News

April 12, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


Ghana crafters create hand-crafted accessories, apparel, decor, and skin care items using traditional techniques, maintaining local artisanal skills. Global Mamas

Global Mamas
Globla Mamas Ghana

Global Mamas creates hand-crafted accessories, apparel, decor, and skin care items using traditional techniques, maintaining local artisanal skills. Each product is full of life and love, and is crafted with the utmost quality. The producers in the Global Mamas network have worked together for over a decade in Ghana, West Africa developing products that resonate with consumers all over the world, and in-turn have created prosperity for themselves and their families.

 

Grace Necklace in Moss - Global Mamas

Grace Necklace in Moss

This necklace features recycled glass beads and silver plated findings. Measures 18 inches in length.

April 05, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


Artisans work in Kenya and Ghana to weave beautiful, traditional baskets in many designs and colors. Gitzell Africa

 Gitzell Africa

The Gitzelli artisans work in Kenya and Ghana to weave beautiful, traditional baskets in many designs and colors.  Artisans live in low income areas and make their living off selling their crafts or taking daily temporary labor for minimum wage.  In Kenya, the artisans come from wide parts of the country. Most weavers come from the Eastern region where the climate is dry and conducive to the production of the sisal -- this is their main source of income.  In Central Kenya, most artisans have small pieces of land where they practice subsistence farming.  They subsidize their income through weaving products with banana leaf.  Gitzelli Imports has helped connect these artisans to bigger markets and enhance their low income.

 

 

March 22, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


Asha helps independent craftsmen make a fair living in Mumbai, India. Asha Handicrafts

Asha Handicrafts
Asha Handicrafts

India has always been renowned for its rich silk fabrics, woodcarvings and carpets. However, many of these products are produced in conditions of abject poverty for the craftsmen, exploited by large producers and moneylenders. Asha Handicrafts is a not-for-profit making body, based in Mumbai, India, working to promote Fair Trade and Fair Trade practices. As a member organisation of theThe World Fair Trade Organization , Asha Handicrafts ensures that the benefits of handicraft production reach the craftspeople themselves.

March 08, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


Fair wages for New Dehli artisans creations using upcycled materials. Beaurer Creations

Beaurer Creations

This artisan group is located in the impoverished city of New Delhi.  They are making a huge impact by employing workers at fair wages and offering safe, clean working conditions.  They pay above the government issued minimum wage.  Workers enjoy tea breaks each day and weekly prayer, as per tradition. Beauer produces a wide array of products using new and upcycled materials.  Their specialty is home and handbags.  Their workers are trained in macramé, handbag, and accessory crafts work.  Examples of upcycled material that you might find in their products include firehose, tire, and leather label patches from jeans.  By purchasing a Beauer product, you will be helping some of India's poorest people, and its environment.

 

Recycled Firehose Small Round Clutch with Tassel

Featuring the same durability that can withstand the most heated situations, this small round cross-body bag has been constructed from recycled, retired fire hose. Black nylon lined interior with  pocket. 

February 22, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


South African artisans create high quality handmade fashion jewelry. Brass Images

Brass Images
Brass Images

Brass Images was established in 1988 in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, about a 4 hour drive out of Cape Town . The long lasting success of the project is due to the fact that the group develops new designs on a regular basis and pays great attention to detail and quality. Brass Images employs 15 people from the local community to help create high quality fashion jewelry. As demand grows, the organization hires and trains more artisans, providing sustainable income in an area in need of employment.

Solid brass and copper are the base materials of the product. By applying extreme heat, the artisans create the interesting patterns and effects on the jewelry. No dyes are used. Each item is entirely handmade and a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

 

Roulette Red Tiger Eye Brass Earrings - Brass Images (E)

Handmade by South African artisans, these discs of alternating antique and polished brass are accented with a red tiger eye stone. The earrings are 1.5 inches in diameter and hang from brass hooks.

February 08, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


This traditional Mexican pottery is crafted and hand painted by artisans in Mexico using traditional pottery technique. Encantada Pottery

 Encantada Pottery
Encantada

There’s no sign to find the small family-owned ceramic workshop in the state of Guanajuato. Behind the large wooden gate, women artisans are hand painting unfired ceramics while men work the kilns, as they have since the late 70’s. Each piece has personality from the dots and swirls to the handpainted logo on the bottom. And each is lead free, microwave and dishwasher safe.

 

Encantada Handmade Pottery Spice Shakers, Dots & Flowers

Encantada Handmade Pottery Spice Shakers, Dots & Flowers

Each piece is highly textured and unique -- these pieces are gorgeous, yet very functional. One shaker features 5 holes and the other a single hole at the top, allowing for versatility and usability. Lead-free and dishwasher safe. Any minor variances in the design simply attest to the handcrafted nature and individuality of these pieces. Please allow for slight color and design variations. Fair Trade.

January 18, 2021

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Posted in Meet the Artisans


Empowering Nepal Women Artisans. Aid Through Trade

 Aid Through Trade

Aid Through Trade has been empowering the lives of women artisans in Nepal through ethical, fair, and sustainable employment for over 25 years and currently employ over 200 artisans.   Aid Through Trade is a proud founding member of the Fair Trade Federation and the creator of the iconic Original Roll-On® Bracelet.