This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.
This handcrafted adjustable bracelet by Samart Takham of Thailand is a beautiful everyday accessory. The hand-knotted dark brown polyester cord is intricately designed with a silver fish and sterling silver beads.
Product Features:
- Weight: 0.24 oz
- Dimensions: 13 mm wide x 7.5-10.8 inches long
- Country: Thailand
- Style: Braided
- Colors: Brown
- Materials: Polyester cord
- Metal: Sterling silver, silver 950
- Finish: Combination
- Clasp: Sliding knot
- Made in Thailand.
Story Behind the Art:
When my village began to prosper many investors bought land to build houses to sell, so I had to sell my fields because the surrounding ones had already been bought.
I grew up in a large family whose main occupation was farming and in their free time they would work on wood turning. When I was a child, we had no electricity in the village so the equipment and tools for wood turning were crafted from folk wisdom. For example, stepping rhythmically on a transmitting belt in order to make the machine rotate using a long handle knife to lathe the wood as needed.
At that time I was very young and didn't pay any serious attention to wood turning. When I was about 10, my village was the first one to get electricity, transforming handcrafted tools into electric motors that looked very modern at that time. Wood turners from nearby villages with no electricity would come over asking to use the electrical tools at my house. The atmosphere was very energetic. Many skilled turners came to work at my house. They exchanged ideas about wood turning techniques, and I got very excited about it.
When I was done with homework I would watch how quickly they worked, creating beautiful items using different types of chisels in a variety of charming designs.
Most of what they crafted were furniture components such as table legs, chair legs, handrails, etc. Sometimes I would try the lathe on scraps of wood but I was not allowed to use the electrical tools, so I only used the traditional ones. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to use the modern ones. And yet I didn't give up. Instead I worked harder and harder to improve. I used my free time continuously to lathe until I became skilled and that's when I began to help my family as a professional turner.
When I got married I kept on wood turning as well as farming. When my village began to prosper many investors bought land to build houses to sell, so I had to sell my fields because the surrounding ones had already been bought. Now I only earn money from wood turning.
I don't only make furniture components, I also craft wood bracelets as per to my daughter's suggestion. It has attracted many customers, so I've created more designs and styles to add to my collection. I carved, grooved, and painted each one to enhance their beauty. I use food coloring to paint the bracelets, and I finish them with a coat of quality lacquer. Although the color is more expensive than general, I think it is worth in the long run since it is safer.
Both my son and daughter received better education opportunities but I still taught them how to turn wood so they understand our family's original occupation, and they were both willing learners. My son graduated, has secured a job, and has his own family yet he still spends his holidays to help me.
Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.