The motifs and colour schemes used in Nattur petti is inspired from Kerala mural paintings. The enamel pigments are majorly used. The colors used are red, yellow, orange, black and green. The design inspirations are flora and fauna and a major use of elephant motifs. Elephants are having an inevitable role in the tradition and culture of Kerala since ancient days.
The painting of Nettur petti starts with making a fine surface. First a layer of gum is applied on the box thoroughly and good quality canvas is spread on it evenly. Once it is dry and stuck well on the wooden surface, a mixture of chalk powder and gum is applied and multiple layers are made like this. Later on it is kept for drying which may consume a day to get dry well. Once the surface is dried well enough, orange colour is painted on the surface. Once the paint is dry the surface of the box is smoothened with fine sandpaper to give a smooth surface finish which will help to create flawless design illustrations. After finishing the smoothening process, once again orange colour is painted on the box and kept it for drying. Illustrating designs on the surface takes time because it is absolutely done freehand. Only the designs of elephants are drown on the surface with the help of stencil. For easy sketching, the bristles of the brush are removed and a calligraphic nib is attached to crate fine and sharp lines.
