How Soapstone Animals and the Kiumbes are Born
Soapstone, which Kiumbes are made from as well as all the products from the ArtWorkShop project, is a soft stone which can easily be carved. When you touch it, it may feel a bit like soap which is the reason for it being called soapstone.
You can have a look at this article to see how the Kiumbes are born from soapstone...
| First, you have to prepare all the necessary equipment. |  |
  | ...then you go to the quarry and break off a piece of stone. |
The broken off pieces are then cut into smaller ones. |   |
   | The pieces are then cut again to their final size using a machette... |
...and are then cut into a rough shape. |  |
 | Measure twice and cut once works in Kenya too :) |
| Then the delicate work comes... |   |
  | ...The stone slowly transforms into a smiling Kiumbe. |
| When the product reaches its final shape, it is smoothened using sandpaper. |  |
 | Its correct size and shape are both checked so that children recognise their Kiumbes :) |
| The products are smoothened using sandpaper once again, but this time under water. |  |
 | The Kiumbes bring happiness to Kenyan children... |
| ...and then you just paint them and the Kiumbes are ready to see the world! |   |
