Dollying up an ancient craft

ARTISANS: NATURAL WOODS AND DYES USED FOR TOYS

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The whirr of machines and smell of carved wood hangs in the air of the Indian toy workshop, a centuries-old art form still in the game despite cheaper plastic alternatives.

India's town of Channapatna is famed for its wood and lacquer toys, carved from ivory wood from a local deciduous tree - and dipped in brightly coloured dye from natural ingredients, including turmeric and indigo.

"I felt interest in learning toy making after I saw people in my neighbourhood doing it," said toy maker Rupa, who uses only one name.

"I felt that I could also learn the craft."