Yesterday we went to Huancarani, a community 2 hour outside of Independencia that is home to the association of weavers that we work with. Every year we spend a day with the women, teaching a mini jewelry making class and discussing items related to their weavings and projects. The jewelry class gives the women a chance to take and enjoy time to themselves and often the class booms with laughter and storytelling. This year was no different.
A typical house in Huancarani, settled against the backdrop of the Andes
The women begin by selecting their beads, a process that can take some time as everyone wants to get their color combinations just right!
Dona Max, PAZA’s trainer, shows the women how to wrap their wire
The wrapping begins! Although she could barely see, this woman was determined to finish her earrings
A little one gets ahold of the pliers and investigates
The women’s polleras (full skirts) make a great work surface for storing beads- who needs containers when you have a velvet skirt!
Lots of laughter in the class as the women chat and catch up with the local gossip. The jewelry class is one of the few opportunities the women have to spend time together.
The group gathers around the materials tarp and work side by side, helping each other
Before she moves on to the next step, this woman takes a proud look at her finished pieces
With the extra time, some of the women made simple bracelets of strung beads
Group shot of the women with their completed projects
Trying on her earrings and looking beautiful from a full day of fun with her friends
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We are still raising money for our Plier Fundraiser! As of today, we have raised enough for 24 sets of pliers. Our goal is 25 and we are only ONE set short! $15 buys one high quality set of 4 pliers, which will greatly enable the women to create sales-quality jewelry pieces. Currently, 80% of our plier sets in Peru and Bolivia are broken or dysfunctional. Support our fundraiser by donating online and help us get that last set!