Lippan art, also known as mud mirror work, is a traditional Indian craft that involves creating intricate designs using mirrors and clay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Lippan masterpiece:
image courtesy: wikimedia commons
Preparation Phase:
Clean the Surface: Ensure the wall or surface where you’ll create Lippan art is clean and free from dust and debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down and let it dry completely.
Mixing Mud and Creating Base:
Proper Mud Consistency: Mix clay or mud with water to create a thick, workable consistency. This will serve as the base for your Lippan design. Many people nowadays use synthetic clays to do Lippan Craft; where you need to mix both the parts (Epoxy and Resin) in equal proportion, mix them well, and roll it.
Creating Mirror Patterns:
Sketching Design Outlines: Begin by drawing a rough sketch of the design you want to create on the surface using a pencil. Having a clear idea beforehand helps avoid mistakes. If you are not confident of directly sketching, you can use the designs printed on a tracing paper, and transfer it to the surface using carbon paper. Some premium kits provide yellow carbon or white carbon so that there are no smudges on the surface.
Using Outliners: Trace the design using outliners—special tubes filled with paint that create thin lines. You can use different colors for a vibrant look.
Decorating with Details:
Adding Intricate Designs with Clay: Apply the mud mixture within the traced lines. Use your fingers or tools to create intricate patterns. This step adds depth and texture to your design.
Decorate using mirror pieces and stones: While the clay is still wet, affix the mirror pieces and colourful stones so that they stick properly to the piece.
Finishing Touches:
Smoothing out Surfaces: After adding the clay details, smooth out any rough surfaces. Ensure the mud layer is even and consistent.
Your Lippan art is now ready! You can hang it on the wall or any other place you think it would look attractive.
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