{"id":7484,"date":"2023-11-09T14:49:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T18:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/?p=7484"},"modified":"2023-11-21T08:11:22","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T12:11:22","slug":"natures-treasures-transformed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/natures-treasures-transformed\/","title":{"rendered":"Nature’s Treasures Transformed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the hands of talented Barbadians the simplest of materials is transformed into beautiful and functional items. Here are 3 wonderful examples… <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconuts Become Bird Feeders… <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Coconuts <\/strong>are quite precious to Bajans, who savour the refreshing water and use the coconut meat in delicious treats such as sugar-cakes and coconut bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the coconut shells are not wasted! Talented local artisans husk and clean the coconut shells then transform them into charming bird feeders<\/strong>. Some are painted or decorated while others remain in a more natural state. You’ll often see these feeders displayed for sale on our beaches and in craft shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coconut bird feeders displayed on the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Washed-Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Washed-Up Artworks transforms beach finds into creative, whimsical works of art and functional pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pieces of green and brown sea glass become tropical coconut trees; sea turtles emerge from sea glass and sea shells; shells and seaweed decorate handy key holders; and beach driftwood transforms into a Caribbean Christmas tree!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more of this creative work on Instagram @washedup.bb<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Barbados beaches are a great source of these materials. The east coast is the perfect spot for collecting varied seashells and driftwood; the southern beaches yield lots of sea fans; and the west coast provides pieces of glass smoothed by the action of waves, creating beautiful, frosted gems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovating With Ash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In April 2021 the La Soufri\u00e8re volcano on Barbados’ neighbouring island St. Vincent erupted, causing a massive ashfall in Barbados.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As we began the daunting cleanup task, local business development agency Export Barbados inspired us to imagine the potential products that could emerge from the ash!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Volcanic Ash Product Challenge was won by Rhea Gilkes and Selina Craigg, who created the La Soufri\u00e8re Foot Scrub<\/strong> by first sanitizing the ash and then combining it with essential oils. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhea explains: \u201cThe fineness of the ash is very effective. It\u2019s not hard and rough. It\u2019s actually finer and smoother than sand, and it has grit. It\u2019s like the difference between a rough sand paper and a finer sand paper. When you rub it on your skin, it is a really good exfoliant and of course, volcanic ash has a lot of minerals, like magnesium, which is good for your skin. So we thought the scrub would be a good idea.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbados Craft Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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