the trips of Jan Blanken
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Dear Clipper Trading Supporter,
We made such great sales in June and July this year that Tilly literally pushed me out the door to secure fresh merchandise for the upcoming fall and Christmas season. I arrived in Northern Thailand just as the Monsoon Season started and the rice planting was in full swing. The rice fields have an intricate canal system so the water runs off well and flash flooding is minimal in these foothills of the Himalayans.
Before I left, I met with the staff (alphabetically: Courtney, Debbie, Mark and Patrick) to get their feedback as well as special requests from clients. This always gives me a great pushing off point in gathering merchandise. The rest comes as I go.
When in Thailand, I like staying in small places, often using Home Stays because the villages do not have hotels or because hotels are farther removed from where I may be working and buying. While in the current economy saving is key, it also gives me great insight in the locals' way of life. I admit, I have been sick a few times, but gradually I became used to eating their very tasteful, simple foods. Some are just taken from the side of the road (like herbs) and frogs are caught in the canal running along the houses.
Most of my work area is in the north of Thailand (the Golden Triangle with Laos and Burma). Much of it is Fair Trade, such as the items from the Hill Tribes that live in the mountains, our Teak Root Wood chairs and tables and of course our Sticky Rice Boxes.
The process of making sticky rice boxes is a collaborative effort. One family starts by weaving the bamboo basket or box; the next family does the pasting of the clay and sawdust mix to create a smooth surface, while the next unit paints the baskets a solid color. Then, a group of artists paint the designs before moving the item down the line for a clear finish. Lastly, final touches are made such as adding the bamboo netting and handles. So, after five or six people had their hand on one box: Voila! In the end, for our order a group of about 50 people were involved and made money while socializing (a favorite past-time). Today, the sticky rice box is still used only a much simpler one, without any decor. They cook their rice in the morning and it is available to anyone throughout the day. They eat their sticky rice like we would crackers, with condiments, fruit, or whatever is available.
The Thai are great conservationists. No piece of wood, string, bottle, etc. shall be thrown out. There is always a way to use it again. Many of their woodcarvings and sculptures are made from pieces they find or have left over. Much the way it was for us in "the old days". Our Teak, Rosewood and Wild Mango Slab Tables are made of fallen trees that rested on the forest bed, sometimes for many years and pulled out by elephant in the Laos border region. We started with slab tables in 2003 and have been extremely successful with them. Unfortunately, it is getting harder to find the fallen trees, and the people have to travel farther and deeper into the forests to keep up with demand.
Sometimes I think I could write a book and I could go on now too, but I will keep some for later. My latest interest is in gemstones. Burma and Thailand are very well known for their gems, especially ruby, sapphire and garnet. I brought some of the jewelry back already and there is more on the container. I would love to teach someone my trade in a partnership capacity. Then maybe I will find the time to write that book.
Keep on the look-out for our next mailing with the announcement of the arrival of the container from
. We are expecting it in the third week of September, but in the meantime we are having a Great Sale in order to make space for that 40' high cube container.
Jan Blanken
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