Design Resource
Lac Bangles - Kalagrama, Karnataka
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Guna D.
Making Process
Lac bangles are made by using colourful lac sticks. These lac sticks are made by melting lac shellacs in a vessel, and when it is in a semi-molten state colours are mixed with it. These colourful lac sticks help artisans in making bangles in less time. A coal burner is used to make the lac stick soft. When the lac starts heating and softening, it is pressed against a metal plate (Silla) simultaneously in intervals with a flat wooden tool locally known as Hatta. After getting the required length, the craftsmen cut out the rolled-out lac with the metal sheet. Another colour lac stick is also rolled and cut with the same process. The two colourful coils are inserted through each other to make a design. The ends of both coils are heated, joined with each other, and is firmly pressed. The craftsman inserts the completed lac bangle into the round wooden rod to give it a proper size and shape. Preheated aluminum bangle is inserted into the lac bangle. A flat wooden tool is used to push the aluminum bangle inside the lac bangle. Once again, the round wooden rod is used to mend the bangle in a circular shape. Then the bangle is heated to hold the aluminum bangle tightly inside the lack bangle. The bangles are finished with embellishments with stones or beads, and a few are kept simple with vibrant colour combinations.
