Although we've already posted about the capacity building program, we wanted to highlight the product clinic conducted for the participants by our in-house Designer Marge. We never have enough of the good things, right?
The product clinic was held on May 1st. Yes, it was a holiday, people are not supposed to work. But since our partners came from different parts of the country, we wanted to maximize their time here and we know that our participants can handle it.
The product clinic started at 1pm to give everyone time to sleep-in after the Partners Dinner the night before and three exhausting and so busy weeks. To make it not so formal, the clinic was held in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Makati Ave. Drinks are ordered, we have a table big enough, so time to start.
The product clinic started with Marge presenting the trends, from animal printing, to natural materials, ethnic designs, etc. and discussing how to apply the trends to our partners own crafts.
To apply what was shared during the presentation, the participants formed groups. Each group was composed of people from different organizations, with different skills and using different materials. "You have one hour to come out with items, mixing the different materials when possible" were Marge's instructions.
Who was the most talented in drawing? Some were very, let’s say, arty, conceptual. Group 1 came out with three ethnic bags of different sizes, mixing tinalak from Klo-Wil, canvas and plastic strips from our partner Pamana.
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| Final work of the team 1 |
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| Tatay Ding, from team 1 |
The award for the most artistic and colorful work went to the second group. To thunderous applause, please welcome Yolly, Dahlia and Mike with their “fancy collection” a very colorful line dedicated to summer. One convertible bag made of printed canvas, a pair of sandals, both in shiny colors. It made me want to go to the beach.
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| Their very colorful creations |
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| Team 2's artists at work |
Enough accessories. The last group has decided to focus on furniture and decorative items. On your left, made of rattan paper and tinalak please welcome the “center table”, going along with an assorted lampshade and a magazine rack. But this living room line wouldn’t be complete without a chair to make it more comfy to read a magazine from the newly designed rack.
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| One chair designed for team 3 |
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| Team 3 artwork |
The ideas presented here are interesting but need to be analyzed by our designer. Drum roll. She gives her comments, how it could be improved, why this and this doesn’t fit together, etc.
We are now done with the group work. Finally we get to what everyone is waiting for and stressed out by. One by one, they will show some of their items to Marge who will then comment, give advices. One after another, they cannot escape. Everything goes well, participants are writing done what’s said, committing to use those helpful advices in a near future. They come out with new ideas, new possible combination of materials. Despite the fatigue, participants stay focused, and seem to enjoy it. You can see it in their eyes, behind those growing eye bags. Last presentation is done. Right on time it's starting to get late - it's already about 6pm. Coffee cups are empty. Sun is going down. It’s time to end a successful workshop, leaving with the head full of ideas.
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