Making the Doll

In Natungram some artisans choose interestingly shaped sticks or logs. A freshly cut log can present problems since it is still filled with a great deal of moisture. If the log dries too quickly it may check (crack) badly. It is best to let the log air dry for an extended period of time until it reaches an acceptable level of moisture content to prevent unwanted cracking. The alternative is to purchase kiln-dried wood that has been cut into boards. If a large block is required, the boards can be milled with a planer and joiner to give flat surfaces that can be glued together.

An advantage of gluing is that large, unusual shapes can be created, unlike the confining shape of a log. For carving small, hand-held craft objects, such as

small colourful owls,Raja-rani,Gour-netai,radha – krishna and other character figures, and chip carving (decorative designs on flat surfaces like the sides of

jewelry boxes), basswood is an excellent choice. It is soft and easy to carve, the close grain holds small carved detail, there are few knots or blemishes, and it is

stable when dry. However, basswood's softness makes it difficult to apply a stain evenly a carved surface or attain a glossy finish. Most basswood carvings are painted

Product making :

 The wood is cut as per the size of the from the block. The piece is cleaned and smoothened. The design of the toy to be made is traced on this piece. Extra wood is chipped off according to the design. Fine strokes with the hammer are made on the chisel. It is smoothened with a file and painted. Add clay and wheat with fevicol and make a paste .Then use it to create specific shape on top of the wooden blocks. Sometimes they also produced the hand of Gour-Netai,Radhakrishna with the help of this. The painting starts with coloring various body parts. Next the dresses with specific designs are marked out by fine strokes of the brush. The facial features are added in the end. These are

joined by bamboo killi (screw).  The lacquering (coated with such a varnish), is done by pressing the lac stick against the revolving article. Oil is also applied at the same time for giving the better polish. The articles are either in single colour or in bands of different colours. The eyes and mouth are indicated by black line. In case of a Rani doll, the clothes & body are fully decorated.