PAPIER MACHE

Papier Mache is a substance that holds the paper together.The traditional method of making Papier Mache paste is to use a mixture of water and flour or other starch,mixed to the consistency of heavy cream.The paper is cut or torn into strips,and soaked in the paste until saturated.The saturated pieces are then placed onto the surface and allowed to dry slowly.Pasted, layer on layer, over a mould. When the object is completed, a thin layer of chalk mixed with glue is traditionally applied to the surface, The last step in the process is printing and varnishing of the Papier-Mache.            The designs painted on objects of Papier Mache are brightly colored. They vary in artistry and the choices of colors. Gold is used on most objects, either as the only color, or as the highlight for certain motifs, and besides the finish of the product, it is the quality of the pure gold used which determines the price.

WOOD CARVING

In India, Kashmir is the only region where a walnut tree grows . Walnut is a soft wood, so craftsmen do fine carving on walnut wood. Carving is the demonstration of the carver's skill, and walnut take it very well, being one of the strongest varieties of wood.
There are two types of walnut trees - one is the fruit bearing tree whose wood is well known, and the other which bears no fruits, is locally known as 'zangul'. Zangul is less strong &has none of the beauty of walnut.
Chinar leaves, vine leaves and flowers like lotus & roses are some of the popular designs, which can be either carved along borders or can fill entire surfaces.