Former students at Manning's School in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Paul 'Sarge' Clarke and Donald 'Ishanti' Williams, travel the island showcasing their jewellery, lamps, statues, and other handmade products.

Clarke, who learned how to carve at age seven, has been perfecting his craft for over 40 years and often teaches youngsters from the Sav community his speciality.

"The art of carving is something that takes time and patience," Clarke said. "Since I've done this since childhood, it comes natural to me."

Free lessons

Clarke, better known as 'Sarge', carves everything from earrings and statues, to desk organisers and lamps. Whenever he teaches youths his trade, he does so freely.

"I teach young people how to do this for free because I was taught for free," he said.

Williams, a good friend of Clarke's, discovered the popularity of small, calabash purses. Gody Purses, or 'bash bags', is a product created by Williams, made from calabash and leather, and etched with intricate designs. The artists also work together to create customised products tailored to individual tastes.

"You want it, we'll make it," Williams said.

Williams, an artist since the 1970s, said he hopes to achieve exposure by vending at various outlets and festivals around the island. Entrepreneurs in their own right, both crafters believe an artisan craft village will best suit them and their goals for the future.