Locally available rubber mold of the required pattern of design are selected and washed thoroughly in the drum of water to wash the surface evenly and obtain a clear surface so that the Plaster of Paris paste made is poured to the cavity of the rubber molds formulated (structured) to the shapes from within.
The sheets of rubber are punched to the required shapes by engraving and it is collected from the people who specially know the technique of doing the engraving on it. The masterpiece of the idol carved is generally used as a reference for the preparation of mold/form. Sheets of the idol are usually held together along tightly to make the structure of the mold erect, by the support of coir/jute with plaster of Paris made to the required length, sizes and shapes designed. It is tied with black rubber tape tightly to avoid the overflow of the Pop solution. After the mold is tied firmly the craftsmen pours water into the cavity and gives the final washing/cleaning to obtain the right postures (detailing) of the Idol.
Generally to 1 kg of Plaster of Paris, half the quantity of the water is taken and made to paste of the required flow. Mixture is poured within the allotted time by mixing with hand to get the right mixture and before it Harden’s it loses its property of plastering. After POP solution is poured into the rubber mold it is wobbled evenly all through so that it reaches every corners of the mold and kept for drying. After it is dried completely the rubber mold is removed from one part of the idol to avoid damages.
The stands for the Idols are made separately either through rubber or fiber molds. For the fiber molds locally available oil is applied on the mold surface to obtain a smooth finished surface of Pop idol.
Water is applied on the surface of the idol to make the surface smooth by giving a good finishing. It is dried completely and the enamel color paint as per the pattern of design is applied on the different sizes of Idol made. Eyes of the idol is generally painted with black color to highlight the eye features, glitters are applied on the portions to decorate the idol to enhance the appearance of the Idol.
Other aspects of POP is that it doesn’t soften easily in water therefore the idol floats on the surface of water without immersing. Plaster of Paris also pollutes the river, sea, lakes etc can have an adverse effect of the health of human being.
