Our Artisan

Hand Block Printing – Celebrating Heritage, Empowering Women

With the backing of BOSCH India Social Engagement, we have established a sustainable block printing unit managed by a women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) in Pawalia village, located on Diggi Malpura Road in Sanganer, Jaipur.

Our brand and manufacturing process are deeply rooted in Jaipur’s age-old artisan block printing traditions. Every season, we produce exclusive block print collections, meticulously hand-printed on various fabrics, using techniques that have been passed down through generations.

In Bagru village, we collaborate with expert artisans to create traditional vegetable-dyed Bagru prints, which are then reinterpreted into modern designs, drawing inspiration from timeless Indian motifs and cultural patterns from across the country.

This initiative not only plays a key role in preserving India’s textile heritage but also empowers rural women by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Project Supported By: Bosch India Foundation

Empowering Women Through Carry Bag Making – Artisan Employment in Rural India

In rural areas across India, many women face the challenge of securing sustainable employment that allows them to support their families while managing household responsibilities. Recognizing this need, Artisan Shop stepped in to offer a meaningful and impactful solution.

We discovered a group of women eager to learn, work, and earn, but without access to viable employment opportunities. In response, we introduced the concept of manufacturing eco-friendly cotton carry bags, enabling these women to work from home or within their local communities.

What began as a small initiative has rapidly grown in scale. As the demand for high-quality carry bags increased, so did the artisans' skills, confidence, and earnings. This project is proudly supported by Bosch India Foundation, which has played a key role in its success.

Today, we operate a dedicated unit in Mohanpura, Vatika, Jaipur, where skilled artisans produce premium cotton carry bags. Managed by the Shri Ganesh Swayam Sahayata Samuh, Mohanpura, this unit now has a monthly production capacity of 15,000 cotton bags.

Project supported by: Bosch India Foundation

Decorative Articles by Jodhpur-Based Women Artisans – Empowering Rural Craftsmanship

A group of enterprising women in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, came together with a shared vision to acquire new skills and transform them into sustainable income-generating opportunities. With the support of the Linde Foundation, Connect Signal facilitated skill development training at a dedicated center in Jodhpur.

During the training, these women learned to craft a range of decorative items, including festive thalis, vibrant danglers, and handcrafted envelopes. Under the mentorship of expert designers, they received invaluable guidance in design development, which enabled them to create high-quality decorative products.

Today, these women are organized into a Self-Help Group (SHG) and are actively involved in the manufacturing and supply of decorative articles to retailers in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Their products are also available for purchase online at www.artisanshop.in, giving them access to a wider market and boosting their livelihoods.

Project Supported By: Linde Foundation

 

Empowering Women with Handmade Jewellery – The Umren SHG Project

In Rajasthan’s Alwar district, women from the villages of Umren and Akbarpur are rewriting their stories through the craft of handmade jewellery. Formed into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), these talented artisans create distinctive, high-quality fashion accessories that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Supported by the Linde Foundation, the initiative began with essential training, tools, and equipment to build skills and enhance product quality. Over time, these women have expanded their expertise and established strong market connections. Today, their handmade jewellery is sought after by wholesale buyers in Jaipur and Delhi, and is also available online at artisanshop.in.

This rural women empowerment initiative not only fosters sustainable livelihoods but also encourages female entrepreneurship and promotes Indian handicrafts on a broader scale.

Project Partner: Linde Foundation

 

Handmade Gift Boxes – Empowering Rural Women in Ajmer, Rajasthan

In the remote villages of Ajmer district, Rajasthan, a transformative women-led initiative is creating sustainable livelihoods through the art of handmade gift box production. Spearheaded by Ms. Dhirendra Kanwar, a visionary woman entrepreneur, this project has mobilized local women to launch a thriving small-scale business.

With crucial support from Connect Signal and the Linde Foundation, the women received hands-on training, along with the tools and equipment needed to start producing high-quality, handcrafted gift boxes. Under Ms. Kanwar’s dedicated leadership, the group has grown into a skilled and self-reliant unit, supplying their unique creations to wholesalers and retailers across the region.

This initiative not only supports women's empowerment and rural entrepreneurship, but also promotes the growth of eco-friendly, handmade products in India.

Project Supported by: Linde Foundation


Gota Patti Embroidery – A Sustainable Livelihood for Rural Women in Jaipur

In the remote villages of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, women often face limited livelihood options outside the short agricultural season. To address this challenge, Connect Signal, with valuable support from the Linde Foundation, launched a skill development initiative focused on traditional Gota Patti hand embroidery.

Through hands-on training and the provision of essential tools and materials, women were empowered to work from the comfort of their homes. Today, 22 women artisans are actively engaged in creating intricate hand-embroidered products, especially charchop (decorative trays), which they sell through artisanshop.in and by undertaking job work for clients.

This project not only revives a rich craft tradition but also promotes women’s empowerment, home-based employment, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Project Supported by: Linde Foundation

Gota Patti Artisans – Empowering Women in Bassi Tehsil Through Traditional Embroidery

In Bassi Tehsil, Jaipur district of Rajasthan, over 500 skilled women artisans are preserving and promoting the age-old craft of Gota Patti embroidery. Working from their homes with simple infrastructure like charkhas and charpais, these women expertly balance their traditional artistry with household responsibilities.

More than 20 active Self-Help Groups (SHGs), including Jai Bhim Swayam Sahayata Samuh, Jai Hanuman Swayam Sahayata Samuh, and Hare Ram Swayam Sahayata Samuh, are engaged in producing exquisite hand-embroidered items such as blouses, potli bags, kurtas, and sarees.

Their handcrafted Gota Patti products are supplied to retailers and wholesalers throughout Jaipur. Many SHGs have also embraced digital platforms, expanding their reach through online sales at artisanshop.in.

This initiative not only promotes rural women’s empowerment and traditional Indian crafts, but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote communities.

Project Supported by: Bosch India Foundation



Handcrafted Singhasans – Empowering Women Artisans in Jhotwara & Khatipura, Jaipur

In the culturally rich areas of Jhotwara and Khatipura in Jaipur, a group of skilled women artisans is transforming traditional craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood. With creativity and dedication, these women produce exquisite handcrafted decorative items, blending devotion with artistry.

Their signature creations include beautifully designed singhasans (miniature thrones) for Lord Krishna, known for their intricate detail and cultural significance. These unique handmade pieces are a testament to the artisans’ passion and spiritual craftsmanship.

Working in collaboration with Shri Alok Purohit, the artisans receive design guidance and market access, enabling them to showcase and sell their products across various regions of Rajasthan.

This initiative not only promotes women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship, but also helps preserve traditional Indian devotional crafts.

Project Supported by: Shubham Society

 

Empowering Women Through Eco-Friendly Gifting Bags – Shri Ganesh Swayam Sahayata Samuh, Jaipur

Established in 2016, the Shri Ganesh Swayam Sahayata Samuh in Mohanpura, Sanganer (Jaipur) has grown into a center of innovation and women-led entrepreneurship. Originally engaged in the production of apparel and made-up articles for local markets, the group has recently expanded into the niche of sustainable gifting solutions.

In 2024, with vital support from the Bosch India Foundation, the group received specialized training and essential infrastructure to transition into crafting eco-friendly jute gifting bags. These high-quality bags are now widely used for corporate gifting, seminars, and events, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional packaging.

Currently, the women produce over 2,500 jute bags per month, ensuring a steady source of income, promoting green practices, and strengthening rural women's empowerment through skill-based employment.

Project Supported by: Bosch India Foundation

Reviving Kantha Embroidery – Empowering Women Artisans in Reengus, Rajasthan

In the peaceful villages surrounding Reengus in Sikar district, Rajasthan, over 150 women artisans are breathing new life into the timeless art of Kantha embroidery. This traditional hand-embroidery technique, known for its intricate stitches and storytelling motifs, is being preserved and promoted through a strong community-driven model.

What sets this artisan cluster apart is its collaborative family ecosystem. While men handle coordination with exporters and local retailers, women dedicate themselves to the embroidery work from home—seamlessly blending cultural craftsmanship with everyday life. This model has turned homes into micro-enterprises, generating steady income and fostering rural entrepreneurship.

These women artisans are not only safeguarding a centuries-old tradition but are also contributing to the rising demand for handmade, eco-friendly fashion worldwide. Their Kantha-stitched garments and textiles have found a place in international markets, celebrated for their artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Project Supported by: Linde Foundation

 

Natural Block Printing – Empowering Women Artisans in Jaipur

In the heart of Jaipur, a dynamic group of women is revitalizing the age-old art of natural block printing—merging traditional techniques with modern market opportunities. With valuable support from a local government department and the Linde Foundation, these women have established a dedicated block printing unit, promoting both eco-conscious production and women’s empowerment.

Specializing in eco-friendly, naturally dyed textiles and home décor, the artisans craft a variety of hand-printed products that are available for purchase through artisanshop.in. In addition to their own product lines, the group also undertakes job work for garment exporters and manufacturers, significantly enhancing their income and industry exposure.

This initiative not only nurtures sustainable fashion and traditional craft preservation, but also provides livelihood opportunities for women, helping them become self-reliant and financially empowered.

Project Supported by: Linde Foundation

Stitching New Beginnings – Empowering Women at the Apparel Sewing Centre in Shrirampura, Rajasthan

Just 25 kilometers from Jaipur, the village of Shrirampura has become a beacon of opportunity and empowerment for local women through the Apparel Sewing Centre. Between 2021 and 2024, over 130 women joined a dedicated training initiative to gain essential skills in sewing, hand embroidery, Kantha work, and quality garment production.

With comprehensive training in production techniques, quality control, and efficiency, these women not only mastered their craft but also built lasting confidence. Led by the inspiring Ms. Pushpa Ji, the center is now operated by 55 active women members, who manage day-to-day operations and maintain partnerships with apparel and home furnishing companies.

From stitching garments to creating detailed embroidery pieces, the women are producing high-quality, handcrafted products while securing sustainable incomes and better futures for their families. What began as a skill-building program has evolved into a thriving rural enterprise rooted in dignity and determination.

Project Supported by: Bosch India Foundation

Empowering Women Through Organic Soap Manufacturing – A Sustainable Initiative in Dausa, Rajasthan

In the Dausa district of Rajasthan, just 60 km from Jaipur, a group of motivated women from Gannayak Sansthan is leading a grassroots movement in organic soap and cleaning product manufacturing. Driven by the desire to build sustainable livelihoods, these women came together to transform their skills into a thriving local enterprise.

Through a comprehensive two-month training program, 30 women learned the art and science of crafting a wide range of natural products—including organic bath soaps, liquid hand washes, dishwashing liquids, and floor cleaners. Expert trainers guided them in mastering formulations, ensuring product safety, and maintaining quality standards. After training, the women received essential tools and equipment to launch their production unit.

Today, they manufacture and supply eco-friendly, handmade soaps and cleaning products to local households and industries—contributing to women’s empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

Project Supported by: Linde Foundation