coconut

Raw Materials

1.Coconut shell craft

Coconut shell is bought from coconut growers and from farmers who scoop out the coconut

for sale in the market, also selling the dried shell. The coconut is scooped out by making a

small neat hole. Shells are available in different shapes and sizes. The price for a big round

shell is Rs 10 while for a small one it is Rs 6.

coconut shell

The coconut shells are obtained from various coconut farms located in Tiptur, Tumkur and

Hasan. Raw material is normally available easily. However coconut shell of a particular

shape and size if required for an order takes a long time to collect.

(prices as in 2007).

2.Coconut wood craft

Coconut wood is known for its spotted grain. This varies from one portion to the other even

in a small piece, and this irregularity makes it unique and beautiful.

coconut wood

Coconut wood is obtained from 60 to 70 year-old trees which no longer yield fruit. The tree

is selected by an experienced person who can gauge the texture of the wood by looking at

the tree. The grains in the wood are determined by the soil quality and the geographical

location.

In a coconut tree the usable timber is the portion between the inner core and the outer

bark. This usable woody section is only 2” thick. The texture and quality of timber is not

guaranteed and at times only the first 7 feet from the ground yield wood with grain.

The timber is seasoned for two to three months. The seasoned timber is cut to size as per

the product requirement. The current rate for coconut wood is Rs 1300/ft

(prices as in 2007).

Process

Coconut shell craft

The craft production process for the shell craft is as follows:

1. Choosing the right shell for the product that has to be developed.
2. Scraping the surface of the shell with files to clean the husk on the shell, thus making it smooth. 
3. The shell is cut open with a hack-saw, the cut determined by the shape and size of the product to be made.
4. Smaller portions are cut from the hemispherical cut open shell with a hack saw. The shape to be cut is drawn on the inside of the shell and the bow blade is inserted through a small hole. In case of a complicated design, for example if a piece of jewelry is to be made, a photocopied paper stencil is stuck on the inside surface of the shell and the design is curved out using a bow blade. If a circle is to be cut then a paper stencil is made. This is stuck on the inside surface of a cut portion of a shell, the bow blade is inserted and the circle curved out from the shell. Smaller elements are cut and stuck on to the main piece for ornamentation.
5. After a shape is cut out, the edges are made smooth by filing or by sanding with sand paper.
6. This process is followed repeatedly till the finish is satisfactory.
7.  After the article is made small hooks are attached if required. This is done by drilling a small hole and sticking the metal hook using a strong adhesive such as Fevikwik.
8. In case of a bigger object such as an ice cream cup or a bowl, the whole shell is used by cutting it as per the required size. Various designs are engraved in the shell using a file.
9. After the object is made it is sanded with sand paper till it is smooth. It is then polished with bees wax. Alternatively, if a glossy finish is desired, it is given a coat of synthetic varnish. If the surface is to have a dark finish then it is painted before the varnish coat is applied. The inside of the object in this case is first rubbed with sand paper to get the desired smoothness and then it is buffed on the machine. No varnish or bees wax is applied on the inside if the object is to hold foodstuff.
10. The piece is dried in the sun.

Coconut Wood Craft

The craft production process for the wood craft is as follows:

1. The design is sketched on paper with measurement details.
2. Wood is placed in the turning machine. In case of small products such as pen
   holders/candle holders, three to four products are carved out from a piece of timber
   and the whole piece is put on the turning machine. After the outside surface designs
   have been carved for all the pieces, the combined piece is removed. Individual pieces
   are then cut and put again on the turning machine to scoop out and create the
   hollow inside.
3. The artisan marks the design areas by measuring with a scale and holding a pencil at
   that point against the rotating wood. He then holds an assortment of chisels, sand
   paper and files against the rotating timber to carve out the designs and to create the
   shapes for a particular product.
4. At each stage sanding is done to make the surface smooth. Finally buffing is done for
   the inside surface in case of a hollow product or serving bowl. Small pores, which are
   characteristic of any wood, are filled with a paste of Fevicol and saw dust and then
   filed/sanded.
5. For hollow products such as pen holders / candle holders / bowls, the individual
   pieces are cut from the main block of wood and the wood from the inside is scooped
   out.
6. If a photo frame is to be made then the wood is first sanded and filed and the
   members of the photo frame are cut in a photo frame cutting machine. This cuts the
   wood with an angle to make the frame. The inclined cut is joined with the other
   member using Fevicol.
7. The inside portion is buffed on the machine and if the product is to hold food no
   other finishing coat is applied.
8. A coat of varnish is applied and dried to give a shine to the product. For any product
   
   
   in which foodstuff is to be kept only bees wax is applied.