Quilling Artist Sabreena Aaliya turns passion into profitable Kashmiri Art

Srinagar, Jan 14: In a testament to the transformative power of passion, Sabreen Aaliya, a budding quilling artist hailing from Srinagar, has seamlessly turned her once-cherished hobby into a full-fledged career.

Armed with a Master's degree in Arabic, Sabreena has embarked on a mission to spotlight and preserve Kashmir's rich heritage through her intricate quilling art. In a region where quilling is less common, Sabreena employs her artistic prowess to create mesmerising designs using looped, curled, and twisted paper strips.

With a commitment to showcasing Kashmir's cultural legacy, she has become a beacon of creativity, proving that dedication to one's craft can lead to a meaningful and purposeful career path.

Venturing beyond conventional art forms, Sabreena Aaliya, the talented quilling artist, has crafted an array of exquisite pieces, ranging from flower panels to traditional Samovars and Shikaras.

"Transitioning from my childhood fascination with drawings and artworks, I decided to delve into the realm of 3D decorations through quilling. The journey commenced with a piece which I stumbled upon on the internet, sparking curiosity and prompting me to explore this unique art form further."

"After mastering the intricacies and techniques, I began creating flower panels to adorn her home, eventually progressing towards crafting intricate 3D items using quilling art."

Sharing her journey, Sabreena revealed that the turning point was a 3D cup saucer creation that captured the attention of her parents. Encouraged by their support, particularly her mother's and father's instrumental role,

Sabreena transformed her artistic hobby into a commercial venture. "My father plays a crucial part in constructing the structures on which the quilling art is skillfully embedded, a collaborative effort has fueled my success in the world of quilling."

When queried about the commercial viability of her quilling art, Sabreena Aaliya revealed a promising demand, with a substantial number of orders pouring in. Specialising in crafting intricate nikah quilling designs, personalised name plants, and detailed replicas of samovars and shikaras, her creations have found resonance among customers seeking unique and artistic items.

Shedding light on the meticulous craftsmanship involved, she mentioned that a single samovar, priced at approximately 15,000, requires over two weeks of dedicated work.

Not content with just pursuing her art, Sabreena has expanded her impact by recently joining a school where she imparts training to students interested in the intricacies of quilling art. Furthermore, she has registered with the Handicraft and Handlooms department, solidifying her commitment to showcasing and preserving this unique artistic heritage.

Driven by a desire to be self-independent and carve a career path out of her passion, Sabreena actively utilises social media to showcase her creations, attracting a growing customer base fascinated by the charm and uniqueness of her quilling art.

Her journey not only embodies artistic excellence but also serves as an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship and dedication in the pursuit of a creative career.