Myanmar refugees weave love into handmade crafts

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Myanmar culture took over The Baker Ripley House Saturday afternoon with authentic artistry, tapestry and designs.

Refugee women from that country, now living in Houston, displayed their woven goods and demonstrated traditional craftsmanship using a technique called back-strap looming. The women used specialty yarn to create original one-of-a-kind items like purses, table runners and jewelry.

They use the money from the sale of the designs to support their families. The women are in the United States to escape political persecution in their home country.

Dozens of people who attended Saturday afternoon's event at The Baker Ripley House enjoyed watching the woman weave their creations, and did a lot of shopping. The hand crafted items take anywhere from three to five days to create and aren't that expensive. A stylish hat costs $25 and a scarf will run you $50.

If you didn't make Saturday's event, you can check out more of their creations on their website at The Community Cloth.