Completed Projects

Project: Support for the 2003 Caribbean Gift and Craft Show through support to a handcrafted jewelry workshop
Agency: The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA)

This workshop provided knowledge and tools for turning jewelry and craft- making into a profitable business on a small budget. The audience consisted of jewelry makers and craftspeople from the Caribbean region. Key presenters were Ms. Elaine Robnett-Moore, small business development expert, and Mr. Kudjo Owusu, Master Beadmaker from Ghana.

The session also provided skills aimed at broadening the participants’ knowledge of the industry and assisting with the development of their craft as a business. It gave an overview of techniques that can assist artisans in developing their art/craft into a more economically rewarding enterprise.

The overview included the following areas of concern:

• The Global Market – expanding the artisans vision
• The importance of originality in jewelry/craft designs
• The pros and cons of following trends
• Competitive pricing – at home/abroad
• Tools, Findings, and Materials that help to finish jewelry
• A new look at indigenous materials
• The importance and achievement of the "Finishing Touch"
• Presentation of the artisan's work
• Proper packaging of artisan's work
• Necessary materials (jewelry tags, business cards, etc)
• Applying business sense to the artisan's art/craft
• Promotion of the artisan's art/craft