Lokta Paper Beads by Carmen

Carmen comes to our shop to admire the different paper beads we have on display.  She tried making the paper beads herself and before long was turning out beautiful paper beads.  I shared with her how the women in the Philippines are able to supplement their income by making paper beads.  Carmen is an active volunteer for hopepartnershipnepal.org and was very much encouraged by the Philippine women story and how it could be possible for the women in Nepal to do the same.  I was admiring her latest creation, paper beads made of lokta paper or commonly known as rice paper.  She incorporated some wood beads and the textured wood bead is from the Bodhi Tree – Buddha sat under this tree during his enlightenment.  I love the organic look to this bracelet.

Did you know that paper made with lokta plant is non-perishable in water and that it is very soft and often use to wrap precious stones?

The bumpy looking wood bead Carmen used in this bracelet is made from Bodhi tree.

Carmen with daughter.