Bits and Bobs from Khmer Creations
Guest Blog Post by Tiffany Tsang, Photographer extraordinaire June 16 2016, 0 Comments
When you're first starting out, you've got to be infinitely grateful for the clients who come to you. And even more thankful for the ones who are patient enough to understand that you are still learning. This is when I learned that white background product photography is one tough cookie.
Designing with Hardware June 07 2016, 2 Comments
A humble metal washer you say?
My revelation in the humid corridors of a bustling market in downtown Phnom Penh marked the beginning of a big change in my design style. I started looking at everything in a new way – (you’ll need to read this next part with a menacing voice) nothing was safe, everything was a jewellery element (you’ll need to stop the menacing voice now otherwise the rest of this post is going to give off a really weird vibe).
Designing in Cambodia May 31 2016, 0 Comments
A designer in Phnom Penh
To begin with a profound understatement; designing in Cambodia is a challenge. It is a world away from the air-conditioned jewellery studios and abundantly stocked bead shops that I so unthinkingly took for granted in Australia. The reality of this hit home in June 2008 during my second series of jewellery making classes.
Social business of the month October 05 2014, 0 Comments
Why we love Skateistan Cambodia
Skateistan is the first international development initiative to combine skateboarding with educational outcomes (why has this not been done before!). Skateistan is non-political, independent and inclusive of all ethnicities, religions and social backgrounds.I have never successfully ridden a skateboard, and to be honest, I am petrified of trying. But Skateistan is bringing amazing opportunities to young people in Afghanistan and Cambodia through skateboarding.
Cambodian National Holiday - Pchum Ben September 28 2014, 0 Comments
Festival of the dead
Do you remember the last time you fed the ghosts of your ancestors by throwing a ball of rice through the air? If you answered no, chances are you’re not Khmer.
The hardworking staff of Khmer Creations have been off enjoying a well‑earned break, with many travelling back to their home provinces to celebrate Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day), or as we first came to know it, the Festival of the Dead. This 15 day Buddhist festival is unique to Cambodia, not shared by its Buddhist neighbours Thailand or Myanmar, and is one of the most important festivals in Cambodia (along with Khmer New Year of course).
At its heart, this festival is all about honouring your ancestors and paying respects to those who have come before you. Many Khmers will visit a pagoda in order to feed the ghosts of their ancestors, who come to receive food from the living. Upon receiving food, the ancestor ghosts will then bless their living family members. However, should the ghosts visit seven pagodas and not receive an offering from their family, then they will curse them (not a situation you want to be in). The offerings normally consist of Bay Ben, cooked rice formed into small balls in the palm of your hand, which are scattered on to the ground around pagodas. Many Khmer will also make offerings to the Prett (the damned), those deceased who have no family to commemorate them – a particularly touching gesture for a country that has undergone so much suffering.
So if you find yourself in Cambodia in late‑September or early October, visit a pagoda and witness one of the country’s most sacred holidays. Oh, and remember, be nice to the dead!
Why we love Cambodia Knits! July 07 2014, 0 Comments
Every month we will introduce you to one of our favourite social businesses from Cambodia and around the world. To get things started, let us tell you why we love Cambodia Knits!
Cambodia Knits is a social enterprise working with marginalized communities in and near Phnom Penh. Apart from having an awesome ethical business model, here are a few more reasons why we love Cambodia Knits:
- We adore the crazy and lovable little creatures that Cambodia Knits create!
- They use vibrant colours and high quality materials to knit and crochet gorgeous products.
- They provide individuals, families and communities with training and sustainable and flexible employment.
- They are empowering communities through ethical business.
- Oh, and one more thing; in 2013, Cambodia Knits and Khmer Creations Jewellery Studio combined powers to open a brand new fair trade store in Phnom Penh – Cambodian Creations!
Check out the Cambodia Knits website or, if you are in Cambodia, visit our shop Cambodian Creations – House 116, Street 113, just outside Toul Sleng Museum