Product story
The maker, materials and process behind the finished object.
Object
Colorful wool felt hearts bring a warm holiday cheer in this set of ornaments designed and crafted by Rajesh Gehlot. Set includes a teal, orange, yellow and cream heart, each hand embroidered with floral and leafy motifs on the front. The back is marked by a single long floral motif with a leafy vine.
Process
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
HANDICRAFT RAJASTHAN INDIA JAIPUR
Construction reference
