Lac Bangles - Kalagrama, Karnataka
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.
