What: Hand painted murals by Olive artist, Alison Design Studio, call 9867770878 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 40,000 for a wall mural.

Why: This self-taught artist and her interior designer husband specialise in customised, hand painted walls and furniture, and have brushed over some of the city’s prettiest interiors from private homes to the Mediterranean-inspired walls of Olive Bar and Kitchen, Mahalaxmi.

When: Your party deserves a wallflower.

What: Rent-a-djembe-drum player, call Jonqui on 9821196905, price on request.

Why: Trade in the annoying vuvuzella buzz for a new kind of woo-worthy sound. Assamese percussionist Jonqui, frequent player at Wink, Tote and Blue Frog will put in some serious bass time at your party, armed with drums from across the world - tablas, djembe, goblet.

When: It’s time for Africa!

What: Free logos and designs by Jar Head Creatives, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view his work at www.jaredcreado.deviantart.com or visit the Facebook group here.

Why: Yes, we really did say free. Graphic designer Jared Creado is clearly big arted, designing logos and posters at zero cost through his week old company, Jar Head Creatives. If you insist on paying though, he won’t refuse.

When: You need to survive on love and fresh flair.

What : Personalised Crossword puzzles by Dinshaw and Yazad Dotivala, to order call 9920431595 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 500.

(Came) Across: Professional puzzlers and father-son duo who create word games for almost every newspaper in the city, will tailor-make you a crossword in 48 hours (see: football trivia test and romantic wedding proposal). They also do other word games and Sudoku.

When: You don’t have a clue about gifting. 

What: The Warehouse, 07, Jagdamba Commercial Complex, New Link Road, Malad (w), call 9869039002, open 24/7, rent starts at Rs 200 an hour.

Why: At this slick jam room, go from amateur musician to rock star in one afternoon. Not only do you get access to top-quality instruments and audio recording facilities, you can also have your  jam session captured on video. Look out for their coolest feature which kicks in next month – live streaming your performance to fans through The Warehouse’s website.

When:  You want to do time in a Sing Sing cell.  

What: Comic book rental service, Leaping Windows, call Bidisha on 9833731309 or visit the Facebook page here, Rs 500 monthly membership fee. 

Why: Pick from an online catalogue of over 1,200 titles featuring all the regular suspects – Batman, Asterix, Tintin, Twinkle, Manga – along with a nice collection of indie graphic novels, all of which will be delivered and picked-up right from your doorstep. Just remember: you can’t borrow more than one book at a time, and never ask for Archie comics.

When: You like them in all capes and sizes. Slated to launch May 22.

What: Artisan gifting stationery by Etcetera, to order call 9820948454 or visit the Facebook page here, Rs 120 for a set of two gift paper rolls, ribbon and tag. Also available at Contemporary Arts and Crafts (Napeansea Road), Loose Ends (Bandra), and Granth (Juhu).

Why: Tanya Anand and her arty partners can cover up the biggest gifting faux pas with their adorable stationery. bpb loves the pensive owl print and retro stripes. If you have a big enough order, they’ll custom design as well.

When: You want to take the (w)rap.

What: Bachelorette party supplies from Trio, call Radhika at 9833737095 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 30.

Why: Because your last night of singlehood should be taken lying down. Let Radhika spice up the revelry with the most attractive (and cheesiest) equipment - dick of cards, x-rated toothpicks, inflated love dolls - sourced from around the globe.

When: You want to party hard. Email her for a product brochure.

What: Art lessons by celebrity tattoo artist, Al’s Tattoos, Magnet Mall, diagonally opposite KFC, Linking Road, Bandra (W), price depends on number of sessions. 

Why: bpb found the most unlikely masterji in famous tattoo artist Al Alva, who has just opened his third studio. Ask him nicely, and he’ll give you lessons on how to draw in his intricate, grungy style that has adorned miles of celebrity skin.

When: You want to make flesh scrawl.

What: Package forwarding and personal shopping agents from the US, visit www.myus.com, membership fee starts at approximately Rs 475 annually.

Why: Because sweet talking your sister’s best friend’s aunt to bring back loot from the States is a drag. Not only will this award-winning service give you a US address and forward packages within a week, they’ll even order your stuff from sites that only accept American credit cards. bpb’s shopping cart: Bumble and Bumble hair tonic, Paul Smith fedora, Searle metallic flapper dress.

When: You want to build parcels in the air.