Meet Gauri
Artist and Teacher
I’m Gauri, the artist behind Prettyful Creations—a mobile DIY arts and craft studio based in Madison, Wisconsin. My creative journey began with wood burning and pyrography, where I found a way to blend my Indian heritage with modern design. Over time, this passion grew into a signature style: henna‑inspired linework, authentic mandala patterns, and culturally rooted motifs burned into everyday objects to create meaningful, handcrafted décor.
Growing up around traditional henna art, I was always fascinated by the stories behind the designs. Few people realize that henna paste comes from a plant leaf, or that a true mandala symbolizes the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Sharing these cultural truths through my art has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.
As my business has grown, so has my creative expression. Today, Prettyful Creations offers fluid art, henna workshops, and hands‑on creative experiences that invite the Madison and Cottage Grove communities to explore art in new, joyful ways. Whether I’m teaching a class, burning a custom design, or guiding someone through their first mandala, my goal is always the same: to help people create something they truly cherish.
Prettyful Creations continues to evolve, but its heart remains constant—celebrating culture, creativity, and connection through handmade art.
How Prettyful Creations Came to Be...
Driven by ambition and a desire to bring all my creative passions under one roof, I founded Prettyful Creations—a space where I express myself, showcase my craftsmanship, and offer meaningful, handmade creations that reflect my artistic journey.
My path as an artist began with a simple introduction to Pinterest. That first glimpse into a world of endless creativity inspired me to expand beyond decorating my home. I started with candle‑making classes among friends, explored Plaster of Paris molds, and experimented with various DIY mediums. Through every phase, one thing remained constant: my deep connection to henna‑inspired motifs and mandala designs. These patterns have always been a natural extension of my creativity and continue to shape my signature style.
About five years ago, my daughter’s artwork encouraged me to pick up a wood‑burning tool—and it opened an entirely new world. Her childhood mispronunciation of the word “beautiful,” calling a flower “prettyful,” became the heart and name of my studio. In pyrography, I found my soulmate medium.
Since 2015, I’ve participated in numerous craft fairs, taught workshops at the Goodman Community Center, led private creative sessions, and authored a mandala design book. Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Watching students create their own gifts and home décor—and witnessing their “aha” moments—fills me with joy and purpose.
Prettyful Creations has grown from a small Etsy presence to a full website and mobile DIY art studio serving the Madison, WI area. My work has been featured in Madison Magazine, displayed in local gift shops—including those on historic State Street—and showcased at various art and craft shows. I’m honored to have received an Honorable Mention at the Wisconsin Women’s Network Artful Women exhibit at UW Children’s Hospital.
I am also proud to be one of the featured artists in four wood‑burning books by Rachel Strauss and to be a long‑standing member of the pyrography community, known for my unique niche in mandala‑style wood‑burning art. In addition to private workshops, I currently serve as an MSCR Adult Art Enrichment instructor, continuing to share my passion for creativity with the community.
I AM AN AUTHOR
This mandala book is not just a collection of patterns—it’s a step‑by‑step mandala guide designed to help you learn, create, and truly cherish your art. Perfect for beginners and seasoned creators, it teaches the full mandala drawing process with three styles that grow from simple to intricate. You’ll explore approachable techniques, follow and enjoy small‑batch designs that make creativity feel calming and achievable. If you’re looking for a mandala book that blends creative mindfulness with clear instruction, this one helps you turn simple shapes into meaningful art you’ll be proud to keep or gift.
