|
Products >>
Burmese Handwoven Scarves, Cross Shoulder traditional bags,
The outside of the cards are handmade from Saa paper, also known as Mulberry Bark paper. Saa (pronounced “sah”) is a traditionally handmade paper derived from the bark of the mulberry tree. We chose this paper not only for it’s texture and organic character but also because no trees are harmed in it’s creation. Though the bark is peeled from the tree, it has no lasting effect. These fast growing trees will quickly regrow the lost bark in a season and be ready for the harvest again.
Originally used for Buddhist scripts, the process for making Saa has remained unchanged for 700 years. Here is how it is done:
First the bark is removed from the young growth of the mulberry tree.
Next, it is boiled in large cauldrons over an open flame for several hours.
The softened bark is then beaten to remove impurities and reduce the pulp to finer fibers.
The resulting slurry is mixed with various natural dyes and flowers or grasses to give each particular paper its unique character.
Skilled craftsmen manipulate the pulp onto submerged bamboo frames stretched with thin mesh screens until a consistent thickness is achieved.
The screen is then removed to allow all the water to drain through the mesh, leaving behind only the bark paper.
Finally, the frames are left to bake in the sun for drying.
Here some of our friends at a boarding school that we support in Thailand are making cards for us to purchase. 100% of all proceeds from card sales goes back into that ministry.
|