Paper mache gifts eco-friendly, functional

Natural dyes and lead-free poster colors are used for decorating paper mache gifts. Newspapers, cartons and cardboards are sourced locally.

As a cottage industry, paper mache gift making is heavily influenced by Persian and Mughal artisans and adopted as a household skill in Kashmir.

Paper mache items are mostly done manually and use locally sourced, environment-friendly materials such as newspapers, cartons and cardboards. Pieces are rubbed and sanded, then painted and designed by hand. Varnish or lacquer is added for durability and a shiny finish.

For coloring, many suppliers apply natural dyes while others prefer lead-free poster colors. Combinations of brown, gold, green, maroon, orange, purple, red, turquoise and yellow are popular.

In terms of themes, landscape, history and culture are depicted by many of the latest releases. Royal themes in gilded patterns are typical in high-end variants. Persian and Moghul influences are also evident in artworks. Lines and geometric shapes are mainly used as borders.

Paper mache gifts range from home decorations such as Christmas hangings, plaques, paintings and figurines to functional models, including mirrors, lamps and candle stands.

Functional pieces such as boxes, pen holders and drawers come in a variety of shapes, including geometrical and animal figures. Housewares are also furnished with paper mache artwork.

Models offered by A.T.S.S. Enterprises and G.M. Dehqani & Sons include Christmas decorations and animal figures. The former sells items individually or as a set while the latter, like Mohammad Ramzan Bhat & Sons, use lead-free poster colors to paint pieces from the inside out.

Mentor Inc. offers functional pieces such as letter boxes, photo frames, trays, paper knives and steel-based bowls, jugs and boxes. Models often have wooden frames.

Products & prices

Price determinants of paper mache gifts include color, size and intricacy of the pattern or motif. The quality of shine and luster is an important factor in gilded models.

Low-end pieces are small Christmas hangings, magnets, bangles, figurines and 3 to 4in boxes that come in two to three colors. Price is $0.60 to $2.

Midrange items such as coaster sets, incense holders, vases, photo frames and 4 to 6in boxes have finer patterns and are available in three to four colors. Price is $2.10 to $4.50.

Upscale releases are 12 to 18in animal figures, 6 to 10in boxes, screen frames, drawers, vases, jugs and bowls with steel bases and feature gilded and intricate patterns. Price starts at $4.60 and can exceed $50.

Among the 1,000 India makers, 100 are large companies with a monthly output of 5,000 to 10,000 pieces. Midsizeand small suppliers produce 2,000 to 5,000 and less than 2,000 pieces, respectively.

Suppliers export to Australia, Canada, Europe and the US. Target destinations include Russia, South Africa and Central/South America.

See a comparison table of paper crafts suppliers on GlobalSources.com