This Christmas: Go for handmade creations

The feeling of receiving a handmade gift is still valuable compared to other material gifts which can easily be bought in stores. This is what we usually search when thinking of a best gift for Christmas where the value of love is not just present but very visible.

This is also the reason of a creative man, Samuel Baliton Jr., who made business out of recycled papers, pressed leaves and flowers in making unique and beautiful cards.

Twenty-four year old Samuel got into the business by chance when he was still in high school almost a decade ago.

At the young age of 14, Samuel experienced having crushes, and like the typical teenager that he is, he wants to give a present to his "crush". However, he does not have enough budget for something that is decent and presentable.

So he crafted his own creation by making a greeting card made of indigenous materials to express his emotions with less expense and where he can apply his creativity. He likewise thought being original would be added "pogi points."

Before he knew it, his simple whim turned into a successful business when he started getting orders from friends, classmates, family friends who saw his creations and eventually wanted something of their own or gifts for their loved ones.

Samuel said, he does not really consider it a business, but rather a pastime that has added a few pesos to his pockets, what really matters to him is that he loves what he is doing and for him, that alone is an overwhelming fulfillment.

"Actually, wala ko nag-apas sa kita bisan sa pagsugod pa lang og buhat hago gyud. Supposed to be mahal gyud unta pero kay pasko man, it will just be my Christmas gift to my customers". (Actually, I am not after to the sales, even with the great effort exerted just from the very beginning of making it. Supposed to be it is expensive, but since it is Christmas time, it will serve as my Christmas gift to my customers.)

Samuel is proud of his products and even dreamt of venturing into the export market if given a sufficient capitalization.

For those who have talents like his, he encouraged them to have more patience in observing the weather since it plays a lot to determine when to gather flowers and plants' leaves to be used as prime materials in the said business aside from other factors needed.

He further advised students to exhibit their creativity not just to earn extra allowance but also to develop their talents.

Some of his finished products were displayed before at Lady Liz Collection boutique and now at ABC General Merchandise in Talamban, Cebu City.

The cost of his cards range from 25 pesos to 50 pesos at the most.

He make cards for various occasions like Christmas, Valentines, birthdays, anniversaries, and fiestas.

For some people, receiving materials like stuffed toys, dress, cellphones and other accessories is much acceptable as Christmas gift than receiving a cheap card. Thus, not knowing the message as the chief meaning is forgotten.

However, there are still many who appreciate the thoughts of a gift rather than its appearance and brands. Christmas cards might look cheap, yet the thought is priceless especially when it is heartily made.