The Jute Factory (CTB)

THE JUTE FACTORY By: Utkarsha Kohli & Vridhi Nawani

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vridhi Nawani

Vridhi Nawani is currently pursuing BA (Hons.) in Textile Design from Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi. Because of her father’s army background, she has explored a lot of places in India. Finally, she completed her schooling from Army Public School, Bangalore. Her key interests include traditional painting, sports (football and basketball), stamp collection and she is always fascinated with nature and wildlife.

She always follows the YOLO motto and that’s the reason she loves exploring even small places. She is very fond of shortcuts as they are fun and puzzling and enjoyable too.

She strongly believes that participation, interaction and gaining experience are the most important things in life. They can change one’s personality all together. She is a very good Madhubani painter, she is a lot into traditional art. Seeing people not really bothering about the handmade art makes her disappointed. Therefore, keeping in mind the ignorance of the crafts produced in India, this book has been printed.

She can be contacted at: nawani.vridhi@gmail.com

Utkarsha Kohli

Utkarsha Kohli is a student of BA (Hons.) in Fashion Media Communication in Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi. She has always been interested in working in such professional and creative field. She has completed her schooling from Delhi Public School, Ranipur (Haridwar). She is very passionate about establishing herself as a professional photographer in future. Clicking people is what I want to live for. Other interests include listening to music; almost every genre is liked by her. She likes to travel a lot and meet new people, though she is quiet most of the times. But she enjoys herself fully at all times and places.

She believes that a person should always be in touch with his or her roots. Culture and traditions should never be forgotten and people should value each other and their relationships with other people. She is herself very much attached to her family and all the close people she has in her life. Due to the same fact, she has due respect for the traditional crafts that are produced in our country. This book also is an effort from her side to promote such skills and crafts which are being lost somewhere in this world of technology.

She can be contacted at: kohli_utkarsha@yahoo.co.in

PREFACE

This book is one step forward to save the jute handicraft of India. Every craft comprises the hard work and dedication of the rural and tribal people of an area. It requires the attention and appreciation of the people. But such crafts are not getting the respect they deserve, so we want people to look beyond the exported stuff and just look what the people of their country are capable of. It is an art that needs to be preserved. In this context, we present to you this noteworthy example of how we can help sustain the beautiful jute crafts created by our own counterparts.

The book contains all the priceless information and some breathtaking images of the jute crafts that will compel you to think that it is something that can make our earth healthy once we start using it.

Because of the biodegradable and eco friendly characteristic of jute, it has the capability of creating a shift from the use of plastic items to something much more sustainable. We hope that after going through this book, you will have a different view about the jute products; you will be able to give them the respect they deserve and also include them in your daily routine.

Extensive research had to be done to accomplish this task. It included visits to the prestigious Surajkund Mela, Dilli Haat and the West Bengal Emporium in New Delhi. Online books also helped us in our research. Personal interviews of the craftsmen and the people in NGO’s were also taken. The whole experiencing of researching, clicking pictures, taking interviews and compiling all the information was amazing. We enjoyed a lot during all this. Working with jute handicraft has left us with a strong belief in sustainability and renewability. Its biodegradable nature has inspired us a lot and we’ll now prefer using such sustainable items more frequently.

Utkarsha Kohli & Vridhi Nawani

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Throughout the process of writing this book, many individuals have taken time out to help us out. We’d like to give a special thanks to jute craftsman whom we met in the Surajkund Mela, Faridabad, Her name is Seva Rani Poddar from West Bengal, a national awardee. She helped us with all the necessary information about the jute crafts. Without her insights or contributions, portions of this book may not have been possible.

Secondly, we want to thank our mentor, Ms. Jyoti Manral, our Design Concepts Professor, for her valuable inputs and suggestions at every step of creating this venture.

CONTENTS About the Author Preface Acknowledgement 1. Introduction to Jute Fibre 2. Cultivation and Production of Jute 3. Usage in Daily Routine 4. Features of the Golden Fibre 5. Introduction to Jute Handicrafts 6. The Traditional Shika 7. 7.1 Traditional designs and motifs 7.2 Organized development of the craft 7.3 New products and techniques 8. Declining International Demand 9. The Origin and History of the craft 10. Cultural Significance 11. Jute Idols of Gods and Goddesses 12. Jute DĂŠcor 13. Jute Clothing 14. Jute Jewellery 15. Jute Footwear 16. Jute Bags 17. Jute Swings 18. Jute Dolls References

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West Bengal and Bangladesh map (http://www.geocurrents.info/geopolitics/india%E2%80%99s-second-mostdangerous-border)

Bangladesh's 'golden fibre‘ By Anbarasan Ethirajan BBC News, Dhaka (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14791644)

INTRODUCTION TO JUTE FIBRE Jute is a natural fibre with golden and silky shine. That is the reason it is known as the ‘Golden Fibre’ of India. It is a long and soft fibre that can be spun into coarse and strong threads.

It is produced from the plants in the genus Corchorus, which was once classified with the family Tiliaceae and has now been reclassified as belonging to the family Sparrmanniaceae. It is the cheapest vegetable fibre and the second most important vegetable fibre after cotton, in terms of usage, global consumption, production and availability.

It has high tensile strength, low extensibility and ensures better breathability of fabrics. Its luster determines quality; the more it shines, the better the quality. It also has some heat and fire resistance along with bio-degradable features.

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Jute has been used since ancient times in Africa and Asia to provide cordage and weaving fibre from the stem and food from the leaves. History also states that Indians, specially Bengalis, used ropes and twines made of white jute from ancient times for household and other uses.

In India, Calcutta (now Kolkata) had the raw material close by as the jute growing areas were mainly in Bengal. There was an abundant supply of labor, ample coal for power and the city was ideally suited for shipping to world markets.

The first jute mill was established at Rishra, on the river Hooghly near Calcutta in 1855.

From top to bottom: 1. Corchorus plant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corcho rus) 2. Jute thread waste and selvedges (http://www.alibaba.com/productsdirectory/recommended-jutethread-waste.html)

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CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTION OF JUTE Jute needs a plain alluvial soil and standing water. The suitable climate for growing jute (warm and wet) is offered by the monsoon climate, during the monsoon season. It has little need for fertilizer or pesticides, in contrast to cotton's heavy requirements.

Production is concentrated mostly in India's state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The jute fibre comes from the stem and ribbon (outer skin) of the jute plant.

The fibres are first extracted by retting. The retting process consists of bundling jute stems together and immersing them in slow running water. There are two types of retting: stem and ribbon.

After the retting process, stripping begins; women and children usually do this job. In the stripping process, nonfibrous matter is scraped off, then the workers dig in and grab the fibres from within the jute stem.

India is the world's largest producer of jute.

India, Pakistan, and China import significant quantities of jute fibre and products from Bangladesh, as does the United Kingdom, Japan, United States, France, Spain, Germany and Brazil.

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Jute farmer_jute process (http://www.myshutterspace.com/photo/jute-farmer-juteprocess?xg_source=activity#!/photo/jute-farmer-jute-process-1?context=user)

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Jute Curtains at Dilli Haat, INA

USAGE IN DAILY ROUTINE

Fancy jute bag (http://www.shaktibigbags.com/fancyjute-bag-578299.html)

Jute is used chiefly to make cloth for wrapping bales of raw cotton, and to make sacks and coarse cloth.

The fibres’ are also woven into curtains, chair coverings, carpets, area rugs, hessian cloth, and backing for linoleum.

Jute is regularly used in the production of clothes, particularly sweaters and underwear. Its soft fabric structure is known to be very comfortable to the person wearing it and therefore, popularity for jute clothes has increased significantly over the last decade.

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Jute butts, the coarse ends of the plants, are used to make inexpensive cloth. Conversely, very fine threads of jute can be separated out and made into imitation silk.

Jute is also used to make ghillie suits, which are used as camouflage and resemble grasses or brush.

Army snipers wearing ghillie suits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hires_2010-10-20081038c.jpg)

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Jute insulation pad (http://www.rbcomponents.com/accessories/insulation/jute-insulation-pad-27-oz.html)

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FEATURES OF THE GOLDEN FIBRE 1. Advantages of jute include good insulating and antistatic properties, as well as having low thermal conductivity and a moderate moisture regain.

2. Other advantages of jute include acoustic insulating properties and manufacture with no skin irritations.

3. Jute has the ability to be blended with other fibres’, both synthetic and natural, and accepts cellulosic dye classes such as natural, basic, vat, sulfur, reactive, and pigment dyes.

4. Jute can also be blended with wool. By treating jute with caustic soda, crimp, softness, pliability, and appearance is improved, aiding in its ability to be spun with wool.

5. Liquid ammonia has a similar effect on jute, as well as the added characteristic of improving flame resistance when treated with flame proofing agents.

6. Jute has a decreased strength when wet, and also becomes subject to microbial attack in humid climates.

7. Jute can be processed with an enzyme in order to reduce some of its brittleness and stiffness.

8. Once treated with an enzyme, jute shows an affinity to readily accept natural dyes, which can be made from marigold flower extract.

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Jute dolls by Smt. Seva Rani Poddar at Surajkund Crafts Mela 2014

JUTE HANDICRAFTS Jute handicrafts are much fancied and are finding its way, at a great pace, amongst the Interior decorating industry and is presently being viewed as the most preferred decorative fabric which gives Jute handicrafts the unique position as a decorative art medium and a decorating idea.

Interior decorators, are also more inclined these days to use Jute products for their interior design jobs. Be it for home interior design or office, conference room, hotel interior decorating, decorating the reception counters, open air parties and a host of other events.

The area in which the Jute handicrafts are being used are varied and many, which, inter alia, include tapestry, wall hangings, wall decoration, wall tapestry, wall covering, relief carving, Jute sculpture, wall pictures, welcome motifs for exhibition venues which add an ethnic touch and above all a totally new and exquisite outlook apart from being Eco-friendly.

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Various jute based eco-friendly products mainly fashion-jewellery and other jute decor,, all these products are extremely feasible in the market and have uprising demand and have created a very healthy market in our country and also exported abroad. Jute bags, also have a sky-rocketing demand in the market.

Jute crafts are fabricated in rural and tribal areas of India., where it is known as the ‘Golden Fibre’. It is highly in demand and use because of its bio-degradable and renewable nature, high tensile strength and durability.

Some of the early jute products include cloth of different varieties, substitutes of silk, curtains, carpets, gunny bags and cordage.

An intricate braided design emerges from the long skeins of jute to create bags, table mats, wall hangings, floor mats. Finely woven braids or plain golden strands are knotted or coiled to produce motifs and patterns. Solid squares, circles and hexagons are used frequently to create products of charm and utility.

An experimental fusion of jute with silk or cotton has produced a diversity of products and colors that are innovative and unusual. Embellished with embroidery, cushion covers, drapes and upholstery are being experimented with. In the world of fashion and design, it is popular for upholstery and other household items.

Jute wallets at Dilli Haat, INA

Jute bags at Dilli Haat, INA

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THE TRADITIIONAL SHIKA Women of the villages of Dhaka indicated that jute products offered most promising options. Apart from commercial value, the fibre is used for a variety of household articles like shika, a versatile storage hung from ceiling of a rural home.

Small groups of women started producing shikas for the local markets and gradually for Dhaka market. Beautifully woven into braids or twine, the fibre created varieties of shikas.

The traditional shika which was used to hang cooking pots and vessels, quilts (during long summer months), has been transformed into a variety of plant holders and other decorative items.

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Nakshi shika, found in every Bangladesh household (http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/N_ 0032.htm)

Jute swing at Dilli Haat

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Jute made human being with a fan in his hand (by Seva Rani, Surajkund Mela)

TRADITIONAL DESIGNS AND MOTIFS Traditional designs like sata dali (many tiered), korani (grater), jhumka (earrings), beri phool and kadam phooli (flower), pata (leaves), jali (net), notkol and anarashi (fruits), mayur buti (peacock motif) and turiya (grain) caught the attention of early buyers and have retained their international appeal.

Owl and bags made of jute, Dilli Haat

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NEW TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTS New techniques like macramĂŠ allowed a wide range of products.

The new range of products derived their names from the women who produced it or the village in which it has been produced. Thus a new plant holder is called shanti and the new bag is named after Satkhira.

ORGANISED DEVELOPMENT OF THE CRAFT The economic crisis in 1972 after the war of independence, led to the need for large scale organized development of crafts.

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Jute bags at Dilli Haat

Jute footwear at Dilli Haat

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DECLINING INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEMAND More than 2 lakh women worked with jute crafts in the peak years of 1978-1979. But now the diminished international market demand has forced many of them to move away from this field.

Effort is being invested by non-profit organizations in Bangladesh and abroad to develop a network of alternative marketing opportunities to sustain the women who still depend on it as a major source of income for the entire family.

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Smt. Seva Rani Poddar making jute bangles at Surajkund Mela

THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE JUTE CRAFT Jute products have their origin in rural Bangladesh. Several historical documents (including, Ain-e-Akbari by AbulFazal in 1590) state that the poor villagers of India used to wear clothes made of jute. Simple handlooms and hand spinning wheels were used by the weavers, who used to spin cotton yarns as well.

For centuries, jute has been an integral part of culture of Bengal, in the entire southwest of Bangladesh and some portions of West Bengal, India. During the British Raj in the 19th and early 20th centuries, much of the raw jute fibre of Bengal was carried off to the United Kingdom, where it was then processed in mills concentrated in Dundee. Initially, due to its texture, it could only be processed by hand until it was discovered in that city that treating it with whale oil, it could be treated by machine. The industry boomed ("jute weaver" was a recognized trade occupation in the 1901 UK census), but this trade had largely ceased by about 1970 due to the appearance of synthetic fibers.

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In the 1950s and 1960s, when nylon and polythene were rarely used, one of the primary sources of foreign exchange earnings for the erstwhile United Pakistan was the export of jute products, based on jute grown in then East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

Jute has been called the "Golden Fiber of Bangladesh." However, as the use of polythene and other synthetic materials as a substitute for jute increasingly captured the market, the jute industry in general experienced a decline.

During some years in the 1980s, farmers in Bangladesh burnt their jute crops when an adequate price could not be obtained. Many jute exporters diversified away from jute to other commodities. Jute-related organizations and government bodies were also forced to close, change or downsize. The long decline in demand forced the largest jute mill in the world to close.

Farmers in Bangladesh have not completely ceased growing jute, Between 20042009, the jute market recovered and the price of raw jute increased more than 200 percent. Jute has entered many diverse sectors of industry, where natural fibers are gradually becoming better substitutes.

Smt. Seva Rani Poddar

Smt. Seva Rani Poddar

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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE For centuries, jute has been an integral part of the culture of East Bengal, in the entire southwest of Bangladesh. Since the seventeenth century, the British East India Company started trading in Jute.

During the reign of the British Empire Jute was also used in the military.

English Jute Barons grew rich processing jute and selling manufactured products made from jute.

Dundee Jute Barons and the British East India Company set up many jute mills in Bengal and by 1895 jute industries in Bengal overtook the Scottish jute trade. Many Scots immigrated to Bengal to set up jute factories.

More than a billion jute sandbags were exported from Bengal to the trenches during World War I and also exported to the United States southern region to bag cotton. It was used in the fishing, construction, art and the arms industry.

Since the middle of the 19th century, jute remained the most important packaging material for millions of tonnes of wheat, rice, flour, coarse grains, sugar, coffee beans, cotton, wool, cement, fertilizers, pesticides, and numerous other commodities.

Even today, jute provides employment to millions of farming families, and workers in the Indian subcontinent. A large number of people also earn their livelihood providing services to jute related activities, which include agents in the rural areas and balers, traders, exporters, transporters, shippers, future traders and financiers in urban areas.

Jute sector is helping to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment , since many women, mainly in rural areas , are directly involved with the production of craft items using jute as the main raw material. Besides, a significant part of the family labour used in the jute cultivation especially postharvest activities i.e. retting, fibre extracting, washing and drying comes from women.

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Jute Table Tops and Coasters, Dilli Haat

Jute Necklace with brown beads, Surajkund Mela

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Jute Idols of Gods and Goddesses

Traditional idol of Goddess Durga constructed with the artistic uses of jute sticks and fibre power.

By: Kolkata based clay artisan Gurupada Panda. (http://www.tripurainfo.com/info/durgapuja/pole.ht m)

LA PIETA jute sculpture by : M. S. International (An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company), Kolkata (http://www.indiamart.com/msinternational-kolkata/jutesculptures.html)

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A unique idol of Goddess Durga made off with artistic uses of jute. Artist Satyaprasad Roy of college tilla giving the final touches in his jute made idols for the community puja organizer Krishnagar boys club of Agartala. (http://www.tripurainfo.com/Info/Albums/ShowPhot o.aspx?PhotoId=5678)

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Face of Goddess Durga with Gorgeous Crown made of Jute – Wall Hanging (https://www.dollsofin dia.com/product/terra cotta-sculpture/faceof-goddess-durgawith-gorgeouscrown-made-of-jutewall-hangingterracotta-and-juteHC24.html)

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Lord Ganesha Sitting on Throne made of Jute - Wall Hanging (https://www.dollsofin dia.com/product/terra cotta-sculpture/lordganesha-sitting-onthrone-made-of-jutewall-hangingterracotta-and-juteHC25.html)

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From left to right:

1. Face of Goddess Kali with Gorgeous Crown made of Jute - Wall Hanging (https://www.dollsofindia.com/product/terracotta-sculpture/face-of-goddess-kali-withgorgeous-crown-made-of-jute-wall-hanging-terracotta-and-jute-HC27.html) 2. Terracotta and jute wall hanging. The crown and other ornaments are painstakingly crafted with jute (http://www.dollsofindia.com/images/products/terracotta-statues/face-of-goddess-durgawith-gorgeous-crown-made-HC28_l.jpg)

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Lord Buddha Jute Sculpture By : M. S. International (An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company), Kolkata (http://www.indiamart.com/m s-international-kolkata/jutesculptures.html)

Nataraja Jute Model By : M. S. International (An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company), Kolkata (http://www.indiamart.com/m s-international-kolkata/jutesculptures.html)

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JUTE DECOR

Jute cushion covers at Dilli Haat, INA

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Burlap Bow Pillow Cover (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/57280226481414575/)

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Jute chandelier (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/572802 26481203910/)

Burlap, doily and rhinestone pillow (http://www.pinterest.c om/pin/12138615243 0873785/)

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Jute chandelier (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/57 280226481203906/)

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From left to right: 1. Burlap ottoman cover (http://www.pinteres t.com/pin/57280226 480981664/) 2. Jute table mats and coasters at Dilli Haat, INA 3. Burlap holder (http://remppahaikar a.blogspot.in/2011/0 9/sakkikangas.html)

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Burlap vases (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/57280226480981581/)

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Burlap Lamp Shade (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/572802 26480981587/)

Twine ball with flowers (http://bridalsnob.tumblr.com/post/8736 305091/wedding-centerpiece-ideatwine-ball-w-flowers)

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JUTE CLOTHING Jute sarees are made from cotton or silk fabrics. Jute sarees are known for its durability and design. It is the most versatile fabric after cotton. Designer Jute saree are available in silk and cotton sarees. Patch work with Jute looks elegant. Crepe, georgette, chiffon and super net saris engraved with jute patch work are quiet trendy and graceful.

Jute Kurta with Handwork (http://www.jewellerynfashion.com/blockprinted-cloths.php)

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Jute saree (http://fashionsalwarsuits.blogspot.in/2013/06/online-jute-sarees-inlondon.html)

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Cute shabby chic hat for the summer, love the lace! (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/57280226480939957/)

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Country Chic French Rustic Chestnut Brown and Ivory Toile Burlap Stocking (http://www.pinterest .com/pin/572802264 81302892)

Burlap and sparkle cap (http://www.laposhstyle.com/your-go-to-cap-khakibrown-9047.html)

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From left to right: 1. Windowpane cashmere by Peligrosa. (http://juteandjackfruit.files.wordpress.com/2008/04 /windowpane-jacket.jpg) 2. Lavennder Women's Beige Jute Coat (http://www.homeshop18.com/lavennder-womenbeige-jutecoat/clothing/women/product:30515417/cid:1658/) 3. Milly - Jute Sheath Dress (http://www.thisnext.com/item/F26BF789/MillyJute-Sheath-Dress)

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Jute Jewellery in Rustic designs with a bold statement, fits in any fashion costume or ethnic wear (http://www.tradeindia.com/fp1527553/Jute-Jewellery.html)

JUTE JEWELLERY Yet another innovative product range made from the natural fibre jute is the ornaments and jewelry sector. These constitute designer necklace sets, ear rings, hair clips, bangles, bracelets and the like.

Needless to impress upon the use of biodegradable ingredients in our daily lives in an effort to protect the environment, these exclusively handcrafted jute ornaments and Jute jewelry are trendy, eco friendly and biodegradable.

Since these necklace sets, ear rings, hair clips, bangles are made from the natural fiber Jute, so there is no chance for any adverse impact on the skin.

These ornaments and costume jewelry being innovative and colorful, it becomes very easy for the user to stand out from the crowd and these ornaments can be made to match with any type of costume, be it casual or be it party wear.

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From top to bottom: 1. Jute Jewellery: Earrings (http://kolkata.olx.in/jute-jewellry-iid567584669) 2. Jute Jewellery: hair clips (http://www.jutee.com/product.php?parentid =1&catid=8&productid=258) 3. Jute Jewellery: Bracelets ( http://kolkata.olx.in/jute-jewellry-iid567584669)

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Designer jute Jewellery (http://www.msinternational2011. com/designer-jute-jewellery818621.html)

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Necklace set decorated with jute locket and colorful circular beads. (http://www.craftsvilla.com/exclusive-jute-jewellery-king.html)

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Juicy Couture "Wave Catcher Key Items" Rhinestone Jute Single UV Orange Wrap Bracelet- - designer shoes, handbags, jewelry, watches, and fashion (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/278238083202410597/ Accessories) | endless.com

SAILOR rope bracelet with gold chain jute by brideblu on Etsy (http://www.pinteres t.com/pin/29632285 0452905962/)

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Forgiven Jewelry - Wood & Jute with Cross Bead Bracelet. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/278238083202410590/)

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Designer jute set (http://www.juteslippers.com/images/products/Ornaments/JTG-21.jpg)

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Exclusive Jute Jewellery-Bernadette (http://www.craftsvilla.com/exclusive-jutejewellery-bernadette.html)

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Isola Olencia Patent Jute Wedge. (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/FkDhuRPivdM/T2uOJvmeqJI/AAAAAAAAAMk/VSYVHQs5mbQ/s1600/IMG_9925.JPG)

JUTE FOOTWEAR The natural fibre is durable yet understated and lends itself suitably to rough use. Jute happens to be the second most vital fibre following cotton. However, jute has recently begun to pop back up on the radar for reasons completely different from what you can expect from the material – fashion.

Jute has managed carved out a niche fan following for itself in the global style industry and is making its presence felt as a fabulous, eco friendly material in the field of footwear. Jute is categorized as an eco friendly fibre due to its high capacity to absorb moisture, drainage characteristics and flexibility.

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From top to bottom: 1. Jute bellies (http://www.greendiary.com/ecofriendly-jute-shoes-take-thefashion-world-bystorm.html/41peddsxpyl) 2. Jute shoes (http://www.greendiary.com/ecofriendly-jute-shoes-take-thefashion-world-by-storm.html/juteshoes-812431) 3. Jute shoes (http://www.greendiary.com/ecofriendly-jute-shoes-take-thefashion-world-by-storm.html/esqkeds-jute-shoes-050712-xlg)

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But this is not the first time that jute has been made use of in the footwear industry. The material is considerably popular for the purpose of manufacture of jute slippers, jute shoes, jute mojris and even juttis made of jute.

The popularity of jute footwear has considerably increased since the sale of such footwear is no longer limited to the shoe shops; in fact, popular online shopping websites have begun to showcase jute footwear which can be purchased by customers.

The present scenario is just the tip of the iceberg though, since the popularity of jute footwear is bound to increase steadily in the coming years.

Jute Decorative Footwear / Slippers (http://indianjuteproducts.blogspot.i n/2011/09/jute-decorativefootwear-slippers.html)

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Lady's high wedge jute shoes for summer collection Espadrille Shoes (http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v2/1249140633/fashion_lady_s_high_wedge_jute_shoes.jpg)

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Handcrafted jute sandals (http://www.craftsvilla.com/jute-sandals-007online-shopping-for-footwear-bykasitoo.html)

Jute sandals (http://www.juteproductsindia.com /jute-footwear/jute-sandals.html)

Jute footwears can be availed in a wide range of designs, styles and colors. They are available in natural beige colors and in varied vibrant colors after dying, treating and bleaching them.

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Hotel slippers (http://www.indiamart.com/touchewood/jutefootwear.html)

Jute sandals can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth as well mild soap after getting dirty. After washing and cleaning them, they can be easily dried out in sun to get them ready to be worn again.

These are considered as the perfect option for those who have sensitive skin.

They keep the skin of feet soft, dry as well as smooth with their natural abilities. As jute sandals are designed from the organic fiber which is soft and shiny, they provide the user with complete comfort and soothe.

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Cloth lunch bag with Handle, Re-useable lunch sack, washable lunch bag (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/573857177490902746/)

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JUTE BAGS

Neat Halloween burlap gift bag. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4469 82331737598623/)

The jute bags made out these eco friendly products are not only very trendy and elegant, but also a statement of your concern for the environment.

The jute bags if buried will completely decompose into the soil within a few months hence is completely bio degradable.

The gift packaging made out of jute project the extra care that you have taken in the selection of the packaging which is not only environment safe but is also reusable a number of times.

A regular jute bag can carry about 15 kgs of weight and can be used multiple times without losing its shape or fraying.

Chevron and Burlap bag. (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/519884 350704937671/)

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From left to right: 1. Happy Jute Tote (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/519884350704937677/) 2. Wedding Date Wine Gift Bag Burlap Personalized Mr. by Tumble WeedCH ( http://www.pinterest.com/pin/519884350706408777/)

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From top to bottom: 1. Jute string side bag at Dilli Haat, INA 2. monogrammed jute cosmetic bags (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/573857 177490942752/)

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Large Jute Handbag at Dilli Haat, INA

Burlap and leather bag (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/12138615 2430852788/)

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Bag customized with buttons (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/446982331737598388/)

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Handmade Jute Swing (http://www.handcraft.co.in/ jute-crafts/101-jute-swingfull-support.html)

DOWBLE Garden dolna for adult (http://www.dryflower.in/dolna_jhulla)

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Jute Swings

Jute Jhulla (http://www.dryflower.in/dolna_jhulla)

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Jute Dolls and other sculptures by Smt. Seva Rani Poddar at Surajkund Mela, 2014

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JUTE DOLLS

Close-up of Jute Dolls by Smt. Seva Rani Poddar

Jute Doll - Wall Hanging (http://www.dollsofindia.com/product/embroider y-on-cloth/jute-doll-wall-hanging-CW43.html)

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REFERANCES 1. http://www.indianetzone.com/40/jute_crafts.htm 2. http://www.jutee.com/ 3. http://www.indiamart.com/ms-international-kolkata/jute-sculptures.html 4. .http://books.google.co.in/books?id=r0gH_ID_AMcC&pg=PA113&lpg=PA113&dq=cultural +significance+jute+handicraft&source=bl&ots=6fWa4ejnxE&sig=vNsL0WNvE22RqwWC3 wcC6p4YqI0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=moIcU5mlBIyYrAf-oDYDA&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=cultural%20significance%20jute%20handi craft&f=false 5. http://fashionsalwarsuits.blogspot.in/2013/06/online-jute-sarees-in-london.html 6. http://www.juteslippers.com/Ornaments.htm 7. http://www.greendiary.com/eco-friendly-jute-shoes-take-the-fashion-world-bystorm.html 8. http://www.juteproductsindia.com/jute-footwear/jute-sandals.html 9. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/jute 10. http://m.dictionary.com/definition/jute 11. http://wigglesworthfibres.com/products/synthetics/Jute%20Yarn%20and%20Products/use sofjute.html 12. Both the photographs on the cover page were taken by us at Dilli Haat, INA

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THE JUTE FACTORY