Hi, my name is Gibson Chatima and I make wooden African jewellery and decorated picture frames.  When I was still fully employed I occasionally helped out my brother in law and a man named Mr Teddy and this is how I learned my skills.  I was continuously challenged to improve through attending workshops and exhibitions over the years.  One particular workshop hosted by a South African association challenged my creativity and helped me develop new products such as my picture frames.

My materials are sourced from nature, mainly the plentiful Jacaranda tree. Since my earrings are small and I do not use much wood I very often just buy a big wooden spoon from Mbare Musika and break it into the small pieces I need.   That way I do not have to cut another tree.  I also decorate my earings with seeds from the Jacaranda pod.  Very often I plant the seeds and when they shoot up, I sell the plants.  That way I regenerate the forests and keep trees plentiful.  I want to start planting trees in schools and in my rural home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use tools such as chisels, saws, trimming knives, hammers, raspers and pliers.  I buy my tools from local hardware stores and open markets.  I use manual tools because I don’t have the financial resources to buy even small machine hand held tools.  This sometimes limits my ability to make certain designs.

I have never exported my products. I sell locally at the National Art Gallery, the National Handicraft Centre, craft fairs and local shops on a cash or consignment basis.  My designs come from within me or customer requests. I can make about 50 picture frames a month, 100 earrings per month and 50 necklaces per month.  My Zimbabwe bird earings and Africa map earrings are my biggest sellers.

I supplement my income by trading plastic packaging materials.  However I hope that one day, through marketing, sales and acquiring new tools, I will be able to rely on my craft 100% as a source of living. People should buy handmade products because very often they are environmentally friendly which benefits community and the nation at large.

The only way to reach me at the moment is via ZAACA, via my phone +236 775 401 513 or my physical address 851 Old Canaan, Highfield, Harare.