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        Dolls made by S R Geetha Kumari are a major attraction at the Poompuhar handicraft showroom on Anna Salai in Chennai.

        Dancing dolls, dolls depicting the culture of various states and idols of various dimensions speak volumes on the creative ability of the artisan.
 

Geetha Kumari learnt the craft as a hobby and her dolls are in good demand in India and abroad.

        She told News Today that her passion was to create as many dolls possible. 'Initially I learnt the craft as a hobby in my college days. But I was very keen about it and started working on cone shaped and wire dolls,' said Kumari, who holds a masters degree in economics.

        After her marriage, she settled down in Chennai and with the encouragement and support of her family she started working on the craft wholeheartedly.

        'In cone-shaped dolls, one has to draw the rough figure on cardboard and shape it according to the doll's size.

        The work is similar with wire dolls and wall hangings. This handicraft work needs a lot of patience and it also helps one to develop the same,' Kumari said.

        She is also teaching the craft to many people especially housewives. This has encouraged her to form a self-help group with assistance from her friends and students.

        'The craft works help some of the women to earn their livelihood. Usually during the Kolu and marriage season, cone and wire dolls are in great demand,' she said.

        'I want to popularise the craft work among women,' she added.

        The cost of the cone and wire dolls depends upon the size.

        'The price range is between Rs 50 and Rs 500. It will take at least three to four hours to make a cone doll and eight hours for a wire doll,' Kumari explained.

        Geetha Kumari has exhibited her works in a number of expositions and her works have been in good demand abroad.