First-time to design an umbrella

I always love to paint. Imagine my delight when we were given the opportunity to design our own very own hand-made umbrellas.

It was a windy afternoon when we visited the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) in Chiang Mai where we did this quick but fun activity. But before we even got to the umbrella painting stuff, we were given a briefing on what TCDC is all about and a tour of its facilities.

TCDC, for me, is like a factory of creative concepts and they have all the tools to inspire people to think outside the box. They have a Resource Center that houses publications on design and even have a place where Thais can submit their ideas and works of art.

Pumped up after the tour, we proceeded with painting the paper umbrellas at the TCDC outdoor area. I have so many things in mind on what to do with my umbrella, but since we had to finish it in 10 minutes, I opted for the easiest one — a flower. But not without mixing colors and making it appear lively.

But it was at the Borsang Umbrella Making Centre where I truly appreciated the efforts that are put together to create these beautiful umbrellas. Apparently, the practice of making umbrellas in Borsang traces its history to a monk named Pra Kru In-Tha who acquired the knowledge during his spiritual retreat to a village near the Burmese border. As he taught the technology to the Borsang villagers, the activity has grown. Before, the umbrellas were used as an offering to monks but later on became a household accessory, which later spread to tourists and visitors in Chiang Mai.

What’s amazing about these umbrellas is that its frames and almost everything in it is made of bamboo. The cover is made of Sa paper, which comes from the bark of mulberry trees. The use of persimmon fruit secretion is what makes the umbrella waterproof. We watched every station as the process of making umbrella is done step-by-step.

It was at the final part of the process where we enjoyed our viewing the most. The last station is made up of artists and designers who paint not only on the umbrella but also on other materials, such as cellphone jackets, t-shirts, fans, and what have you. I even saw a lady had an artist paint on her jeans! One particular lady, Khun Noi, was painting a butterfly on the hand of our companion. She was so good at it that she did it in a matter of three minutes. I volunteered to have my hand painted as well. She did it so beautifully and so fast.

We didn’t leave the Umbrella Making Centre without buying some stuff at their shop. In fact, someone in our group bought several umbrellas to bring home. Umbrellas of different sizes, color and design fill the shop, including other souvenir items that are great to gift to friends and loved ones.