The people of Cambodia have endured a great deal in a span of time shorter than my lifetime. Here is a very brief history; after the Vietnam War spread to Cambodia, the communist Khmer Rouge regime took power. What followed was years of devastation, mass killings, torture and fear. From 1975 to 1979, led by the Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, there was a reign of terror in this small country. In 4 years, nearly 2 million Cambodians were murdered. Under the government that followed a full pardon was given to all members of the Khmer Rouge for the genocide and atrocities they had committed, this was a slap in the face to the surviving Cambodian People. In 1993, a mere 20 years ago, peace came to Cambodia. Since then, the country has struggled to find growth and prosperity while surrounded by the remnants of war, the rule of a dictator and a communist government. The endless list of challenges they still face include land mines, extreme poverty, lack of infrastructure, lack of jobs and a population left deeply wounded both physically and psychologically. We also have a brilliant selection of bags made from recycled materials, which make ideal gifts for people who love all things earth-friendly. Each bag is crafted by hand in an ethical manner under the Fair Trade Cambodia initiative. Beautifully made, fair-trade and environmentally friendly. You can't get better than that! www.craftworkscambodia.com
or contact us this email: [email protected]
Brass jewelry hand made from bombshells that helps transform the scars of war into the beauty of peace. After two decades of war, one in every 250 Cambodians is disabled and the proportion of amputees - one in every 384 people - is the highest in the world. The Cambodian countryside is littered with bomb casings. Crafts men and women use the brass bombshells to create fashionable jewelry, statements for peace. This symbolic jewelry takes the scars of a country's horrific history and turns them into something beautiful while at the same time offering a more positive future for the artisans, as well as the direct victims of landmines. The jewelry shows a creative reaction to violent conflict, a way of reminding us of the impressive strength that lies within so many.
 MILLIONS of LANDMINES An estimated 2.7 million tons of landmines or UX OS were found in Cambodia after the notorious Khmer Rouge regime. UNCLEAR LANDS 13% of dangerous land in Kingdom of Cambodia has been cleared of war remnants, which means 87% or 648km squares left to clear.

​Throwing acid is one of the worst crimes that a person can commit. The perpetrator usually does not want to kill the victim, but wants to do something worse than murder - make the victim suffer forever. Acid melts human flesh and even bones, causing excruciating pain and terror, and leaves the victims mutilated and scarred for the rest of their lives. Some suffer permanent disabilities such as blindness. Here is the story behind about the disadvantaged and vulnerable home-based woman artisan:
Ms.Srey Oun is an inspirational woman, she is 38 years old with two daughters, Naomi is  12 years old, the second daughter Hannah is just 6 years old and lives in a small town in rural Cambodia. She survived one of the most brutal times in Cambodia's history and then encountered a personal disaster.

She was the serious one of the acid attacked victims in Cambodia. She was acid attacked in Jan 1999. She has a little bit of skill in knitting when she was not acid attacked. So she has tried her hard to review her skills, after that her knitting skills is better gradually from year to year,  in 2003, she was unemployed and with no income for her family. She decided to learn how to make craft items, bags, wallets, coasters, cushion covers, friendship bracelets, hair bows and more hoping to be able to sell them in the local markets; it was not easy to sell her products.

 Her husband was a TV/Radio mechanic.  He is one of the acid attacked victims. We both fell in love each other, my husband wanted to get married to me but his parents refused, because her husband can see about 80%, he still can fix the TV or Radio even he was attacked by acid. So his parents said he could not get married to her, he had to get married to other girl who is not blind like Srey Oun, Because She is blind , she cannot take care of her husband. Her husband separated from her when she was 4 month pregnancy.

Srey Oun has 10 siblings, (7 sisters and 3 brothers. She is the youngest daughter in her family. She lives with her old mother 78 years old. She is able to take care of her mother and her daughter.

 Ms.Srey Oun now looks to the international markets in the hope that she may be able to earn an income there. However, it is very hard for her to find the markets internationally because of the language barrier, blind. She always encourages herself to keep being optimistic. She has not only been struggling to provide her daughters with food, an education but struggles with discrimination as many neighbors don’t like those who is blind.

Srey Oun really enjoys knitting bags, wallets, coasters, friendship bracelets and other cushion covers with her producer group. This work makes her life full of pleasure, dignity and helps her daughters gain that life changing education in the future.

With the support of groups such as Craftworks Cambodia, and the sales of these bags, wallets, friendship bracelets  an income can be provided that offers their families and their communities the chance at a better future. This project (Craftworks Cambodia) ensures that the artisans are fairly rewarded for their work and provide support for education and training in the communities in Cambodia.

​The ultimate eco-ethical accessories, these fabulous bags produced by Craftworks Cambodia give used cement and fish sacks a second life – and create employment opportunities for workers with disabilities and disadvantages in Cambodia who craft them by hand in their homes.
​Cambodians are renowned for their generous, humble and kind nature. For those who have been there this reputation rings true throughout the whole country. Hand in hand with this there is an ever-present undertone of grief known only to a country that has seen horror and experienced great loss. It was in the 1970’s that the savage Pol Pot regime brought civil war to Cambodia and still renders its mark with 30% of people living below the poverty line. However, this tragic history does not impede on the spirit of the Cambodian people and it is amazing to see a country building and developing for a positive future. 
Visit us: www.craftworkscambodia.com

Here is a very brief history; after the Vietnam War spread to Cambodia, the communist Khmer Rouge regime took power on 17 April 1975. What followed was years of devastation, mass killings, torture and fear. From 1975 to 1979, led by the Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, there was a reign of terror in this small country. In 4 years, nearly 2 million Cambodians were murdered. Under the government that followed a full pardon was given to all members of the Khmer Rouge for the genocide and atrocities they had committed, this was a slap in the face to the surviving Cambodian People. In 1993, a mere 20 years ago, peace came to Cambodia. Since then, the country has struggled to find growth and prosperity while surrounded by the remnants of war. The endless list of challenges they still face include land mines, extreme poverty, lack of infrastructure, lack of jobs and a population left deeply wounded both physically and psychologically.

We have a brilliant selection of bags made from recycled materials, which make ideal gifts for people who love all things earth-friendly. Each bag is crafted by hand in an ethical manner under the Fair Trade Cambodia initiative. Beautifully made, fair-trade and environmentally friendly. You can't get better than that!
Please visit us at webpage:  www.craftworkscambodia.com
or email us: [email protected]

Eco-friendly messenger  and overnight bags
The ultimate eco-ethical accessories, these fabulous bags produced by Craftworks Cambodia give used cement sacks a second life – and create employment opportunities for workers with disabilities in Cambodia who craft them by hand in their homes.
​Cambodia and Cambodians have suffered for decades as a result of war. It is still recovering from the atrocities of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970’s. About a third of Cambodia’s population lives below the national poverty level. The sale of these goods made by Cambodian workers will help keep families together with food on the table.  It’s especially important for women. The opportunity to earn a living will allow them to raise healthy babies and children. I believe people will buy these items when they see them.  Many Cambodian crafts items are both beautiful and clever.  Silk is the most common material it is spun and woven in the villages, and made into scarves, shawls, purses and other accessories. Also popular are the eco-friendly items made of discarded rice bags. Recycled rice sacks are made into wallets and bags. Further information about us, please visit www.craftworkscambodia.com

 Brass jewelry hand made from bombshells that helps transform
the scars of war into the beauty of peace.  After two decades of war, one in every 250 Cambodians is disabled and the proportion of amputees - one in every 384 people - is the highest in the world. 

The Cambodian countryside is littered with bomb casings. Crafts
  men and women use the brass bombshells to create fashionable jewelry, statements for peace. This symbolic jewelry takes the scars of a country's horrific history and turns them into something beautiful while at the same time offering a more positive future for the artisans, as well as the direct victims of landmines. The jewelry shows a creative reaction to violent conflict, a way of reminding us of the impressive strength that lies within so many.
 MILLIONS of LANDMINES
An estimated 2.7 million tons of landmines or UX OS were found in Cambodia after the notorious Khmer Rouge regime.
UNCLEAR LANDS
13% of dangerous land in Kingdom of Cambodia has been cleared of war remnants, which means 87% or 648km squares left to clear.
​
Background on Cambodia
Cambodia has a rich history marked by soaring achievements in art, religion and architecture and prolonged periods of entrenched war and grueling repression.  Today, Cambodia is a nation at peace, ruled by a multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy. But while its economy is growing steadily and the country has increasingly become a popular tourist destination, millions of Cambodians still live in poverty. 
Timeline of Major Events
1863
 Cambodia becomes a protectorate of France.
1953
 Cambodia wins independence from France.
1965
 Cambodia breaks diplomatic relations with the United States and allows North Vietnamese guerillas to establish bases within the country.
1970
 The Khmer Republic is established in a coup and the army is sent to fight the North Vietnamese in Cambodia. 
1975
 The Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot occupies Phnom Penh and takes control of Cambodia.
 All urban dwellers are forcibly evacuated to the countryside to become agricultural workers. Money becomes worthless, basic freedoms are curtailed and religion is banned. Over the next three years, nearly 2 million "enemies of the state" are executed in 'killing fields'.
1977
 Fighting breaks out with Vietnam.
1979
 A successful Vietnamese invasion causes Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge forces to flee.
1981
 The pro-Vietnamese Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party wins the elections to the National Assembly. The international community continues to recognize the exiled Khmer Rouge as the official Cambodian government.
1985
 Cambodia is plagued by guerilla warfare. Hundreds of thousands of people flee Cambodia and become refugees.
1989
 Vietnamese troops withdraw.
1991
 A peace agreement is signed in Paris ending fighting among various factions in Cambodia.
1993
In general elections, the royalist Funcinpec party wins the most seats in parliament, the monarchy is resorted and the exiled Khmer Rouge loses its seat at the UN.
2007
The most senior surviving member of Khmer Rouge, Nuon Chea, is arrested and charged with crimes against humanity.
2008
 The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) claims victory in national elections, which EU monitors claim fell short of international standards.
2011
 Armed combat erupts in the disputed border region between Thai and Cambodian forces. Both countries eventually agree to withdraw troops from the region.
2012 July - Cambodia and Thailand withdraw their troops from a disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple in line with a ruling by the International Court of Justice which aims to halt outbreaks of armed conflict in recent years.
2013 June - Parliament passes a bill making it illegal to deny that atrocities were committed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s.
2014 July - More than 150,000 Cambodian workers return home from neighbouring Thailand after rumours circulate that the new military junta there will crack down on illegal migrants.
2015 March - A UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia indicts two more former commanders of the Khmer Rouge, Im Cheam and Meas Muth, with crimes against humanity.
2016 July - Kem Ley, a political commentator and prominent critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen is shot dead in the capital Phnom Penh.
2017 September - Opposition leader Kem Sokha is charged with treason. November - Supreme Court dissolves the Cambodia National Rescue Party, the country's only significant opposition party.
2018 February - Cambodia introduces lese-majeste law, which makes it a criminal offence to defame or insult the king.

Cleverly recycled jewellery
This ingenious jewellery is crafted by Craftworks Cambodia from found objects – the bullet casings and bombshells that litter the countryside. Handmade by artisans with disabilities, these stunning pieces are statements of hope and peace.
 
While Cambodia has enjoyed years of peace and development since the war and atrocities of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, today 30% of the population still live below the poverty line (on less than $1.25 per day). For this reason, Craftworks Cambodia makes their unique products by creating fair trade jobs for disadvantaged Cambodians with high levels of unemployment. 
Artisans and crafts people are paid fairly and equitably for their skillful work, which keeps families together with food on their table. A liveable and reliable income is especially important for women as it allows them to raise healthy babies and children and provide for their future.
Craftworks Cambodia's products are skillfully made, beautiful and clever. They offer a range of traditional and contemporary products, from home décor to functional home ware as well as gifts, accessories and jewelry based on the finest aesthetic and artistic traditional workmanship of Cambodia. 
​brass gives the rings femininity. The brass material highlights the natural stone that is the focal point of the piece. The stone has standout style with a flawless finish and comes in a choice of polished black or semi-polished white.

CC also works with materials such as recycled paper and hand-woven silk to produce unique and inspired products, garments and jewellery. The Recycled Tubing Purses as the name denotes are made from recycled tubing creating an edgy and reworked design on a classic purse. The purses are eco friendly and ethically made by home based workers who are living with HIV/AIDS in the community. Every purse is handmade so each one possesses little unique qualities, making it your own. The overall style is chic and eye-catching with bright strips of textured material complementing against the black leather of the purse. The artisans of CC take pride in their work and strive for beauty and quality. Chantha talks of his work with CC,
"‘We will continue to try our best as we are so very pleased to produce jewellery for our customers through Craftworks Cambodia." 
All works from Craftworks Cambodia as well as more information on the artisans and their stories can be found on www.craftworkscambodia.com

​Good for the environment
We have a brilliant selection of bags, purses made from recycled materials, which make ideal gifts for people who love all things earth-friendly. Each bag & wallets  are  crafted by hand in an ethical manner under the Fair Trade Cambodia initiative. Beautifully made, fair-trade and environmentally friendly. You can't get better than that!

Most of us have heard about fair trade tea, coffee and chocolate but the fair trade range goes beyond food. Craftworks Cambodia makes a fantastic selection of ethical products including accessories such as bags, wallets and scarves, skillfully hand crafted jewelry and natural handmade soaps. There is something to suit everyone and everything is hand made using traditional skills. The pieces are all made individually artisan made and not churned out of a factory so each piece has its own individuality and is unique. The fairly made and eco-friendly products that are available from Craftworks Cambodia include a brilliant selection of bags made from recycled materials. There are wallets, baby bags, shopping totes and more.  If you are after something unique and delightful there is a variety of stunning recycled Fair-trade jewelry which is always popular. The colours and styles vary from traditional to more contemporary creations made from all sorts of recycled materials. Beautifully made, fair-trade and environmentally friendly. www.craftworkscambodia.com