Product story

Winter Gnomes Wool Felt Christmas Ornament (Set of 6)

The maker, materials and process behind the finished object.

Winter Gnomes Wool Felt Christmas Ornament (Set of 6)

Object

Why it exists

Rajesh Ghloth designs an adorable set of six wool felt ornaments handcrafted in India. These cute gnomes feature garments in a cool palette, adding a tender style to the item. They come in a polyester pouch for storing them securely, each featuring a green cotton string.

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 JAIPUR INDIA

Construction reference

Form and proportion

Winter Gnomes Wool Felt Christmas Ornament (Set of 6) technical drawing