File picture of Haji Md Yamin helping Michelle Obama try out his bangles

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 19: His expertise in crafting glass bangles floored even Michelle Obama, who had collected a dozen of Haji Md Yamin’s designs during her 2010 visit to India.

And now, the Aligarh craftsman’s creations are making city girls go crazy at the ongoing Cottonfab exhibition on Exhibition Ground.

The 66-year-old artisan has some trouble in hearing, but his works speak volumes. He belongs to a family that has been making bangles for four generations now.

This uniqueness lies in the fact that none of his bangles has been joined, but is made as a single entity.

Explaining the concept he says: “While making bangles, the various curves are joined at different points, but our trademark style is entirely different. By melting the glass at a very high temperature, one does not need any joints. Such a procedure can consume up to one quintal of wood in an hour which many may not prefer to do,” said the veteran in the field.

Another USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of his work are the colours that he claims are not dyed. “We take coloured glasses and mould them. We never use dyes as they can fade away with time. Also, we use the art of pasting a coloured glass on another at the molten stage that renders them a riot of hues,” adds the artisan.

Hailing from Aligarh, he has a shop in New Delhi that regularly does brisk business. Even here, he ran out of stock within a week. Though over the years he has created a loyal customer base in various cities that he has toured, his most cherished moment remains the time when he met the US first lady at National Handicrafts and Handlooms (Crafts) Museum in New Delhi.

“The security was so strict that at least five sniffer dogs came and snuffled us. The bangles we gifted her were monochromatic ones with golden streaks on them. She loved them,” said the craftsman, who along with Mohd Yasin, his son has also set up a separate kiosk of jewellery selling necklaces, rings and other accessories at the exhibition.

“I love the bangles they have brought. It’s different from what we usually get here,” said Sangita Swain, a college-goer about Haji’s works .