As an artist couple, our work at Aranya Earthcraft is more than craft; it is a quiet celebration of sustainability and human skill. We are deeply inspired by nature and the timeless spirit of Indian hand-making processes. Every piece begins with respect for the earth and a belief that beauty must never come at the planet’s expense.
We preserve the traditional Rajasthani papier-mâché technique, which combines white clay (khadiya mitti), paper pulp, and babool resin. This art has been practised for generations, and today, we continue it with care, shaping each sculpture and décor piece by hand. The result is a fusion of heritage and modern design, where every creation tells a story of patience, purpose, and poetic form.
The 16 Steps of our Papier-Mâché Process
| 1) Soaking and Grinding: The process begins by soaking unpolished waste paper overnight and grinding it into a fine, fibrous pulp. |
 |
| 2) Preparing the Mixture: The mashed paper is laid out and prepared to combine with clay, ensuring a smooth consistency. |
 |
|
3) Adding White Clay: Khadiya mitti (white clay) is blended into the paper pulp to give it firmness and structure.
|
 |
|
4) Introducing Natural Gum: A solution of gum arabica, an edible glue, binds the pulp and clay together, ensuring flexibility and cohesion.
|
 |
|
5) Hand Mixing: Then we knead the mixture by hand, merging texture, moisture, and soul into one unified mass.
|
 |
|
6) Forming the Dough: After a few minutes of blending, a smooth, earthy dough takes shape, ready for moulding.
|
 |
|
7) Shaping the Design: The dough is portioned and shaped according to design, whether for a plate, sculpture, or small décor form.
|
 |
|
8) Rounding the Form: Each piece is gently shaped with skilled hands, ensuring symmetry and tactile quality.
|
 |
|
9) Flattening by Hand: The rounded form is pressed evenly by hand to create its foundational surface.
|
 |
|
10) Rolling for Uniformity: With a roller, artisans further flatten the material, achieving a consistent thickness across the surface.
|
 |
|
11) Cutting the Round Shape: Once rolled, the form is cut crisply into precise round shapes for finishing.
|
 |
|
12) Perfecting the Shape: The final round shape is inspected and refined until it feels balanced and proportionate.
|
 |
|
13) Preparing Surface Paste: A special mix of clay powder, water, and a secret natural ingredient is whisked into a smooth paste.
|
 |
|
14) Applying the Paste: This thin paste is brushed over the semi-dried form, sealing and refining its texture.
|
 |
|
15) Finishing Touch: The coated surface achieves a soft, natural sheen, ready to absorb paint, print, or hand texture.
|
 |
|
16) Ready for Artistry: The piece now awaits colour, pattern, or motif, becoming a unique expression of Aranya’s craft philosophy.
|
 |
Once dried, each pattern is hand-drawn, hand-painted, and finished with a coat of lacquer.
|
 |
Each creation, whether a hand-sculpted bowl or wall décor, embodies quiet beauty and thoughtfulness. These objects invite touch and contemplation, reminding us that slow art has its own magic. What makes our craft special is its purity: negligible electricity, no waste, no harm. Only hands, earth, and skill come together. At Aranya Earthcraft, we craft not just objects, but gentle promises to the planet - art that lives lightly on earth and forever in memory.