Our bags are completely handcrafted. The entire process is sustainable and eco-friendly. The raw material used is reed, harvested once a year during summer and dried naturally through the traditional method of sun drying for about two or three weeks.
The reeds are organised in bunches, some of which are treated to get a lighter colour, and some others are dyed using a natural colouring process. The bunches are cut with axes to get the desired size and then taken to the loom, where they are woven manually, with no pedal.
It takes between 8 to 16 hours to make each bag, which is 100% handmade. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in a small scale production, thus allowing us to give you a premium quality product and a sense of individuality and personality.
Let's have a look at the process in more detail.
Harvest & Preparation of Raw Reed
Reed harvesting in North Portugal and natural sun drying
Large bunches are separated into smaller ones to get ready to create the different panels of the bag
The reed is washed to remove impurities
Reed and jute are dyed
Weaving
Natural jute is used to weave the reeds and create the panels the traditional and sustainable way
The bag pieces are woven in different patterns and colours
Hand sewing the panels together
Cutting excess reed from the panels
Finish
An eco-friendly protective finish is applied to protect from water and preserve color
Eco-friendly leather is used for closures and, in some designs, for laterals, handles and straps
Manual placement of hardware
The wicker for the handles must be immersed in water for a few hours so it can be twisted to create the handles
Then, the fastening is placed
Final color retouch
Final result: durable premium quality, timeless matching mum and mini-me bags, ethically made with natural materials by artisans
What do you think of this traditional process?
