The Fair Trade journey continues, The Lao Song Handcraft Group
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The Lao Song Handcraft Group Thailand
About one and a half hours drive from the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, are the Lao Song Group of Artisans. After driving up and down narrow roads surrounded by rice fields we arrived at the house where some of the artisans had gathered to meet us. The wooden house , built high off the ground is typical of homes in this area.
The Lao Song group of artisans comprises thirty ladies and three men. This most versatile group handstitch the most delightful decorations and soft toys. The stitching is so fine that I asked twice if the stitching is by hand or by machine.
I was reassured that everything is handstitched( except zips which require the extra strength of stitching by the treadle sewing machines)
On the day that we visited, a group of twelve women and one man had gathered. They sat quietly on the wooden floor. Displayed in front of them was a wonderful diverse selection of their products. I was told by Wantana Tianhom , their kind and caring leader , that most of the artisans involved in this group have health problems. Lui was one of the ladies who had gathered to meet us. She had only recently returned from hospital after having a below knee amputation due to diabetes. Many of the artisans suffer from diabetes, cancer and thyroid problems. When they receive orders for their products there is much joy,there is renewed energy and new hope. Many are able to pay for their medical bills from the income earned. For some it is their main income. For others who work in the rice fields, they are able to supplement their income and pay for their childrens education.
I was told that there were four years when the rice fields failed and during this time the sale of the handwork was the only means of income for this village. The group support each other. Ton is very poor and rice is regularly given to her for her family.
Some of the work is organized in their homes ( the ladies carried little bags or baskets with their partly completed work). At other times they come together in the Lao Song House and work together. For some items they may work as a team eg one person do the cutting, another the embellishment and another the sewing. Some of the artisans specialize in the making of different items.
Originally the designs were created by missionaries but now Wantana has this role. When orders are received for this group, Wantana travels to Bangkok to purchase the materials.
Siham craftlink will be adding to their present range from the Lao Song Group.
New Christmas decorations arriving for 2010 include the majestic standing reindeer , silver Christmas wreath with poinsettia decoration and a graceful butterfly decoration.
And... amongst the decorations on display I found a Mr. skiing reindeer to accompany Mrs. skiing reindeer which we presently stock.
The Lao Song items are purchased through ThaiCraft Association, a non profit Organization. ThaiCraft works in partnership with over 70 community based artisan groups . ThaiCrafts objectives are to promote self-reliance for craftspeople with income generating opportunities and to preserve indigenous craft traditions in Thailand. As a member of the International Federation of Alternate Trade ( IFAT) , ThaiCraft is committed to promoting fair trade practices with a concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of craft producers.
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