hand made, heart based

Long before any arts, crafts or design movements were ever started the skill of hand work was born of necessity as well as creative enterprise. 

Hands hold, make, do, and express so much. They grasp at even more - tools, objects, people, issues, concerns, etc. 

exploring the wonder in everyday acts of manipulation

We lend a hand, shake hands, hold hands, raise our hands. Even taking matters into our own hands. Often admonished not to keep hands idle. 

"The fingers were the eyes of the heart." ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce  

Hand work traditionally refer to activities such as sewing, darning, mending, embroidery, weaving and knitting. Drawing, writing, crafting, designing - even to protect or protest, offer therapy and heal. 

calligraphy & art by Mahala ~ quoted from Hiram Powers

Any act of creation by the use of the hands is hand work. Early learning encourages hand work believing that it is deeply linked to the development of morality. 

Throughout the ages and in all parts of the globe, people busy their hands in art, manufacture, conservation, archaeology, research, and interpretation. Folks have crated, built, mended, planted, harvested, prepped, cooked, and washed. Among countless other things. 

hand stitched & crocheted dish towel dolly dress by Issa

Ancient civilizations for centuries had goods crafted of indigenous and local materials still in use today. While others are modern inventions or popularizations of crafts originally practiced in remote or difficult to access areas. 

Until recent history, from an early age we were taught to plow, sow, weed, cultivate, harvest, grind, bake, care for the animals and more.  These life sustaining activities contributed to the family - nurturing and nourishing all.  Through the training of the hand, a deeper understanding of the world we lived in is forged. 

Scholasticans support our alma mater

Back in a privileged all-girls school they offered vocational courses, Ora et labora (pray and work) our school motto taught that prayer is divine work. Benedictine nuns trained us in hands on trades and techniques to support ourselves and make a living - in the event we needed to. 

Many NGOs, LGUs, organizations, and foundations do so as well in support of local communities and causes, or to contribute and cover costs and to raise funds. 

HABI: The Philippine Textile Council

Putting power in our hands and providing a lifeline to a fearless future in these uncertain times. Hard working hands bring artisanal creations and generational skills to a global market while delivering dignity and grace to their makers. 

Cultural and familial arts are shared, sustained and kept thriving with compassion, friendship, and respect across borders and barriers. Join in on a world wide collaboration - it's WIN-WIN for all.