Christmas in a Jamaican household is when the good plates make an appearance, fresh curtains go up and the freshly dusted figurines glisten under the pepper lights. The point is, Christmas in a Jamaican home…it never looks like a regular day.
The Entrepreneur Weekly says, this Christmas add a Jamaican touch to your space with locally made household items. Here are five pieces that could inspire a more Jamaican Christmas and, perhaps, your next creation.
1. The Napkin
Never underestimate what a good napkin can do for a Christmas table. Printed fabric napkins featuring Christmas themed patterns can bring flair to an otherwise simple table setting.
For an artisan, something as simple as a napkin also presents an opportunity to experiment with textile printing, pattern development and creating a coordinated collection.
2. The Napkin Holder
The napkin and holder can be designed as a set. A handcrafted napkin holder can be the small detail that pulls an entire place setting together. It could be made using leather, metal or another material.
3. Platter
Imagine serving up Christmas on a handcrafted locally made platter. Think wood, metal, a mix of both maybe?
4. Centrepiece
The table deserves a centrepiece that gets people talking before the food even arrives. Instead of the usual store-bought arrangement, think of a handcrafted piece. It could incorporate metal, textiles or mixed materials to create something that feels festive.
5. Party Favours
When the food is finished and everyone is preparing to leave, why not send guests home with a little piece of Jamaica?
Small handcrafted items can be developed as party favours for Christmas dinners, office celebrations and other seasonal events. They can also become gifting solutions for individuals and businesses looking for something more thoughtful than the usual Christmas giveaway.
Could You Make It?
If one of these ideas has you thinking about what you could create, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC) Craft Incubator provides a space along with expert guidance from specialists, to start exploring.
The incubator supports artisans in product development, jewellery-making, textile printing and other craft production, with equipment and tools available for prototyping, experimentation and production.
The space includes bench torches, flexible shaft machines, polishing motors, ultrasonic cleaners, tumblers, rolling mills and specialised hand tools. Textile printing and de-waxing equipment are also available, while clients developing leather craft and other handcrafted products can receive guidance throughout the product development process. So, it’s essentially an ‘Artisan Hub’.
Access to the Craft Incubator workspace is available for $1,200 per day, with access to relevant equipment and tools. Book here: https://www.jbdc.net/services/incubators/.
And those five craft pieces? Consider them a hint. As we count down to Christmas, we will be exploring some of the products, techniques and possibilities that can come to life with the right idea, tools and space.
