The Rexburg branch of the OSSO sold Christmas and artistic greeting cards made entirely by the orphans in Ecuador. Each card contained a paper documenting the history of the card and a brief description of the orphanages and the girls who made them.

The cards were made by girls ages 14-16 that are currently living in Ecuador orphanages. The paper that documents the history of the card includes information on how the cards are made. They gather scraps of paper, water, dye items such as fruit and a starchy substance to mix together to create the card paper. This soupy substance is allowed to dry and harden, and then the girls get creative with their own designs. Some use a patterned style and embellish from there; others use an artistic style and create their own works.

The cards were a success at the craft fair. “We sold about 36 packets of cards. Each packet contained 5 original cards, and we also sold about 30 individual cards. All the money generated from the sale of these cards is going straight back to the girls at the orphanage,” said Terri Griggs, an organizer of the craft fair.

The OSSO is currently working to get the cards put on www.Overstock.com, which is an online company specializing in overstock items for retail sale. www.Overstock.com would provide a larger audience base and would hopefully increase sales and provide more money for the orphans in Ecuador.

To support the orphans in Ecuador and purchase the cards handmade by them go to www.orpahangesupport.org. There are several cards available to view under the product category.