Do you ever wonder where all the ideas for designs which surround us come from? I do, often. Recently I found myself looking for ideas for a new video, which I wanted to have based around a floral decorated pot or vase, and I came across some beautiful examples of handpainted pots made out of papier-mâché and originating in Kashmir.

Kashmir is part of India and lies in the northern limit of the Indian sub-continent. It has a very rich and ancient history of artistic creativity and has long produced beautiful shawls, rugs, tapestries, pots and boxes to name a few, all covered in intricate and lovely designs mostly on natural themes.

Flowers and birds are frequently featured and as such have clearly influenced the current trend for floral art. There is a rich source of these designs online and I hope to gain some inspiration from looking at these beautifully and expertly painted works of art.