Bamboo Crafts

There are over 1000 uses for bamboo. Bamboo can be used instead of wood for chopsticks, tongue depressors, kitchen utensils, golf tees, and the like. The Philippines has a history of making woven baskets from bamboo, as well as musical instruments both traditional and contemporary: nose flutes, percussion instruments, xylophones, guitars, and yes, even a full sized organ.

Crafts and art pieces can be made from all parts of the bamboo including the rhizomes (root system), the patterning of the grain makes for beautiful jewelry, and other small items. Interior designers use bamboo vases, lights and art peices as decor in contemporary homes in the Philippines and abroad. Handicrafts and Cottage industry products are a great way for a community to develop a bamboo industry. Traditional and contemporary treatment of bamboo can make for a diverse range of products all of which can be made with the most basic of hand tools and a small investment for start up.