 |
This page offers greeting cards
handcrafted from
handmade paper and plants in Peru,
banana leaves in Rwanda and from corn leaves in Nicaragua.
Handmade Paper Cards using Plants & Natural Dyes from Peru
Hearts and Love Card HOJO:CARD-HRT $4.50
|
In October of 2004, two Peruvian college students, Beatriz and Jaime, implemented a project they had envisioned for some time, and
created a small business to produce high-quality, handmade paper products from recycled paper in their community.
This new company would depend not on any other institution, but simply their own experience and hard work.
In the beginning they sold cards in the local market.
These were produced in a primitive way using mixers, pots, containers, and other household implements in their parents' home.
They were excited that the cards sold very well!
They take care to ensure that each step in the production process is ecologically correct.
As demand for their cards increased, they expanded by purchasing a small, rustic house in the countryside near the town of Huaychulo, Peru.
At more than 10,500 feet, Huaychulo is home to many native plants and flowers that can be used to produce handmade paper.
Many people from this community are farmers and cattle ranchers, but there’s also a high-level of unemployment and poverty.
Beatriz and Jaime found that the people were filled with potential and creativity.
They’re now employed in the factory, and through the exchange of ideas, encouraging creativity,
and a respect for the environment, they’ve been successful. |
 |
|
 |
Hearts and Love Cards $4.50 each
Show that you really care for your friends and that "special someone" with a unique, handmade card, crafted with love and an abundance of heart.
Colors vary from sky blues to lavenders; designs will vary so that each card is a piece of art.
Inside each card is another decorated piece of handmade paper to write your message.
The back of each card says that natural dyes, plants and flowers were utilized to create this special card in the Andeans of Peru.
Available in English or Spanish. Cards are about 5.25" wide, 4" high and include a 6.5" x 4" envelope.
|
 |
 |
Flower Cards (vertical)
$4.50 each
These natural, handmade cards feature flowers and are various shades of yellows and golds.
The back of each card explains that natural dyes, plants and flowers were utilized to create this special card in the Andeans of Peru.
Available in English or Spanish. Cards are about 4" wide, 5" high and include a 6.5" x 4" envelope.
|
 |
 |
Flower Cards (horizontal)
$4.50 each
These natural, handmade cards feature flowers and are various shades of whites with oranges and reds.
The back of each card explains that natural dyes, plants and flowers were utilized to create this special card in the Andeans of Peru.
Available in English or Spanish. Cards are about 5" wide, 4" high and include a 6.5" x 4" envelope.
|
Banana Leaf Cards from Rwanda, Africa
These handmade cards are painstakingly created by widowed and
often handicapped women, who survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Painstakingly crafted from banana leaves, these cards are inspired by
the imaginations of the artisans and no two are exactly alike.
In addition to providing much needed income,
these cards inspire hope for a better future.
Each ivory-colored card is 4.75" by 6.75", and comes with a darker colored envelope (shown behind the cards in the photos).
They're individually wrapped, and the back of each card is stamped "Handmade in Rwanda".
The designs come from the imaginations of the artisans and no two cards are exactly alike.
You might like these artistic cards so much that you won't want to give them up!
Consider framing them and decorating your home or office. A very inexpensive piece of artwork.
 |
$4.00 each |
(left) | Star |
(right) | Palm Hut with Star
|
|
|
|
$4.00 each |
(left) | Bells |
(center) | Candle |
(right) | Gorillas |
|
|
$4.00 each |
(left) | Peace Dove
(Sorry - out of stock)
PLEASE NOTE that we DO have a card in this single dove design
that's just a brown outline! |
(center) | Seated Peace Doves |
(right) | Peace Dove Family |
|
Corn Leaf Cards from Nicaragua
These Santa, Holiday and Flower greeting cards are crafted by women from Somoto and Condega, in the north of Nicaragua,
from dyed corn leaves and pieces of recycled paper.
The designs reflect the creativity of Nicaraguan artisans, while the bright colors and the
warm texture of the natural fiber convey the feelings of happiness and affection,
making the handmade cards an ideal product for Christmas, New Year's or birthday greetings.
MAISA is part of an extensive network of local cooperatives
which represent a total of 900 small farmer families.
These greeting cards provide Nicaraguan women with a steady monthly income and an opportunity
to improve their living conditions.
Card sale profits are used under the supervision of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (UCANS)
for the financing of small scale community development initiatives.
You might like these artistic cards so much that you won't want to give them up!
Consider framing them and decorating your home or office. A very inexpensive piece of artwork!
PLEASE NOTE that we only have a couple of each card in stock, although we might be able to get more in.
If you place an order and we discover that we have become out of stock on the card you've chosen, we'll contact you.
At checkout, if you leave us your phone
number, that may help us offer you other cards that we do not yet show on our site. Thank you.
4" x 6" Holiday Cards $4.00 each
|
|
 |
|
Santa's Helper |
Angel |
Candles |
Christmas Tree |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Reindeer |
Flower Trio |
Gifts |
Church |
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 Ellicott Ave 