Published 18:53 IST, July 13th 2019
This Manipur florist is making pretty dolls using a surprise waste material; Here's Neli Chachea's story
A florist from Manipur is set to revolutionize the concept of recycling waste by using it to make dolls
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A florist from Manipur is set to revolutionize the concept of recycling waste by using it to make dolls.
Neli Chachea, a florist by profession and hailing from the village of Songsong, has taken to making dolls using Silk and corn husk which is often disposed of by people as waste.
The body parts of the dolls are made of maize husks while the hair is made of maize silks. The dolls are decorated with suited dry flowers and are customised to meet the needs of the customers, with no effort being spared.
When asked about her skills, she told the media that the art runs in her family and has been passed down to her from her mother. She also expressed her wish to proliferate the business.
Recounting her experience, she further talked about how her mother had taught her this art as a child and that she took it up professionally in 2002. Now an expert at the craft, Neli is easily able to make 10-12 dolls a day with prices ranging from Rs.200 to 500 depending upon the design.
The Manipuri craftswoman's art found markets not only in the state but also in Nagaland, Imphal, Mumbai and other places across. Her dolls have been gaining popularity throughout and people have not only been loving her innovative and eco-friendly stance but she is also being offered invitations to display her art in exhibitions.
Neli Chachea had also participated in the 2nd International Flora Expo, 2007 at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in association with Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and was honoured for her contribution.
Apart from running her business, the artist is also engaged in training students in doll making and flower and basket arrangements at Mysore and Bhopal.
17:46 IST, July 13th 2019