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Women of the Cloud Forest Looking for a retail store in your area that carries our products? Click here. |
Welcome |
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Group photo from March 2006 |
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The women who participate in the project live across the Monteverde region - from "downtown" Santa Elana to two hours away in Cabezeras. Women of the Cloud Forest operates a small "Arts Center" where women take free classes in embroidery and produce rainforest seed jewelry. |
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| Waiting to get into "Arts Center" | |
The embroidery classes are geared for both beginners and experts alike with women working together in a communal setting so they can learn from each other. |
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Women learning to embroider |
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From birds to butterflies, frogs to insects, the women produce color accurate reproductions of North and Central American species. Each design is lovingly "painted" using single strands of embroidery thread. |
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The beginning of a Blue Morpho |
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After being embroidered the bags are then sent to the homes of our talented seamstresses. This group of women puts on the finishing touches - straps, zippers, pockets, etc. on the bags before they are ready to be shipped to the States. |
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Marta assembling bags in her home |
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With over 200 designs, the machine-washable field guide and tote bags are perfect accessories if you are headed out for a walk on the trail or stroll around town. |
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A finished field guide bag |
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Jewelry |
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Collecting seeds from local forests |
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Using seeds collected in a sustainable manner from the surrounding forests, stream sides and backyards, the women in the project combine the natural elements with beads, stones and glass to create an ever changing line of jewelry designs. |
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A guanacaste seed necklace |
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The seeds are used in their natural state, unvarnished and undyed. They are quite durable and last for years. Remember they are real seeds and being immersed in water for extended periods of time (swimming or bathing) will cause the seeds will swell and change shape. |
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Suli modeling a pair of earrings |
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The final results of this process are naturally beautiful earrings, bracelets, eyeglass cords and necklaces. This affordable jewelry makes for great conversation pieces and is perfect for all occasions. |
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Finished necklace and earrings |
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Thanks Amy and Michael Sobkowiak |
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Haydee enjoys a break |
Women of the Cloud Forest |