Berbice couple take craft to a higher level

Three years ago, Anthony and Naomi Caesar refused to purchase a birthday gift for their daughter’s first birth anniversary. They instead wanted something unique, which could stand out at the party they had thrown. They wanted all the decorations for the party to be different.
“We were looking around for stuff at various party stores, but all had the same things that everybody else was using; so I decided to make decoration with the materials at (our) disposal,” it was related to this publication.
The couple used brown paper bags and Mickey ears photo frames to design their decorations, thus making them unique. They had then never imagined that their ideas would eventually turn into a business venture. Today the business is called A N & K Crafts.
Anthony explained that he uses foam boards, foam sheet ,velvet cloth, felt, dry leaves, green sea moss, wire, wood, sand, stones, cardboard, paper, plastic, feathers and other things to create ornaments and indoor decorations. In fact, those are the things that host homes crave at this time of the year.
While much of the materials gathered were from the bins of stores and from around the community, about sixty per cent of what is needed has to be purchased.
Foam, velvet, green sea moss, decorative stones, paper, plastic craft wood and craft sticks are some of the materials used to make the decorations.
“We might not get the right materials in Guyana, so we might have to improvise or order it from overseas,” Anthony said as he spoke of some of the difficulties associated with the craft business.
Currently, the couple sell their craft production on the pavement in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
“Some people are amazed with the work, and probably have doubts in their minds when I say that the work was done by the family. My understanding is that most Berbicians move away from craft and prefer the Chinese mass (produced) flower and home decor. Probably they are cheaper and affordable, but not long lasting; that’s my take,” he declared.
Anthony says that while he is not directly involved in the export of his craft, many of his customers indicate that they are sending the items overseas for family members or friends.
The business of craft which might — in other parts of the world and to a lesser extent in other parts of the country — become a flourishing business, does not enjoy the same success in Berbice, he explained.
The young entrepreneur, who is expected to celebrate his fourth wedding anniversary today, says sometimes the situation gets depressing.
“Because people come up and say they (the craft items) are really nice and neat, but those same people do not buy. It sometimes leaves me wondering if (the items are) so great, why you don’t buy something then? I say to myself, ‘It is great, but not to be put in their homes.’
“But then there is that one customer who would come and make you want to continue pressing on,” he revealed.
Persons who wish to purchase décor can check out Anthony Zar’s Facebook page.