Ohrna chooses to combine jute, the organic, plant-based fabric of Bengal....with the beautiful kantha style of embroidery from the same region. We patronize jute because it is a natural vegetable fiber, biodegradable, naturally decomposable and strong and durable. It is a wonderful and proven substitute for plastic. And Ohrna proudly introduces embroidered jute to a wider and global audience, using kantha on jute!
We generally use earthy colors in our choice of jute as well as in our other fabrics and in our embroidery, carrying forward the same organic and natural feel even when we combine jute colors in our products.
Much of the rustic look of our designs is courtesy beautiful organic jute.
Eastern India abounds in water bodies, the natural and unique environment for jute cultivation, hence this part of the world is home to jute plantation.
With our allegiance to jute, we also apply our organic philosophy in everything we do. For our journal with penholder for example, the paper is 100% handmade and recycled, originating from cloth and cotton waste and not trees.
This year, we also introduce elaborate kantha embroidery using age-old, traditional tribal motifs, on silk stoles – our attempt at preserving this exquisite but dying tradition.
In continuing our organic philosophy and practices from start to end of our workflow, we package our products in up-cycled saris as well and very colorful ones too! We love it, as do our customers. And we have amassed quite a collection from our well-wishers!
With beautiful embroideries on jute, a natural vegetable fiber, recyclable and completely biodegradable yet strong and durable, Ohrna products thus promote both empowerment and environment preservation. Made by rural and home-based women, your purchase supports their journey to empowerment, and profits benefit their families.
Ohrna believes in responsible design. Our focus is use of sustainable materials, employment of rural and home-bound women, preservation of rich craft traditions and packaging in up cycled materials.
We train for free and often employ women with minimum skills.
We design to customers' needs and also constantly adapt our designs for ease of making, for our makers.