A star design kolam made with wet rice paste on the floor.
After a break, I did this kolam with wet rice paste.
A viewer had asked about the procedure about preparing wet rice paste. Soak raw rice for 1 to 2 hours, then grind to a fine paste. The consistency of the paste should be of milk, not too thick nor too watery… If you are confident of drawing the design directly on floor proceed, if not outline the design with a chalkpiece. Use a cotton cloth as the liquid filler to draw the kolam. Immerse fully the cloth into the paste and take it in your palm, with the ring finger draw the design on the floor, by gently squeezing the liquid from the cloth. Immerse again for refill 🙂
If the design is drawn on rough surface for example on cement floor, the ring finger nail would vanish 🙁
To start, draw on a smooth floor granite or marble to get used with the drawing techniques, once if you get to know the angle the ring finger touches and the nail is unharmed then you have mastered it. Double stroke is by drawing middle and ring finger.
After drawing maakolam colours can be added or kaavi either in wet form or dry can be added for enhancement part 🙂
