These cards were designed by the children of Hariharananda Balashram in collaboration with the women artisans from Arte Comasagua in El Salvador.
Balashram, located in the village of Pattamundai in the Eastern state of Odisha India, is a residential school for more than 480 poor, underprivileged, and often orphaned children. Having seen the work done by the women of El Salvador, the children were excited to create their own designs knowing that these would be made into handcrafted gift cards elaborated with dried wildflowers.
This is truly a global exercise in compassion with the intent to help not only the women of Comasagua but to promote the work that is being done at Balashram as well.
- Cards measures 6 7/8" tall x 4 3/4" wide
- Each card comes with an insert that tells the story of the children of Balashram as well as the women of Comasagua, El Salvador. It helps to let friends and families know how this purchase is benefiting both.
Art Students from Hariharananda's Balashram
Handmade in El Salvador and Fair Trade imported.
Artecomasagua - Making Flowered Gift Cards
The women of Artecomasagua collect leaves, flowers, and plants from the country-side around the village that are given to them by nature.
The collected flower petals and leaves are dried between the pages of old books. When ready, only a little bit of wood glue does the magic of adhering them to cards. Each work of art is unique and reflects the creativity of the artistist. For that reason, Artecomasagua puts extra effort in creating a working atmosphere that is peaceful, joyful and happy for all the women.
Watch this video on how flower petals and plants are transformed into unique Gift Cards and Bookmarks. Click here
Artecomasagua Artisan Story
El Salvador
As a result of the economic crisis in coffee cultivation, a group of women entrepreneurs in th area of Comasagua - El Salvador, formed Arte Comasagua, an organization of artisans who produce exquisite designs with plants and flowers of the area. These women work with wildflowers from the community, in a conscious and sustainable manner, keeping the environment beautiful and harmonious.
They now work locally caring for their families and saving for their future.
"Now I have more control over my life," says Guadalupe, who hopes to send his daughter to collge. "I can be with my family and work under my own rules."
For others like Ana Cecilia, Arte Comasagua is a source of pride and self-esteem. "Work makes me feel important as a person. I dream of flowers and create with my imagination."
Women in Arte Comasagua represent a responsible company, under a concept of fair trade, working in safe and healthy conditions.
The town of Comasagua belongs to th district of Nueva San Salvador 16 km SSW off the province capital city, and occupies an elevated plateau of the hights of the coast range at 1.150 meters above sea level.
