A steep and abandoned street in the historic town of San Agustin Etla, twenty minutes from Oaxaca City, brings us to the doors of the artisan paper factory founded in 2002. Upon entering, the shade of the trees, the green of the foliage and Juan, the famous house parrot, provide a warm welcome.

The two artists who hand-make the paper and paper-based products, Flavio and Esteban, demonstrate the paper-making process. This process has been modified and facilitated by new machines acquired with the help of the Ford Foundation and The Oaxaca Community Foundation in 2008.   

Flavio demonstrating the transformation of
cotton fibers into paper

The paper is made with cotton fiber primarily purchased from smaller cotton producers along the Oaxacan Coast combined with other natural fibers from the San Agustin Etla region. With a big smile and plenty of enthusiasm, Esteban explains that his craft dates from prehistoric eras and that one can “make practically anything out of paper, with enough imagination.” In fact, it is precisely the combination of skill and imagination that makes this particular group stand out in the production of earrings, necklaces, and decorative boxes made from naturally-dyed, natural fiber papers. 

 
International Community Foundation representative,
Julieta Mendez, making delivery of the support given
by the Ford Foundation to paper artisans Flavio and Esteban

Regardless of their obvious mastery in the elaboration of paper products, the marketing of this group’s products is quite limited. FUNDEMEX, an organization that links Mexico’s business community to its impoverished communities, is the primary impulse towards a new stage for this artisan group. Thanks to their support, the ancient art of paper-making is reborn in Oaxaca. 

On April 20thLic. Jaime Bolaños Cacho Guzman, FCO´s Executive Director, delivered the 2nd installment of money for the improvement of both the group’s commercial image and for the expansion of their workshop. With improved space and profile, the group will be able to open its doors to the public, increase its production and, consequently, increase its income. As Esteban says, “we aren’t interested in immigrating, we have everything we need right here, as long as we continue to use our imagination and to work as hard as possible.”