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Paper-making in Peru and other news...

4/7/2017

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After a very fruitful time in Ecuador, Susie has been in Arequipa for a week, seeing how the project there is getting on and giving support to the team. Yesterday was a historic day, as she and the 'Nuevas Fuerzas' group made the very first maize-leaf paper in Arequipa! A pile of maize is pictured below, with some traditional Peruvian fabric in the background!  "It was massive fun all round" says Susie, "and super productive too. I also met up with 3 of the differently-able outworkers: A pleasure and a privilege to work with these fabulous people." One of the trainees proudly holds up the first piece of finished paper below.
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Meanwhile, in the UK, we have been preparing for Easter, making Easter treats and flower decorations in our community craft sessions. (If you're interested in chocolate...the mini egg buckets below will be sold at St Mark's Church, Harrogate, on Palm Sunday!) Our community craft workshops continue to be a source of fun and creativity in the lives of the differently-able participants. Speaking to one of our regular participants the other week, he said how much he enjoys making things and seeing everybody each week.

​Our hospital craft sessions also continue to be an important opportunity for hospital inpatients to be creative, socialise and practice their motor skills. The participants had great fun marbling paper last week, producing some beautiful results!
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​It has also been encouraging to see several community groups running fundraising events for Craft Aid recently. Last week, Harrogate & District Soroptimists International held a coffee morning in aid of our work, raising £115, plus also selling some of our craft products.

​St Margaret's Church, where we hold some of our weekly craft sessions, have also continued to faithfully support us. This Easter season they are hosting a unique passion play at the church (8th April); entry is free and they're very kindly doing a collection in aid of our work. Please do head to Horsforth for this great evening! You can check out the advert here: ​
https://vimeo.com/206262655. 
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"Crosslight is a communal experience of theatre and worship which draws its audience into the Easter narrative. It tells the events of Christ’s Passion though the eyes of one disciple who failed, despite everything he believed so passionately:
'Caught in the crosslight of the flickering candles at the last supper, the torches of Gethsemane, the firelight in the courtyard, by the searching gaze of his Lord, Simon ‘the rock’ is shattered. The disciple chosen to lead, is in pieces.
As he hangs from the cross, Jesus is surrounded by a jeering crowd, laughing at his claim to be the Son of God. A small group of family and friends stands by until the agony ends. But the great friend who, more than any other, has stood by Jesus throughout the story is conspicuous by his absence.'
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‘A fascinating psychological drama… The show asks questions of its audience about what we learn through failure, the importance of forgiveness and the power of redemption… Tremendous.’ (York Press, 2016)"
Zawadi, St Aidan's School charity run by students, continues to fundraise for Craft Aid, and this April, they're holding a Ceildh for us. Please do join in the fun and come along! There will be live music and plenty of cake and Ceilidh dancing! This is being held at Mowbray Community Church Hall from 7.00-9.30pm on the 29th April. (See the poster for ticket prices.)

It's fantastic to see how our local community has really got behind Craft Aid's vision and is wanting to raise much-needed funds for our work in Peru, Ecuador and the UK. If you'd be interested in holding a fundraising event, please do get in touch and we can supply you with flyers, and any of our products if you wish to hold a stall. ​Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting us whether through fundraising, praying, donating or volunteering, from nearby or afar! We couldn't do any of our work without you! 

And finally, just to say, you can now buy tickets to our Summer Ball! 1st July at Constance Green Hall, St Aidans School, Harrogate. 7.00-11.30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment! 
​https://craftaidinternational.charitycheckout.co.uk/page1
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Written by
Ella Green

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Pom-Pom Magic

11/4/2016

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We've been super busy this last month creating some rather splendid Christmas garlands and wreathes. Glitter, as usual has been involved! But this year, we've also introduced some new pom-pom products. Pom-poms came into fashion this spring, and it's a trend that has stayed in the shops this summer and autumn. Now you can carry this fashion into your homes for Christmas with our fabulous new pom-pom wreathes! (Sneak peak above) We've been making them at our therapeutic craft sessions using wool that has kindly been donated to us. 
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Pom-poms are also going to feature at our exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Show, one of the biggest craft fairs in Europe (see Tash's last blog post). It's being held at the Harrogate International Centre from the 24th-27th November. Our differently-able participants and volunteers will be selling our products there and teaching visitors how to make poms-poms using our special pom-pom gadgets! (Much better than the old school method using a cardboard circle!) You can now book your tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show on their website: http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/harrogate.  Please do come and say hi to us and have a look at our beautiful craft kits and products, all handmade in the UK & Peru by differently-able artisans. 
This month we've also been preparing for other selling opportunities and events. We're especially looking forward to our Candle-lit Carol service on the 1st December at St Peter's Church in Harrogte town centre. It's the perfect time and location for anyone in town to come along after work for some mulled wine and mince pies and sing some traditional carols together. We'll also be selling some of our products - a great opportunity to find some Christmas gifts! The service will feature a beautiful solo performance by acclaimed vocalist and harpist, Lucy Bunce.  Some of you may have enjoyed the concert she held for us last year. It will be a wonderful time to enjoy some peace and calm, in what can often be quite a frenetic season. Entry is free! 
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Whilst we're busy here in Yorkshire with craft sessions and events, our volunteers and employees in Arequipa have also been working hard. Fiona and Chris Courtman have now moved to work full-time at the project for the next few years, so we'll be sharing more about them and their work very soon... ​

Written by
Ella Green

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Summer Highlights!

9/2/2016

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We’ve had an action-packed summer, so before we move into the next craft-filled academic year, we thought it would be a good time to savour some of most exciting moments of CAI’s Summer 2016: 

 1. Getting glammed up for our Summer Ball…

​Guests indulged in a gorgeous, candlelit, three-course meal, enjoyed some fabulous live Jazz, and won some amazing prizes (a         holiday in Barbados, a family photography shoot, a luxury facial and all sorts of other goodies). It was an unforgettable night and we raised over £6500 through the event!  (You can order your photos of the night here.)
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2. Unwrapping a stunning new range of Peruvian products… 

Every time a big cardboard box from Peru is delivered to the Craft Aid office, it feels like Christmas! It's always exciting to see all the new high-quality craft products that our differently-able artisans in Arequipa have been making. These vibrant cushions made from traditional Peruvian fabric are some of our newest arrivals.
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​They’ve already been very popular at craft fairs and stalls. We’ve even been… 

3. Selling our new products in London…

​In July, we had the amazing opportunity to have a stall at Plaza Latina, “London’s best Latin American festival” with music, food, dance, art and kids activities. Our craft products may even be appearing in shops in Shoreditch soon, so keep your eyes peeled…
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4. Seeing the incredible generosity of our supporters...

​We have so nearly raised the funds we need to buy the building in Arequipa, where we want to establish our craft centre. We have raised a huge amount of money in one year, and particularly over the last few months. ​We are so grateful to everyone who has given. To find out about our vision to employ more differently-able workers in Peru, watch the video.  

5. Enjoying some crafting fun at the heart of the Harrogate community…

​This July, we ran a Craftival at Happygate, Harrogate’s new arts & music festival. This event raised money for three local charities, and we were blessed to be one of the benefiting charities! We had three bustling craft areas where visitors could learn how to produce beautiful marbled paper, make some seriously funky pom-poms, or even create their very own mosaic (if you missed the event, fear not! Watch Susie’s mosaic tutorial here.) Our disabled participants created a spectacular mosaic sign for the event, which drew a lot of attention. It was great to be able to show visitors some of the activities that we do at our therapeutic craft sessions and to share about our work with the Harrogate community.
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It’s been a busy few months, and we’re excited about what’s ahead. Soon we’ll be waving off some new volunteers, who will be moving to work at our project in Peru, but more about that next time! 

Written by
Ella Green

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Back in South America

6/4/2016

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It’s wonderful to be back in the Southern Hemisphere! To make me feel even more at home here in Arequipa, this time I’m staying with the wonderful family of Pastor Abel and his wife Betsaida. I’m here to see how our volunteer Ellie Thompson is getting on, and to escort her safely across the border to Bolivia and back so that she can renew her visa. When I left her here 3 months ago she barely had any Spanish, so it makes me *so* happy to see her chattering away with her host family like a native. She’s clearly perfectly at home and is being a huge blessing to the new craft project that Craft Aid is planting here.

​On my first full day here I was able to meet with all the young people from the larger Nuevas Fuerzas group that we’re working with. The world would describe this group as having ‘learning disabilities’, yet what they’ve learned in a short period is remarkable. They’re producing beautiful cards from Peruvian fabrics, and beads from recycled cereal boxes (hard to believe I know, but have a look at the finished result in the picture on the bottom left!) They were thrilled to bits to hear that all the cards they’ve sent to the UK so far have completely sold out, and they proudly told me that they’re selling well in Peru too. Christian, one of the group, stood up to make a welcome speech and said how pleased they were to be earning money from their work, which enabled them to buy the things they needed and help their families. It’s still very early days with this project, so it’s wonderful that those involved are already seeing the benefits. I told them that when they produce work that sells, two good things happen:
1) They get paid!
2) The world gets to see how talented and brilliant they are, and that’s just as important. It’s an opportunity for them to shine their light out all over the world, so people are able to see that God’s blessed them with talents and abilities just like everyone else.

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The following day I set off early to purchase beads and materials for some new prototypes Ellie and I are working on, before boarding a bus to Puno, near the border with Bolivia. We arrived late at night after a 7 hour journey across arid mountains populated with alpaca’s and cactuses, and very little else. Our hostel in Puno was like an icebox, so we were pleased to be on our way again at dawn the next morning, finally crossing the border into Bolivia just before lunchtime. We’re staying in the village of Copacabana (see top photo), on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest inland lake in the world. At 14,000 feet or so, it’s absolutely freezing here, but the constant sunshine makes all the colours intensely beautiful, not least the lake, which glitters sapphire blue and is ringed with moss-green mountains.
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Traditional Peruvian Fabric
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Road to Puno - note alpaca road sign!
Before leaving Arequipa I was relieved and excited to see that the building we want to help the church buy is still for sale. The vision is to purchase this beautiful old building, renovate it and create a centre which will include craft workshops, a shop and café, all entirely staffed by people with disabilities. We have just £30,000 left to raise in order to purchase it, which is so much less than justa few months ago, but we need to raise this quickly if we’re to avoid losing the building to another buyer, and there’s nothing else remotely suitable within our price range anywhere nearby. Those of you who do, please pray we can raise this money soon. The Neema Crafts centre in Tanzania was almost entirely funded by hundreds of individuals giving relatively small amounts, so if you’d like to help then whatever you can give *will* make a difference, and will get up closer to making the vision a reality.

We have to stay out of Peru for a few days in order for Ellie to get a new visitors permit when we return, for the remainder of her 9 month stay, so we’re using the time productively to reflect on what we’re done so far, plan what we’re doing next and work on new designs. I bought way more beads with me on this trip than clothes – something I’m slightly regretting now I’ve discovered how cold it is here! We set off back to the relative warmth of Arequipa on Monday, arriving sometime the next day after more hours on busses than I care to calculate. Suffice to say, its’ a long way, so please pray we get back safely. Can’t wait to get back and meet up with the rest of the differently-able people we’re working with here, it’s so encouraging to see the beautiful work they’re all creating.

Look out for pictures next week!

Written by
Susie Hart

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New people, new products, new Peru film and plenty of poppies

5/3/2016

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We had a fantastic craft session in Horsforth on Friday: 5 participants visited for the first time, so we all made some new friends, and the volunteers did a wonderful job of welcoming everyone in. We got stuck into some crafts for our new product line (watch this space), as well as carrying on with some of our classic products too, including the flower brooches and hair accessories. The participants were so productive cutting out the felt flowers that we ended up with practically a whole poppy field! 
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 At break-time, we had tea and biscuits as usual (we have a few big biscuit fans in the group...including myself) and also watched our new short film about CAI's project in Peru. We've just posted it on the website this weekend, so you can now watch it here .

This 3 minute film captures some of the stories I heard when I was in Arequipa in March. It gives just a tiny insight into some of the many hardships faced by people with disabilities in Peru, as well showing the new freedom enjoyed by the people employed at the social enterprise. Something I heard whilst I was there, which didn't make it into the film, was a sad story from one of the women I spoke to. She told me that disability is often seen to be contagious, and so employers don't want disabled people to be part of their workforce. They are afraid of being around them, in case they 'catch a disability'. This is the kind of view that Craft Aid International really hopes to challenge in places like Arequipa.  Neema Crafts Centre (set up by our director, Susie) has successfully been overcoming these sorts of false assumptions and bringing healing to people, who've spent their lives being ignored by their communities.  We're only at the beginning of this journey in Arequipa, but we hope that this new social enterprise will not only provide employment, but will also break down barriers and unite communities in a very real and powerful way. 
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Written by
Ella Green

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Eye-catching fashion!

3/29/2016

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Ella writes: After a whirlwind of a time in Peru, we arrived back in the UK a week ago. We returned to Lima for a day after leaving Arequipa to find a few more specific beads for the jewellery prototypes (such as the one in the photo above) that Ellie, Susie and Fiona had designed during the week. In Lima, we visited a silver jewellery shop, where the lady serving us asked Susie where her bracelet was from. It was one of the bracelets we had made in Arequipa with the group of people with learning disabilities. It was really encouraging to hear that there could be a market for such a product in Peru, especially from someone who is in the jewellery business herself. 

Since coming back to the UK, we've been working on a new Craft Aid film about the project in Peru, so keep a look out for this on our website (coming soon to a computer screen near you!) Whilst we were away, the craft sessions in Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds continued as usual, and some of our volunteers held an Easter stall, selling some of the crafts made in our sessions (I hear that fluffy chicks and chocolate were a feature.)

There is lots coming up for Craft Aid over the next few months, including an exhibition at a Christian youth event and our Summer Ball. (Head over to the events page and book your tickets!) Preparations are now getting underway!
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We will also be putting lots of energy into fundraising for the new craft centre in Arequipa over the next couple of months. We've raised a huge amount already, and the small baptist church in Arequipa have done a fantastic job of raising funds too. We've got half the money we need to buy a building, but time is limited. The building that we are particularly interested in won't stay on the market forever. If you would like to put on a fundraising event for us, or donate to the project, please do get in touch or go to our donate page. Any amount you can give will make a difference! The project is already transforming lives of differently-able people in the community, but there is still so much further to go if we want to have the space to train and employ the many people currently on the streets, who are living with a disability.
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They will run and not grow weary...

3/16/2016

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Yesterday, we worked with (and partied with!) the larger group of people with learning disabilities from Nuevas Fuerzas and taught them how to make paper beads. They all seemed to enjoy learning a new skill and getting rather gluey! And they had produced some fantastic snazzy beads by the end of the morning. After lunch, they had a party (Peru is an amazing place to go if you like a good party. They have a wonderful way of celebrating all kinds of occasions!) and we got to join in with all the singing and dancing. There was no escape, even for us awkward British folk! But once we got over our initial reluctance, we had a lot of fun and we even attempted to follow some of their Peruvian dance steps. I was really struck by the beautiful energy of this group. Their name is Nuevas Feurzas, which means New Strength. It is a reference to a verse in the Bible that talks about God renewing our strength. It couldn't be more relevant! Like the verse in the Bible, these young people seem able to "run and not grow weary". They continued to dance, even after the party seemed to be coming to an end. Meeting this amazing group of people was a massive encouragement to me. Only a couple of days ago, one of the women at the church was telling me that people with disabilities are often hidden away at home in Peru, so it was fantastic to see that this can change. The participants came with their mothers, who enjoyed having some time to relax during the craft session and also having the chance to join in the party fun. There was a real atmosphere of joy and everyone clearly felt at home. It is hard to fully describe (even for an English graduate who likes words...), so here are a few photos, which hopefully reflect something of the joyousness of the group!
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Training, talking and turkey!

3/15/2016

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Ella writes: Yesterday was a very productive day! Ellie and Fiona, our new design volunteers, sorted out some things for their stay here (they will soon be appearing on our meet the team page!) and Ellie also taught one of the differently-able artisans how to make a new earring design, which she picked up extremely quickly! We found out how she and her sister, another one of the differently-able artisans, had been getting on with the new bracelets over the weekend, and they had already produced twenty high quality bracelets in one afternoon!

I had the chance to interview her, as well as the two ladies who run the group for people with disabilities at the church. There is so much I could write about here, but time is a little limited, as we are about to head off to the church again. The thing that struck me most was actually quite a small detail, but I think it speaks clearly of the joy that Craft Aid's work brings. One of the ladies told me that the differently-able workers are so happy to now be earning some money, which allows them to contribute to family life. One of the participants bought the turkey for the Christmas dinner for the first time ever this year!

Later in the afternoon, we bought a few materials for the session today and briefly visited the shop where some of our products are sold. I finished the day with a hot chocolate Peruvian-style; this involved cream and vanilla ice cream!

Now off to meet the group of people with learning disabilities at the church to make some paper beads!
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From Lima to Arequipa

3/10/2016

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Yesterday we arrived in Arequipa, La Ciudad Blanco (the White City), so-called because of its beautiful buildings made of Sillar, white volcanic rock. We were given a really warm welcome at the airport, as Neuvas Fuerzas came to greet us with hugs, smiles, and red roses for each of us. Neuvas Fuerzas are the group of people with disabilities from the church that we are working with. We were all so happy to have arrived here; as we walked round the little supermarket afterwards to get a few things for today's breakfast, we couldn't stop smiling to ourselves. We also got a little over-excited about the amazing choice of fresh fruit.

It was really great to finally meet the differently-abled artisans that I have heard all about. Today we are going to the church to see how the group are getting on. Will blog about that later, but for now, here's a picture of the amazing view from our accommodation here.
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Shalom

3/9/2016

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Yesterday, we continued bead-shopping in the morning (we're going to have fun trying to fit all the bags of beads into our suitcases for our flight to Arequipa!) We then met CMS mission partner, Pat Blanchard for lunch. She runs a school for children and young adults with disabilities, called Shalom, which we had the opportunity to visit in the afternoon. We were given a warm welcome as soon as we arrived and all of the students were eager to show us the work they had been doing. They were in the middle of a painting workshop, where they paint boxes and earring stands and other little items in bright colours, some of which are then sold. They took great pride in showing us all the painting they had been doing. The wonderfully smiley guy in the picture below told us that he comes to the workshop two days a week, but he would like to come on Mondays as well. These craft sessions at the Shalom school clearly make a huge difference to the lives of the students, as they get a chance to learn new skills and be creative.
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The work that Pat does at Shalom obviously has some cross-over with the work that Craft Aid International does. It was so encouraging to see how successful her work has been. The whole atmosphere of the school felt so warm and friendly, and there was a real sense of joy.

Whilst we were there, Susie also taught the group how to make beads out of recycled cardboard. They picked it up really quickly and were keen to learn. These young people are thriving, as they are given the chance to learn craft skills and make products to sell. One lady had even started making her own beautiful cards, using feathers. We also talked with Pat about the possibilities of other products they could make. It is exciting to see how much potential there is in schools like this, and is yet another reminder of the importance of Craft Aid's work. It would be wonderful to be able to send out experienced design graduates to places such as these, where there are so many capable young people, who would love to be able to work and to continue to learn new skills. There is so much more I could write, but for now, I will have to sign off, as we are about to head off to the airport to fly to Arequipa!
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    Authors:

    Susie Hart MBE
    Director of Craft Aid International
    Textile designer, Crafts instructor, Social entrepreneur, CMS Mission - Associate

    Liz Cluderay
    UK Programmes Officer and Volunteer Coordinator

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