Wood Flowers (Dok-mai-chan) Made from Rice Straw

Wood Flowers (Dok-mai-chan) Made from Rice Straw

Professors and students from the Early Childhood Education program in RMUTT’s Faculty of Home Economics taught Saeng Tawan village no. 1 group of housewives from Krachang sub-district, Sam Khok district, Pathumthani province how to create wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) from rice straw, at Kai Tia temple in Pathumthani province. The project was part of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Ms. Orapin Sukayos, RMUTT’s Head of the Faculty of Home Economics and permanent professor of the Early Childhood Education program said that teaching others how to create wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) from rice straw adds value to rice straws, aligns with His Majesty’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s principles of self-sufficiency, and helps creates jobs and generate more income.

Mr. Vichit Sonhom, permanent professor of RMUTT’s Creative Craft Technology (CCT) program said that he used rice straw to create wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) because of its unique patterns. He modified rice straw paper into petals and created a bouquet, tying it with a black ribbon, similar to a bouquet of roses. Furthermore, the program plans to transfer knowledge in creating more crafts from rice straw in the future.

Ms. Boonapa Bualuang, coordinator of Saeng Tawan village no. 1 group of housewives said that the group was established in 1997. The group used the community’s raw materials to generate more income, such as making glutinous rice roasted in bamboo cylinders, fried seaweed, glazed banana chips, and other products depending on the season and market demand.

Moreover, RMUTT’s Faculty of Home Economics program is very beneficial. Participants showed interest when asked about the program. Furthermore, wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) made from rice straw were very easy to make and could be made during one’s free time. Currently, there is now a market that is interested in this product. Those that are interested in creating wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) made from rice straw may ask for more details from Saeng Tawan village no. 1 group of housewives.

Rattapong (James) Ruasuwan, a student volunteer from RMUTT’s Creative Craft Technology (CCT) program said that most of the housewives that attended the program were seniors. However, everyone was attentive and quickly learned how to create wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) from rice straw. Besides exchanging knowledge with the housewives, this opportunity allowed him to apply what he learnt and created jobs for housewives as well.

Groups of housewives that are interested in Home Economics’ social services may ask for more information from RMUTT’s Faculty of Home Economics by calling 02-549-3160. Furthermore, those that are interested in creating wood flowers (Dok-mai-chan) from rice straw may ask for more details by calling Ms. Boonapa from Saeng Tawan village no. 1 group of housewives at 081-451-3705.