THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lavanya Kannan never expected that a doll she made from old newspaper as a gift for her husband would become so popular. After her dolls went viral, Lavanya received Tamil Nadu’s Best Woman Doll Maker award. Lavanya, who worked as a cabin crew member with Air India Express, now also works as a trainer at the State Resource Centre, teaching aviation, art and craft, and fashion designing.

With a degree in fashion design, Lavanya has always been active in art and craft work. She often gifts the handmade items she creates to her husband, Mahesh. One day, due to her approaching delivery and being unable to go out to buy materials, she decided to try making a doll from newspaper. Mahesh loved it. After that, she created many newspaper dolls in different shapes and styles. Originally from Coimbatore, Lavanya has been living in Kazhakootam for 10 years. She has a daughter, Mrudula.

Acrylic paint to add colour

The dolls are first shaped with straw and glued together. Acrylic paint is used to add colour. Making these dolls requires patience and focus. Lavanya also makes “culling dolls.” The height of the dolls ranges from 1 foot to 2 feet, and they are durable, lasting as long as needed.

Price

Lavanya makes a variety of dolls, including lady dolls, male dolls and children's dolls. She customises them according to customer requests. Prices range from Rs 300 to Rs 1000, with some costing even more.

The main reason behind making newspaper dolls was to surprise her husband. I never expected them to become this popular.

-Lavanya Kannan