happy hat

Santa Claus makes a happy appearance as ornaments from Bali. Wayan Cidra, from Bhakti Senang Hati, crafts and paints each albesia wood ornament by hand. The set of four ornaments hangs from golden cords.

"I'm the youngest of five siblings and our parents are farmers in Gianyar. I never went to school because of my parent's financial limitations, and also because I got poliomyelitis when I was just a child and it left me with weakened knees. I wanted to help my parents in some way, so I have been crafting ornaments since I was 14 years old. I felt so proud to myself when I received my very first income. Although I'm not really happy with my physical condition, I'm happy doing ornaments and hopefully my products can make more people happy. My hobby is singing traditional Balinese songs. I'm married and we have a son and a daughter. My wife is the one who helps me in making these ornaments, which I hope makes people’s Christmas happier."

Old Saint Nick is as festive as the Christmas star in a set of four ornaments from Bali. Wayan Cidra, from Bhakti Senang Hat, crafts each albesia wood ornament by hand and paints them red. The set of four ornaments hangs from golden cords.

"I'm the youngest of five siblings and our parents are farmers in Gianyar. I never went to school because of my parent's financial limitations, and also because I got poliomyelitis when I was just a child and it left me with weakened knees. I wanted to help my parents in some way, so I have been crafting ornaments since I was 14 years old. I felt so proud to myself when I received my very first income. Although I'm not really happy with my physical condition, I'm happy doing ornaments and hopefully my products can make more people happy. My hobby is singing traditional Balinese songs. I'm married and we have a son and a daughter. My wife is the one who helps me in making these ornaments, which I hope makes people’s Christmas happier."

This pretty beaded bracelet is the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have 3 boys." The stretch bracelet is crafted from scarlet ceramic beads alternating with albesia wood beads in light and dark finishes.