When we founded World Travel Art we started right away to offer colorful, tatami style woven purses from Cambodia, made by Baskets of Cambodia. One of the Fair Trade Partners' Slogans says: "from humble beginnings come great things'" - we could not agree more to this! It is stunning how the weavers and purse makers transform the reed into these light, strong, fun and unique purses. Still today Seagrass Purses are one of our best-selling items on site and on outdoor markets.
The process starts with the selection and the precise cutting of each strand of seagrass that can grow as high as 8' tall. There is only one major harvest per year in the Mekong and surrounding deltas due to the monsoons in Asia.
The reed is then dried and dyed several times in certified, non-toxic dyes in order to reach the rich color of the finished product and hung to dry. Two weavers work then together on one loom to make the long, wide mats. One person threads each strand of grass while the other person operates the actual loom. The mats are cut into respective pieces to make purses, floor mats or place mats before being handed over to the sewing group that finishes the process. 
It is confirmed by our customers again and again that these fine reed purses are great, durable and wearable year round plus make a great conversation piece when out with the girls.
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