Download Teal Dragonfly Paperweight

Teal Dragonfly Paperweight
The Product
Lacquerware: Creating lacquerware is an ancient art, dating back to the 8th
century in Vietnam. Lacquer itself is a clear sap coming from any of six
species of “lacquer trees” growing throughout the country. Relatives of the
North American poison sumac and poison ivy, the wet sap of these trees causes
skin irritations and rashes. To harvest the lacquer, an incision is made in the
bark that allows the wet sap to ooze out and be collected in the pre-dawn
hours. One lacquer tree will yield only about one cup of sap during the
harvesting season.
The traditional process of creating lacquerware products from this sap is
involved, taking anywhere from 3 to 9 months to complete the many
applications and polishing steps! Decorative items made from wood and other
raw materials are coated with anywhere from 10-12 individual layers of
strained lacquer, dried in a dust-free environment, and sanded smooth.
Lacquer can take on a variety of appearances. Fresh lacquer, for example, is
white but turns brown upon exposure to air. Black lacquer is created when the
sap is stirred for a few days with an iron rod, causing a chemical reaction
between the lacquer and iron. Cinnabar, a colourful mineral, can also be added
to create several shades of red lacquer. Whatever the colour, the final coat is
sanded with fine coal powder and then polished and hand-rubbed until the
product gleams. A design may also be scratched on, painted or formed by
applying gold leaf.
Lacquerware: Lacquer is resistant to damage by water, acid, or abrasions,
but it can be harmed by direct sunlight. Clean using a mild soap and warm
water. Rinse and dry immediately.
The Artisan Group: MAI Vietnamese Handicrafts
Mai Handicrafts is a non-profit organization founded
in 1991 by two social workers concerned by the plight
of street children in Ho Chi Minh City. At the time,
schooling was only available to those who held legal
papers and could afford the tuition fees. Street
children, meeting neither of these requirements, were
therefore excluded. Mai Handicrafts gave work to
youth and provided them with informal literacy
Let these shimmering dragonflies
protect your work in style!
Created from natural river rocks,
each is sealed with sap, coated
with black lacquer, etched with
foil, painted and then polished
underwater to create lustre. The
perfect splash of colour.
Travel the world with each visit
to Ten Thousand Villages.
Learn how Fair Trade really
makes a difference. Our goal is to
provide vital, fair income to
artisans by marketing their
handicrafts and telling their
stories in North America. Ten
Thousand Villages sells product
from more than 30 countries,
providing work for nearly 60,000
people around the world.
classes. Now that schooling is free for all children in Vietnam, Mai Handicrafts has expanded their mandate to provide work
for the poor and marginalized, including women and ethnic minority groups.
Today, Mai Handicrafts works with 1,669 artisans in 26 producer groups – 90 percent of whom are women. The group runs
several craft production projects and markets the work of numerous other craft producers. During recent years, Mai has
established itself as the primary marketing agent for artisans from neglected families and women. It practices a model of
social development in which social service cannot be separated from economic self-reliance.
Mai Handicrafts’ artisans receive social and health care insurance benefits and can apply for scholarship funds. The
organization's sales fund various community development activities – chosen based on groups' needs – including clean water
projects, vocational training, equipment purchases and teacher wage subsidies. Mai has also responded to environmental
concerns by collecting waste material for recycling – some of which is utilized in the creation of new products. Looking for
ways to employ as many people as possible, Mai also hires young women to work after school cutting and forming boxes
rather than buying ready-made packaging materials.
The Country: Vietnam
Vietnam – the most populous country in mainland Southeast Asia – offers both sublime beauty and traditional charm.
Remarkable landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere indicate little of the country's long and troubled history of occupation and
war.
Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has faced the challenges of recovering from not only the lasting effects of conflict, but also
the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Since 1986, considerable progress has been made as the Communist Party of
Vietnam has begun introducing market elements as part of a broad economic reform package called doi moi (“renovation”).
These changes have dramatically transformed the country: over the last ten years, GDP has more than doubled and inflation
has come to low single-digit figures.
To keep up with the country’s rapid rate of population growth, Vietnam has also been working to promote job creation. Rural
unemployment, however, is estimated at 35% during non-harvest periods and urban unemployment has risen steadily as
people migrate to the cities in search of work. Alternative sources of income are critical in a society where roughly 65% of
the labour force works in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
Vietnam continues to experience positive dynamic change as it strives to become an industrialized nation by 2020. Despite its
poverty, it is a land of youthful hope and bustling enterprise. The economy is growing and trade is increasing. Rich in history,
culture and natural beauty, Vietnam is also becoming a major tourist destination.