Kolhapuri Chappal
Making of the Chappal:
The rough surface of leather is shaved till the smooth surface is obtained and as per the form of the slipper size of the tanned leather is cut. Face part of the skin is usually taken for the foot-bed of the chappal and the other parts of the leather for the sole part of the chappal. Other part which is thick (skin) is used for sole making by regularly beating (stamping) with the cobbler’s anvil (asti). Sole and the cut pattern pieces are stuck with the local adhesive (rubber solution) to stick with each part of the sole. Shoe cream, color (yellow or red) with little water is brushed in 3 stages to get yellowish or reddish color. The straps (side patti’s) are attached to the base part of the chappals, toe straps are attached and extra plaited straps for ornamentation purpose are done. Chappals are dried in diffused sunlight for 30 minutes.
