Product story

Christmas Giants Elephants Wool Felt Christmas Tree Skirt

The maker, materials and process behind the finished object.

Christmas Giants Elephants Wool Felt Christmas Tree Skirt

Object

Why it exists

Gracious and adorable elephants will accompany you on these Christmas days, adding a unique charm to your interiors. Crafted in the distant lands of India, Rajesh Gehlot's red and green tree skirt features an exquisite wool felt design that combines the traditional holiday day theme with the region's celebrations, all represented by the cute elephants around the piece.

Process

How it is made

First, we procure wool from Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It undergoes an initial cleaning process where burrs and black wool are removed; it is then fed into a 'bilo' machine to separate out dirt and thorns. Next, it passes through an opener machine—a process known locally as *pindai*—followed by a carding machine that forms the wool into rolls. These rolls are then processed in a hardening machine, where they are beaten for two to three minutes while steam is applied to set the material. Subsequently, the material undergoes milling with the addition of soap; it is beaten for two hours until fully prepared. If coloring is required, four sheets are placed together in a large vessel and boiled for 10 minutes, after which they are dried in a hydro-extraction machine. Finally, the material is cut into pieces— either by machine or by hand—according to the required size and sent for stitching.

Origin

India

HANDICRAFT RAJASTHAN INDIA JAIPUR