Bark pictures add layer of good fortune

Li was inspired to incorporate other crafts, such as cloisonne and filigree work, in her pictures. For instance, she has used cloisonne to create headdress for figures, and has made earrings and fridge magnets with bark.

"In the past, the work ended with the picture itself, but we have found we can present pretty much anything through bark to cater to modern needs, such as items of home decor," Li says.

Li's forest folk culture business has continued to develop, for example, making Peking Opera facial masks and Chinese zodiac series, which are among the most popular.

The increased diversity of bark pictures has boosted sales and encouraged more people to take up the art.

Li even talked Zhao Guihua, now one of her colleagues, into picking up her childhood art again two years ago.

Under Li's guidance, Zhao's skills have improved significantly. The woman's initially somewhat rough creations have now become refined works of art, earning her the title of first-tier master at the company.

"I used to work at a water plant, earning at most 20,000 yuan a year," says Zhao, who is in her 50s.

"Making bark art pays more, and I also have flexible working hours, which is much better than before," Zhao adds.

So far, Li has helped change the lives of 20 formerly impoverished women.

"We rank artisans by their skill levels, from first-tier master to second-tier master, down to junior instructors," Li says.