Key, Chair

As the morning sunlight casts a warm glow on a terrace in Andheri, Yash Soni hands us a small glass bottle with a cork stopper. It fits between our thumb and index finger. Glinting at us from within is a tiny guitar carved out of the nib of a pencil.

Mic and fist, Eiffel Tower

A ‘wow’ escapes our lips as we squint to check out the intricate details — there are strings, tuning pegs, a saddle and Soni’s name carved on the instrument’s body. “It took me four hours to make it,” says the 26-year-old artist, one of the few in the city creating microscopic art out of pencil lead. This weekend, he will present a live carving session at Maker Mela, an event that celebrates art, engineering and science with a DIY mindset, at KJ Somaiya’s Vidyavihar campus.

Watch, Guitar

Russian inspiration
With a professional background in event management, Mumbai-born Soni’s tryst with pencil art began two years back, when he came across the works of experimental Russian artist Salavat Fidai on Instagram. “He carved a heart within a heart on a pencil. I was fascinated. Since art had been a hobby (he has created graffiti and speed painting works), I decided to try this too. I bought a pencil, a five-rupee cutter, and tried to carve a heart in a car, while travelling to Thane, and I was able to do it,” recounts the self-taught artist, who watched Fidai’s art-making videos repeatedly to learn the finger movements. “Now, we correspond too. His advice to me: be gentle and use minimal movements with fingertips,” he says.

Yash Soni with spool-and-needle carved on a pencil tip. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Be patient
Till date, Soni has created over 50 pencil carvings, including a key, a stiletto, a champagne glass, a watch, a chair, the Eiffel Tower, a fist with a detachable mic, a windmill with rotating blades and even a needle and spool, carved entirely out of the wood and lead of the pencil. On his wishlist are a scooter, a neckpiece and Mukesh Ambani’s tower of blocks, Antilla.

Soni’s tool set comprises two scalpels and a needle

“Carving on pencil requires a lot of patience. Since I prefer to focus on the details, it takes about four to five hours to make a piece, though I can make a heart in 20 minutes,” reveals Soni. The artist uses three basic tools — two scalpels with surgical blades and a needle fitted into a pen-like holder. “I start by shaving the wood with the scalpel and then, use a needle to carve the finer shape and details,” he adds. When we ask if he works in a particular kind of light, he confesses, “Initially, I would use a USB LED lamp attached to my laptop as a source of light when I needed to carve at night. My parents were anxious about it affecting my eyesight. Now, I’ve become more careful but I can work from any spot,” he adds.

Pencil matters
Soni uses a range of pencils, from 2B to 8B leads with a shiny finish, graphite pencils featuring matte-finish leads and carpenter pencils with a flatter surface. “Indian pencils aren’t great in quality and often, the lead within the pencil is already broken. The biggest challenge is breakage. 8B leads are thicker which helps me carve more intricately,” says Soni, who preserves the pencils in glass bottles or in customised frames.

Last week, he conducted a workshop-cum-exhibition at IIT-Chennai. Now, he also customises his works and sells them, starting from `4,000. “Most people are dismissive of the art since it’s on a pencil. My aim is to give micro sculpting the credibility it deserves,” he signs off.

Deepika Padukone

We were first introduced to Suhani Parekh of Misho Designs last year, when we did a feature on the "cool gangs" that knew the best of where to eat, drink and soak in art, around the city. When we hung out with Parekh and her friends - curator Arshiya Lokhandwala and artistes Justin Ponmany and Prajakta Potnis - she seemed like someone to watch out for. One year later, we can't help, but be in awe of her steady rise.

Suhani Parekh flaunting one of her designs

If you are a social media buff, there is no way you have missed Misho Designs and all the people wearing it. Rihanna has worn it and so has Kim Kardashian. Back home, it's Deepika Padukone, Masaba Gupta and Aishwarya Rai. "I was a sculptor, so I hadn't ever thought of jewellery. I used to design some pieces for myself and then, as people saw me wearing them, they said, can you make us a pair. It's then that we just decided to sit down and make more," says Parekh, who studied to be a sculptor at Goldsmiths University in London.

It was winning a fashion magazine award for being a young designer of note that put Parekh firmly in the spotlight. "I think every young designer needs a platform that helps them put themselves out there. It was a turning point for me," the Shivaji Park resident tells us.

Misho's aesthetic, which Parekh has described as "wearable sculpture", is characterised by architectural forms and chic geometric shapes. She is inspired by Bauhaus ideology and Japanese minimalism, and names Misho after an ancient Japanese Bonsai technique, which means the process by which a seed turns into a Bonsai tree.

Parekh insists that being consistent, and staying true to one's design language has helped her brand. "I think you have to recognise where there is a gap in the market. We have lovely traditional jewellery, but how does one buy edgy pieces. I think Misho filled that void. And so, when we sent out the jewellery for fashion shoots or to a celebrity, who was on a promotion spree, they got chosen, and I am grateful for that."

It is through social media network, Instagram, that Parekh really connects with her audience. The designer, who has around 16k followers, says that it's about constantly innovating. "You can't keep doing the same thing, you need to keep pushing the envelope," she says. She also shares an important insight about the site. "Instagram likes people not products. There is a tricky balance between the two. So, what we at Misho do is, that we don't bombard people with the same kind of posts. We post around three to four times a week, and keep mixing it up. We are exposed to so many different kinds of images, and over-posting is a no-no." But, the most important lesson Parekh says is also about connecting and interacting with the audience. "I talk to people all the time, and respond to the comments. It's the best way to reach out directly."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

American TV star and model Olivia Culpo celebrated a unique prom night during self-isolation with her National Football League (NFL) star boyfriend Christian McCaffrey, 23.

The couple partied with Olivia's sister Sophia and Christian's mother Lisa besides other family members. "Tonight is prom night with our quarantine crew," the Sports Illustrated model Olivia wrote on social media alongside pictures and a video of their celebration. "Lisa made all the boys do a "promposal" and now's she torturing all of us with chores," added Olivia, 27.

The outdoor party in a cocktail lounge area could also be a celebration of Christian's four-year $64 million (R484 crore) contract extension signed with NFL side Carolina Panthers in April.

The group ate, drank and also played with a unique bubble machine, blowing bubbles for everyone around.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

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Imports of (bop) - Pulp and Paper Stock in Canada increased to 279.80 CAD Million in March from 261.30 CAD Million in February of 2020. Imports of (bop) - Pulp and Paper Stock in Canada averaged 205.94 CAD Million from 1988 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 316.80 CAD Million in January of 2019 and a record low of 74.30 CAD Million in July of 1988. This page includes a chart with historical data for Canada Imports of (bop) - Pulp And Paper Stock.

Exports of Pulp of Wood CMLV in South Africa increased to 5319.37 ZAR Million in March from 3850.41 ZAR Million in February of 2020. Exports of Pulp of Wood CMLV in South Africa averaged 8821.04 ZAR Million from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 20105.60 ZAR Million in December of 2016 and a record low of 846.05 ZAR Million in January of 2019. South Africa accounts for Exports of Pulp of Wood using cumulative values for each year (CMLV). This page includes a chart with historical data for South Africa Exports of Pulp of Wood CMLV.

Exports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products in South Africa decreased to 1469.83 ZAR Million in March from 1976.95 ZAR Million in February of 2020. Exports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products in South Africa averaged 1477.56 ZAR Million from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 2105.93 ZAR Million in August of 2016 and a record low of 623.79 ZAR Million in February of 2019. This page includes a chart with historical data for South Africa Exports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products.

Imports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products in South Africa decreased to 2195.04 ZAR Million in March from 2770.94 ZAR Million in February of 2020. Imports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products in South Africa averaged 1943.22 ZAR Million from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 3987.84 ZAR Million in November of 2019 and a record low of 1030.39 ZAR Million in April of 2017. This page includes a chart with historical data for South Africa Imports of Wood Pulp Paper & Paper Products.

Imports of Pulp of Wood CMLV in South Africa increased to 8239.12 ZAR Million in March from 6044.13 ZAR Million in February of 2020. Imports of Pulp of Wood CMLV in South Africa averaged 11411.21 ZAR Million from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 36339.27 ZAR Million in December of 2019 and a record low of 1271.84 ZAR Million in January of 2015. South Africa accounts for Imports of Pulp of Wood using cumulative values for each year (CMLV). This page includes a chart with historical data for South Africa Imports of Pulp of Wood CMLV.

Exports of Pulp, Paper & Paper Products in Germany decreased to 1603631 EUR THO in February from 1617908 EUR THO in January of 2020. Exports of Pulp, Paper & Paper Products in Germany averaged 1470095.23 EUR THO from 2000 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 1819091 EUR THO in October of 2018 and a record low of 1002490 EUR THO in January of 2000. This page includes a chart with historical data for Germany Exports of Pulp, Paper & Paper Products.

Imports of Intra EU - Salt, Sulphur, Earths & Sto in the United Kingdom decreased to 39.33 GBP Million in February from 41.42 GBP Million in January of 2020. Imports of Intra EU - Salt, Sulphur, Earths & Sto in the United Kingdom averaged 26.80 GBP Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 55.45 GBP Million in November of 2018 and a record low of 10.87 GBP Million in May of 1996. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Imports of Intra EU - Salt, Sulphur, Earths & Sto.

Imports Intra Eu - Pulp Of Wood, Fibrous Matl. & Waste & Scrap in the United Kingdom decreased to 16 GBP Million in February from 22.11 GBP Million in January of 2020. Imports Intra Eu - Pulp Of Wood, Fibrous Matl. & W in the United Kingdom averaged 21.09 GBP Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 45.80 GBP Million in November of 2017 and a record low of 11.72 GBP Million in August of 2003. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Imports of Intra EU - Pulp of Wood, Fibrous Matl.

Imports of Paper Pulp in China decreased to 1308500 USD THO in April from 1371700 USD THO in March of 2020. Imports of Paper Pulp in China averaged 622829.45 USD THO from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 2415500 USD THO in February of 2020 and a record low of 31277 USD THO in January of 1996. This page includes a chart with historical data for China Imports of Paper Pulp.

Imports of Pulp and Waste Paper Sitc in the United States increased to 242 USD Million in March from 237 USD Million in February of 2020. Imports of Pulp and Waste Paper Sitc in the United States averaged 262.59 USD Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 456 USD Million in March of 2019 and a record low of 147 USD Million in May of 2009. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United States Imports of Pulp And Waste Paper Sitc.

Imports of Pulp & Paper Machinery in the United States increased to 548.94 USD Million in March from 507.12 USD Million in February of 2020. Imports of Pulp & Paper Machinery in the United States averaged 346.44 USD Million from 1989 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 580.34 USD Million in March of 2019 and a record low of 177.35 USD Million in September of 1991. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United States Imports of Pulp & Paper Machinery.

In a small suburb of Melbourne, two entrepreneurs are developing a technology that could mean big changes for the packaging industry. Stuart Gordon and Mark Appleford are the co-founders of Varden, a company that has developed a process to take the waste material from sugarcane and convert it into a paper-like packaging product with the […]

The attractive pair met at shoe designer Brian Atwood's party at the Four Seasons restaurant last Wednesday and have been seen together at several events since.

It looks like Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and Miss USA Olivia Culpo are diving into a romance after they were pictured snuggling next to each other once again

Olivia arrived looking loved-up with her boyfriend, the show's host Nick Jonas - at the ceremony well known for covering attendees with green slime.

'Spring quarantine essential: the comfy cotton maxi dress,' the former Miss Universe captioned a series of stunning series, which flaunted her enviable physique.

'Tonight is prom night w our quarantine crew,' said the Sports Illustrated model on social media. 'Lisa made all the boys do a "promposal" and now's she torturing all of us with chores.'

Keira Maguire has confirmed she will appear on the next season of Bachelor in Paradise. 

The 55-year-old actor sat down wth NPR to discuss his character and how his divorce from Angelina Jolie impacted his ability to process the emotional movie.

The 28th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which opened on Christmas Day, features work by some of the country's best ice sculptors and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

The DKNY model shared a selfie from her Paris hotel room where her body was front and center as she posed in a living room area. She said, 'Feeling myself in the Parisian light.'

Celebrities are hailing a skincare tool which is kept in the freezer as a 'must-have' for its ability to replicate a salon-grade facial at home.

Mystery surrounds the city as archaeologists attempt to uncover why it was abandoned suddenly by unearthing artefacts from around 400AD when its inhabitants fled with no obvious explanation.