Supporting Fair Trade

I love organizations that promote fair trade amongst artisans in communities in developing countries (India, Tanzania, Guatemala etc) . Fair Trade is a global movement devoted to ensuring that people are fairly compensated for their work and to guaranteeing a fair deal for producers in developing communities. These organizations also give back to these communities by providing grants to improve schools, watering systems, build wells, and supply computers).

These organizations provide a vehicle to help the artisans to develop their products, enhance their business skills and locate viable markets for their finished products. Products made available through these companies are jewelry and accessories, products for the home, and holiday gifts, all made from local resources (recycled products, natural fibers and seeds)and reflect local traditions but are designed to easily incorporate into contemporary and modern lifestyles.

I think that it is a great way to get unique products while at the same time helping underserved communities and improve lifestyles. There are many organiziations providing such assistance. I will name a few here for you to check out. I may have discussed some of the organizations in an earlier post but it doesn't hurt to mention them again.

http://www.globalexchangestore.org/

http://www.worldofgood.com/catalog/index.php

http://www.aidtoartisans.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage2

http://www.artisanlife.co.uk/site/default.htm

http://www.apdkbombolulu.com/EN/index.html

http://www.edimports.com/index.php

http://www.oneworldprojects.com/index.html

http://www.tintsaba.com/index.html

http://www.apdkbombolulu.com/EN/index.html

Simply Wood Rings

Eco-conscious is how designer Gustav Reyes at Simply Wood Rings describes his wood jewelry. His website features an array of rings/wedding bands hewn from salvaged lumber of various types of wood (zebrawood, birchwood, teakwood etc). Pictured to the right is
"The Turquoise" Bogwood Ring. The name of this ring refers to the waters of the Caribbean, which are shallow and take on the colors of sunlight. The dark wood is ancient Bog Oak which is a White Oak tree that has been preserved by being buried in the bogs of Europe. The Bog Oak came from logs that were found in Europe and have been carbon dated to 4500 to 5000 years old.
http://www.simplywoodrings.com/.

TINTSABA

Tintsaba's rural development project enables women to earn income to supplement the family budget without leaving their families. Tintsaba builds on traditional knowledge of craft production. Frequent quality upgrading and pattern development are undertaken through encouraging mentor relationships and training programmes.
Tintsaba demonstrates a strong social and environmental commitment to its women's groups through trainings on subjects such as AIDS awareness, living positively with AIDS and permaculture. Tintsaba has also organised a tree-planting workshop.The environmental focus of the company is carried through to the raw materials used in the Development Project. A large range of products, including the ever-popular Swazi basket, is made from sisal, which is an invasive weed. Sisal is used in Swaziland to make cattle fences. Because it is a weed, it is ideal for craft production since harvesting does not threaten the country's natural biodiversity. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.tintsaba.com/.

Coconut Culture in the Caribbean

The hip owners of Coco Loco based out of the Virgin Islands have been making handcrafted natural jewelry for 50 years. If you visit their website , you will find an array of jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, & rings) made from three types of coconut also known as palm nuts, the Pati (pah-chee), the Dende (den-day), and the Piasava (pee-ah-sava) palm nuts. According to Coco Loco, every ring is handcrafted from one palm nut. Therefore no two rings can be exactly the

same and no two hoops can ever be a precise match. If you purchase jewelry from Coco Loco, you will truly have a one-of-a-kind piece.

http://coconutjewelry.com/welcome.shtml.

Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre

This is a workshop for the "Association of Physically Disabled in Kenya". Their website showcases an extensive range of quality handcrafts produced by physically challenged Artisans in Kenya. Their products are exported to 18 countries and have received international acclaim for their exclusive African design and finish. You can also visit their workshop while in Kenya to learn about Fair Trade, handicraft designs and can enjoy traditional cultural dances, explore authentic tribal homesteads, and dine on typical Swahili food in our relaxing open-air "Ziga" restaurant. To learn more or for a catalog visit their website at http://www.apdkbombolulu.com/EN/index.html

Artisian Life

(Pictured is a Fibra Necklace created by the Colombian artisians for Artisian Life)

Art with a Conscience is how Artisian Life describes it's products. Artisian Life is a UK company devoted to promoting, developing and supporting Colombian artisians and their craft. Their website features handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, home furnishings and more. You can support their outstanding effort by visiting their website at http://www.artisanlife.co.uk/site/default.htm

(Bagosty Tagua Ring)

Exotic Woods Take On New Shapes & Forms

This beautiful bracelet was created by Mayra Orama Muñiz of Mio Studio headquartered in Lancaster, PA. The designer uses exotic woods to create unique handcrafted on-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces, brooches, pendants and misc items. If you are into unique jewelry, this site is for you. To view more of their work and for more information, please visit their website at

http://www.miostudio.com/index.html.

Ebony Tagua Nut Ring

Bronwynn and Paul Lusted created this beautiful one of a kind Tagua Nut and Ebony ring.

It is said that the Tagua nut is a wonderful substitute for ivory. It is commonly known as "Vegetable Ivory". Tagua nuts are dried seed pods from the Tagua Palm tree. These seeds are harvested in the rain forests of Ecuador. While it may take many years for them to form, the harvesting does no harm to the trees and allows for many years of productive growth.

When the nuts are harvested and dried they form an extremely hard material. After being carved or pyrographed by artisans, the finished work very much resembles ivory and can be very deceptive. Craftsman have been using the Tagua for many years to produce a variety of items such as buttons, inlays dice, dominoes, chess pieces, cane and umbrella handles. It being so much like mammal ivory that pieces carved from it are sold at the same price as elephant ivory.

Visit Bronwynn and Pauls website at http://www.banglesofwood.com/ for new updates.

African Ebony Necklace

Created by Bronwynn & Paul Lusted at http://www.banglesofwood.com/. This is a beautiful necklace composed of African Ebony, Austrailian She Oak, Grass Tree, Huon Pine, Red Gum Burl, Curly Black Mulga & Red Mallee Root Satin Cord. This necklace is very simple and the textures are soft.

Bolivian Rosewood Swirl Ring

Created by Banglesofwood.com. This is a handmade Bolivian Rosewood Swirl ring from Australia. Bolivian Rosewood is deep dark chocolate brown to purple black in color with occasional strips of even darker tones.

One of A Kind From Down Under

Pictured is a Mkufu Nzuri (Necklace Beautiful in Swahili). Designed by Paul and Bronwynn of banglesofwood.com. This necklace is made of African wenge wood and waxen linen cord. All of the materials for their jewelry comes from the forest in land the down under (Australia). This is a one of a kind necklace. This piece is available only through Mahogany Village. Please email us at info@mahogany-village.com for information. Our online store is coming soon!