I have had a few people asking me why all of a sudden we are making these rugs, throws and other things we have going on at Creative Hands. I believe when people think of Creative Hands, they think tote bags, small, medium and large pouches and yes that is true, we have done our fair share of those items and we loved doing them.
For those who know me (Cecilia) I generally get bored and tired of doing the same thing over and over again BUT I have had to learn self-control when it comes to introducing change, especially when we are dealing with displaced women who have come from varying, difficult backgrounds and have no idea about our work. We have always done bags and those other items because they are easy, less stressful and less overwhelming for the women, especially those who have come from places where they never held a job, have no weaving skill and very little if any education. It is always different when we have women from the same countries who have had an education, can read and write to teach them new things and even the complicated patterns. So, it has been a matter of trying to balance and do it in a way that is redemptive and not crash the women because they cannot do complicated things.
Even while I am writing this blog I am smiling thinking of conversations I have had with people like our Digital Manager Elisabeth who has asked me on a number of times if we could do other products, I am thinking of my pastor and co-director at EME Ministries Gail Stathis who has on countless times told me to think of other products because, “ the market is flooded with bags”, then I think of great people on travels who have suggested many other items for us to try weaving. I have not been deaf to those recommendations neither did I throw them away but I was waiting for what would be a perfect time to turn the page and it just happened that July was the month. This is what happened. I took a few days in July and went away to pray and fast and just ask God for what is next in our work as far as products because I wanted to be sure we will be able to make the switch and sure enough I had a sense now was the time for us to step out altogether, both the displaced women, the leaders and our Greek volunteers and try these new products. I have been blessed to see them embrace the challenge to doing something new and receiving feedback from those who have already purchased some rugs and throws has strengthened our confidence. The women have been very excited and when we took the first piece off the loom and washed it they were thrilled.
Not only are the women at Creative Hands excited about the change in as far as products are concerned, but even some shops in Athens where we have in the past taken our bags to see if we could sell. One of them is the Greek Natural Fabrics Store which I have known since 2014 when I was involved in another project. The owners of the store have been thrilled and have even introduced us to other people they know will love our products. Two weeks ago I took a few samples including our rug to this shop and here is what Barbara, the owner of the shop, said to me: “Cecilia, what has happened to you, your work has just gone so high and the products you are making now are just amazing. Something has changed about you and your work and I love it and want to sell some of them in my shop.” My response to her was simple because I basically told her that this had nothing to do with me but God’s grace and that I am thankful to God for the way He has helped us in this season.
So I am excited because we are currently working on scarves for both men and women using wool as we prepare for winter and some are woven in cotton and linen. We are also making placemats and tea towels, some of which will be with me on my coming trip.
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