Product story

Holiday Rooster Wool Felt Christmas Tree Topper

The maker, materials and process behind the finished object.

Holiday Rooster Wool Felt Christmas Tree Topper

Object

Why it exists

Designed by Indian artisan Rajesh Gehlot, this festive rooster is the perfect tree topper to liven your holiday season. Crafted from 100% wool, the rooster is adorned with rows of sparkling gold sequins that will shine on top of your tree. The topper is outfitted with a plastic cast on the bottom for a perfect fit.

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

Construction reference

Form and proportion

Holiday Rooster Wool Felt Christmas Tree Topper technical drawing