4. For the Mandiram Legs: 6 in. Traditional Table Leg (4)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Waddell-6-in.../100542904

5. For the Mandiram Gopuram: Bun Foot 4 in. x 4 in. x 4 in. Natural Unfinished Basswood (1)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Waddell-Bun-Foot.../313397665

6. For the Mandiram 4 corners: 3-3/4 in. Early American Table Leg (4)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Waddell-3-3-4-in.../100389452

7. For the Mandiram Base and Top: MDF 2 X 4 Feet Board- Cut to 18X18 squares (2)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Medium-Density.../202089069

8. For the top and bottom edges design: 3/8 in. x 1/2 in. x 4 ft. Basswood Panel Moulding (3)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../House-of-Fara-3-8.../202087486 

9. Premium Gel Stain (1)

https://www.homedepot.com/.../Varathane-1-qt.../305584080

10. Brass Bells with Hooks (12)

https://www.amazon.com/diollo-Jingle-Chimes-Hanging-Decoration/dp/B081KQ9GMX/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new?dchild=1&keywords=brass%2Bbells%2Bindian&qid=1631413265&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-4&th=1

Process:

Step 1. Fix the legs to the bottom of the 18X18 MDF Square board, using a drilling machine make holes and fix the legs of the mandiram.

Step 2: Now fix the pillars to the top of the 18X18 MDF Square board, now add the other 18X18 square board to the top side of the pillars to complete the base of the mandiram.

Step 3: To the top of the 18X18 square board, to get the top frame of the mandiram measure the dimensions for smaller squares to achieve the 2-3 step look, I have used 12X12, 8X8  squares to get this look. Now add a Bun Foot Leg to get the Gopuram look and add the smaller american table legs to the four corners of the 12X12 Square as shown in the images

Step 4: The finishing of the mandiram will be adding the molding to the edges to create a traditional look, this is fixed using nails. This has to be done carefully so you don't break the molding.

Step 5: Staining the Mandiram with your favorite color, I have used Premium Gel Stain  in Mahogany to give a matte rose wood look.

Step 6: Adding bells on the four sides of the mandiram is the last step, the bells come with screw hooks, which can be fixed after the gel stain is completely dry.

It took us less than couple of hours to complete this whole project, we wanted to create this to use it as a vratham peeta for Sri Satyanarayana Pooja, by adding a wood board to the back of the mandiram this can also be repurposed as a regular pooja mandiram.