Description
These ornaments are handmade in Haiti from scrap steel oil drums. Hand-crafted from recycled 55-gallon steel drums by village artisans in Haiti; treasures that are truly one-of-a-kind! Each ornament has a loop for hanging on a tree. This makes a great ethical gift! Dimensions: Tree is approximately 3.5 x 2 inches and the snowflake is 3 x 3 inches. Recycled. Colors: Metallic Materials: Upcycled Steel Metal Finish: Clear coat. Story Behind the Art The process of turning sheets of metal into beautiful art is all done by hand. Steel drums used to transport oil into the capital of Haiti are cut, the oil is burned off to clean the metal, and then flattened in order to create stunning, upcycled art. Given the handmade nature of this product please allow for minor variations. As the metal is recovered from recycled oil drums and colored through a burning process it will vary slightly in coloration. Typically the piece has a darkened steel patina. If handpainted, exact colors may vary, which speaks to the one-of-a-kind nature of each piece. Each piece of metal art whether painted or natural is coated with a layer of clear coat to help protect the metal.Handmade in HaitiDimensions: Tree is approximately 3.5 x 2 inches and the snowflake is 3 x 3 inchesGiven the handmade nature of this product please allow for minor variations.When you visit Croix des Bouquets, the area of town known for Haitian metal art in the capital of Port-Au-Prince, you are met with a cacophony of tink, tink, tink as ball peen hammers strike sheets of steel. The sheets are cut from steel drums colored by oil and other liquids the drums at one time held. The process of turning sheets of metal into beautiful wall art is all done by hand, from cutting holes that become edges of trees and leaves, to accenting each lizard with a texture of scales, to painting or lacquering the final design. The artists are proud of their work, with many of them signing the pieces on the back side, leaving a raised, reversed signature on the front. Artisans have persevered during political turmoil, earthquakes, and extreme poverty. This purchase supports socially responsible sourcing and contributes to poverty alleviation.
