Day 3: Designing Without Fear

Highlights:

The women have been stamping away with some a new designs. Yesterday we worked on more complicated stamped bracelets and introduced texturing techniques to them. Their creative juices are flowing and they stamp words and phrases in Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara.

Some of our favorites were Haz el bien, no el mal (Do good, not evil), Sumaq Runa (beautiful person in Quechua), Munsmawa (I love you in Aymara), and Ccanaqpacha (everything above the earth). 

Today we worked on a new technique, riveting with cold connections. This is a riveting technique that doesn’t require heat but still allows you to connect multiple pieces of metal together. I also brought a box of metal blanks in different types of metals and shapes to give the women the opportunity to let loose creatively. They could do anything they wanted with the blanks as long as they used the riveting techniques at least once. 

The women loved it and were SO into the project. The best part was watching them experiment and think about the project from a design perspective. They problem solved various issues with their designs (remember, they came up with the designs, not me) and tried things that the others were not. 

For me, it was a joy to watch them design without fear. Rather than being tentative or worried they were doing it “wrong” they jumped head first into the project and produced some stunning and unique pieces. 

All of these beauties (and more!) will be on our online store soon! Check back for new designs from the women!

Day 1: Going to the Prison for the First Time


 

Highlights:

This trip the women are learning metal stamped jewelry. Even though we have had metal stamping classes in the past, it’s the first time for most of the women. That means we’re back to basics with the metal stamping and the women are practicing the basic techniques. 

Today we made metal stamped bracelets with special words or phrases and designs! For their very first time the women did an amazing job practicing the techniques and had a blast designing their bracelets. And they loved the creative aspect of metal stamping which opens up so many creative possibilities. 

Today was one of many firsts! Our first metal stamping class and Board President, Virginie’s, first time visiting the prison and meeting the women. Here’s what she says about her experience in the prison:

“The prison is a place where they have put a lot of effort into, the special room that they have for creation and textile work. And of course, what was phenomenal for me was to meet all the women that I’ve heard stories about, meet them in person, and see clearly how some of them are really into it and help the others. That was really fantastic to witness.”

At the end of the day, as we waited to leave the prison, a few of the women spoke to us about wanting ongoing support after they leave the prison. One of the problems they are facing is that when they leave the prison, there is no work for them. They want to continue using the skills that they’ve learned in the prison and take those skills to the outside.

Specifically they need access to the materials, a place to work, and orders. Which is where you come in! When you purchase our products you’re not just supporting the organization, you’re supporting the women.  The women are paid upfront for their work and all the proceeds from the products go back to the women in the form of more orders. 

While the orders generate income for the women, they also create more orders, which means more women have the opportunity to work and it creates ongoing income for the women. If you haven’t checked out our online store, please shop and support the women!

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Handmade Gifts that Make a Difference

At Ruraq Maki, the holidays are one of our absolute favorite times. Why? They encourage us to think less about our needs and wants, and focus on those of our loved ones, and, importantly, those in need. It’s an amazing feeling that stimulated us to create this holiday gift guide for our blog, and we hope you find it helpful!

Our products truly make meaningful gifts because they so perfectly embody this spirit of giving. Not only are they beautiful and handmade, but also your gift will go beyond just the immediate receiver and help our amazing artisans. Your loved ones will get to learn about the powerful stories of our women and treasure the fact that it goes so much beyond a material possession

 

For the jewelry lover…

You know that friend of yours who wears so many accessories that she practically jingles when she walks? Surprise her with even more bling this holiday!

This combo of wire triangle beaded earrings ($12), our unique manta bracelet ($15), and a super versatile adjustable ring ($12) will have her over the moon. Not sure if she’ll like the colors of these items? No problem, head to our online store where you’ll find almost every kind of jewelry in every color imaginable.

Total cost: $39

 

For the homebody…

Okay, so not everyone likes to wear jewelry. In fact, some of us feel our best when relaxing in sweats and watching TV at home. For this person, nothing is more important than a beautiful and welcoming home environment.

Their mood will be instantly brightened with this colorful embroidered set: 1 wall hanging ($32) that can also serve as a rug or a table cover, and 2 adorable matching embroidered throw pillow cases ($30 each).

Total cost: $92

 

For the fitness addict…

What about that friend of yours who somehow always manages to make you feel lazy with the amount he or she runs around? This person is all about convenience and fitness first, but it doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate a little color in their day-to-day.

We know they’ll love this super useful bundle: our handy yoga mat strap ($34) and the weekender duffle ($35) that is the perfect gym bag.

Total cost: $69

 

 

For the globe-trotter…

Most of us love to travel here and there, but we all know those individuals who practically live out of their suitcase. When traveling, nothing is more handy than a great bag that helps keep you organized.

Energize your friend’s wanderlust with this combo of our convenient side crossbody bag ($36), the Julie weekender ($60) perfect for those short weekend trips, and our embroidered cosmetic bag to store her makeup essentials ($22).

Total cost: $118

 

For that one really indecisive friend…

Some people just like a little bit of everything and that’s totally fine. Treat your friend with some of our customers’ favorites: our Black Ayacucho tote that is the perfect catch-all bag ($42), our delicate circle frame earrings ($12), and our unique woven throw pillow case ($34).

Total cost: $88

Of course, even though we have suggested the above “bundles” with a few of our favorite picks, should you be looking for larger gifts, any single item will be a beautiful gift in and of itself. If you are shopping with a budget, why not order any of our jewelry pieces, most of which are only $12, or our colorful cosmetic bags that start at $20.

And, if you ever want to see how our products look in a different light, please check out our Instagram or Facebook pages, and feel free to send us a DM. Happy holidays, everyone, and thanks so much for taking the time to read our post!

Happy Giving Tuesday!

Four years ago we conducted a series of interviews in the prison with the women. The goal of these interviews was to understand how the women became involved in drug trafficking, their challenges in the prison, and how they envision their lives once released.

During the interviews we asked the women, “If you could pick any job to do when you get out what would it be?”

This was the hardest question to answer, because, for many of the women, envisioning a future with choice was impossible. Instead they said:

“A job that paid me regularly and that helps me provide for my daughters.”

“Any type of legal work.”

“I will do whatever kind of work I need to to help support my mother and my daughters.”

Freedom. Agency. Possibility. Choice. Desire. These were not part of a future they imagined.

Over the past four years, something shifted. The women began to talk about their big dreams after being released from the prison. “Any type of work” turned into specific jobs fueled by ambition. “Whatever I can find” turned into opening businesses and studying at university. Dreaming became possible again.

We don’t pretend to be the only reason this shift occurred. The women are truly responsible for this change. They are the ones who attend classes, learn new skills, listen to feedback about their products, and work to be better. To be bigger. Ser grande.

But, we know that our work has been one thread in the beautiful future the women are weaving for themselves.

Our workshops with Kani taught the women the many facets of entrepreneurship. Leatherworking with Senor Alberto taught the women how to refine an artisan skill. Producing jewelry orders in a production group taught the women how to scale their enterprises.

And with each success comes possibility. Each workshop is another thread that becomes woven in what’s next, beyond the prison.

 

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, and we hope that you’ll include us in your giving. As we near the end of the year, we need your support to continue providing free, high quality workshops in the prison.

 

Our goal is to raise $5,000 by December 31st, which would enable us to start 2019 with our winter and summer workshops funded. Will you help us?

 

[DONATE NOW]

 

With gratitude,

Amanda Smiles

Win this Beautiful Manta in our Fall Giveaway!

We are giving away this beautiful manta embroidered by Lia. She is one of Ruraq Maki’s youngest women who was a child of the streets and now relies on Ruraq Maki’s programs to earn a just income and start a new life. Her manta showcases stunning detail-work of birds and flowers. Additionally, her manta features five rows of curros, handwoven figures representing regional landscapes and animals.

Mantas are rectangular cloths used in traditional communities in the Andes region. Indigenous peoples use them as shawls and to carry goods and groceries. Our manta products are made exclusively by incarcerated men and women in the Yanamilla Prison in Peru. The men in the prison hand weave the manta using back strap looms and the women hand embroider the material. If you want to know more about the mantas, check out our Manta story blog posts.

Use this is a great opportunity to support the men and women in the Ayacucho prison and, more importantly, call this unique artwork your own. The artisans are working hard to keep traditional arts alive and provide for their families.

Participate in our Giveaway today to win! Furthermore, you will also have a chance to win a gorgeous embroidered wall hanging or yoga mat strap.

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