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| A product of the small "family business" |
The reason is that the little "family factory" called Mano-Faktura is in full swing, and the family members are busy making different souvenirs together: greeting cards, decorations, hearts, baskets, necklaces, pin cushions and embroidery. They also build birds houses and make ceramics. "There's not much financial profit to be made but the children do get a chance to earn some pocket money, according to how much they participate."
It all started when Pirozhka was still an aunt (family helper) in the village, as she had a habit of doing handicraft after work. "Children came up to me and asked, 'What are you doing? Teach us too!' That is how it all began are we have been making things together ever since," she tells us.
More friendships, more confidence
The family hobby has grown into a small business. They started making different souvenirs for themselves, and a friend suggested that they take the activity one step further, and they then began to look for more ideas in books and by asking their friends.
"I never thought it would grow like this! The children get so much out of it; we go to exhibitions and fairs together, get to know new people, and the children are becoming more confident as a result. Maybe some of them will grow up and do handicrafts professionally, but it's also fine if they just do this someday with their own children."
Pedagogical help
"Everyone finds an activity he or she likes and in that way contributes to our little business. Everyone participates as much as they want, and nobody is forced to take part in the family hobby," says mother Pirozhka, adding that sometimes the children do not have time for handicrafts because of other activities and school. The children are learning folk dance, they swim regularly, play football, play in a band and even practice archery.
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| Mother Pirozhka with one of her daughters |
The eldest girls, 16 year-old Evelin, 14 year-old Bea and 12 year-old Gabi, do most of the work while the boys are more into sawing and building. Pirozhka is hoping that when her eldest son starts his computer training, Mano-Faktura will be able to have a new logo.
Pirozhka is happy with the current situation as it is, though, without wanting to look too much into the future. Making handicrafts has helped her form an excellent relationship with her family.
"There is also an educational aspect in all of this. The children speak to me more openly when we do stuff together, as the hobby creates an atmosphere of sharing. Besides, the children are learning something useful."