07 Jul 2026

In the hands of 64-year-old Loaitsanye Kumako, paper is more than a material destined for the refuse bin, it is the foundation of beauty.

Using discarded material such as calendars and posters, Kumako transforms waste into striking necklaces, earrings and bracelets, proving that creativity can give ordinary materials a second life.

Although her craft has been on hold for several years due to a shortage of resources, Kumako remains determined to revive what once brought her both pride and income.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA, Kumako said her journey into paper jewellery making began in 2017 when she attended a craft training workshop organised by the Department of Social and Community Development at Tshane Hall.

The workshop brought together women from the community and was facilitated by two instructors from Tshane, who taught participants how to transform ordinary paper into decorative jewellery.

Kumako recalled that after completing her first jewellery set during the training, her work was judged the best among all participants.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, she began producing a variety of handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets, turning her newly acquired skill into a creative venture that became a source of personal fulfilment.

Each piece, she explained, was carefully handcrafted in different shapes and designs to give it a unique appearance.

She mainly used sturdy paper from old calendars and posters because of its strength and durability. The paper was complemented with beads, fish line, glue, scissors and a ruler to create the finished products.

“Everything is measured, cut and assembled by hand,” she said. “The beads add colour and beauty to the jewellery.”

Despite using simple materials, Kumako’s patience and attention to detail enabled her to create attractive handmade accessories that quickly gained popularity in the community.

She said women and children were among her regular customers, and she often sold the jewellery from her home.

To attract more buyers, she displays the pieces at her tuckshop, to catch the attention of passers-by.

“People would always compliment my work and encourage me to keep making more,” she said.

However, the business eventually came to a standstill after she struggled to obtain essential materials such as glue and fish line.

Kumako said that while she was still producing jewellery, she sometimes relied on those travelling to Gaborone to buy supplies on her behalf.

As access to the materials became increasingly difficult, she was forced to suspend production.

Despite the setback, Kumako has never lost her passion for the craft.

She said her dream was recently rekindled after attending an Ikageng Programme meeting, where participants were informed that the initiative would place greater emphasis on supporting people with practical and vocational skills.

The announcement reminded her of the talent she had once nurtured and the opportunities it had created.

“It made me realise that I can still make a living from my jewellery,” she said.

Determined to revive her business, Kumako is now saving money to buy essential materials needed to resume production.

She hopes that once she restarts, her handmade paper jewellery will once again bring beauty from what others throw away while creating income for herself.

For Kumako, paper has never simply been waste, it has always represented possibility, creativity and the hope of a better future. ENDS