Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Varnam Unveils "The Snugglewalas": A New Take on Indian Craftsmanship
Imagine a group of friendly, fun toys with unique personalities, like a crocodile who loves spas or a giraffe who is a fashion star.
These toys are called the Snugglewalas!
They are made using old Indian craft traditions, like the colorful wooden toys from Channapatna, but are reimagined to tell stories about India's many handmade crafts.
It's like a traveling show where these toys, along with clothes and jewelry inspired by crafts from all over India, share tales of artisans and their skills.
The project aims to show that these old crafts have a bright future by bringing together older artisans and young designers to create new things.
It’s a celebration of creativity, showing that handmade art is special and can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
Varnam Craft Collective is launching 'The Snugglewalas', a major craft collaboration.
The Snugglewalas are whimsical toys reimagining India's diverse handmade crafts from Kashmir to Karnataka.
This initiative showcases traditional crafts through contemporary toys, clothes, home accents, and jewelry.
The project emphasizes collaboration between artisans and young designers, focusing on a positive future for craft.
The exhibition aims to make Indian craft traditions accessible and engaging for both children and adults.
- Who
- Varnam Craft Collective
- What
- Launching 'The Snugglewalas', a new collection of whimsical toys that serve as storytellers of India's handmade crafts, reimagining traditions for contemporary audiences.
- When
- The launch date is not specified, but it is described as their biggest craft collaboration yet.
- Where
- The exhibition will travel across India, from Kashmir to Karnataka.
- Why
- To revive and reimagine Channapatna toy craft, celebrate India's diverse handmade traditions, foster collaboration between artisans and designers, and present craft in an accessible, optimistic way for younger generations.
- Organization
- Varnam Craft Collective
- Initiative Name
- The Snugglewalas - Storytellers of Handmade India
- Craft Tradition
- Channapatna toy craft (200-year-old)
- Exhibition Scope
- Multi-city travel across India
- Product Types
- Toys, clothes, home accents, jewellery
- Featured Crafts
- Wood Lac-turnery, Lambadi embroidery, Ceramics, Naqqashi Enamel Art, Jewellery, Namda/Felt craft, Crewel Embroidery, Block printing, Punja dhurries, Crochet Craft