Alternatives Global Marketplace had a rich history of promoting fair trade and sourcing products from artisans from around the world. For over 25 years, we dedicated ourselves to providing a marketplace where unique, handcrafted products from diverse cultures found their way into the homes and hearts of customers who valued ethical, sustainable shopping.
In response to the changing world and the evolution of our mission, we recognized the necessity for a transformative shift in our brand. We were on a quest for a name that not only captured our unwavering dedication to fair trade and cultural preservation but also addressed the contemporary needs of women. Our aim was to create a modern name that promotes feminist agency, instills confidence, and brings joy into their lives, all while remaining true to our commitment to fair trade and culture. This transformative step embodies our dedication to crafting a brighter and more equitable future, where women feel not only empowered but also inspired to live their lives to the fullest.
The selection of "Laadi" as our brand name goes beyond a simple choice; it's a tribute to cultural heritage. Derived from the Zapotec language, "Laadi" translates to "weaving," symbolizing a deep connection to the artistry of textiles. This name encapsulates the essence of our mission—to celebrate weaving traditions that have captured hearts across generations, while honoring the centuries-old legacy of women's craftsmanship in this art.
Our founder, Alisa Woofter, discovered her true passion during a college study abroad expedition in Peru, where she was first introduced to the artistry of indigenous weavers. Alisa further cultivated her weaving skills while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia, where she observed the profound influence of hand woven textiles on women's agency. Her journey eventually led her to Teotitlan De Valle, where she fell in love with the artistry of local weaving. This enchanting destination became the cornerstone of Laadi's mission—a commitment giving opportunities to women, celebrating cultures, and preserving traditions. "Laadi'' is more than just a name; it's a reflection of a journey that intertwines a passion for textiles, culture, and women's rights, inspiring us every day.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we introduce Laadi Designs to the world. Explore our curated collection of clothing, handcrafted goods that embody the essence of femininity and celebrate the rich tapestry of global cultures.
At Laadi Designs, we're more than a brand; we're a movement, a community, and a force for positive change. Thank you for being a part of our story, and we can't wait to see where this new chapter takes us.
Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and inspirations as we continue our mission to promote a world that's fair, diverse, and filled with beautiful handcrafted designs that benefit artisans and enrich lives.
With gratitude,
Alisa Woofter
Laadi Designs
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With the summer season upon us, it's time to embrace the joy of traveling and exploring new destinations. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, we all know the importance of packing smart, versatile items that can accompany us on our journeys. Here's why the Lost River 5-Way Shawl is the ultimate on-the-go summer travel piece.
Adaptability
One of the most significant advantages of the 5-Way Shawl is its incredible versatility. As the name suggests, it can be worn in five different ways - as a shawl, scarf, poncho, cape, or even a stylish wrap. This adaptability ensures that you have multiple options to suit various outfits and weather conditions, making it perfect for unpredictable summer climates.
Breathability
Summer travels often involve warm temperatures and sunny days. The 5-Way Shawl is designed to be breathable, providing just the right amount of coverage without causing discomfort. It's an excellent choice for keeping the chill away on air-conditioned flights, protecting your skin from the sun, or providing a lightweight layer for breezy evenings.
Portability
When you're on the move, packing light is key. The 5-Way Shawl is typically made from lightweight yarns such as cotton, linen, or bamboo blends, ensuring that it won't weigh you down. Its airy construction also allows for easy folding and packing in your travel bag, taking up minimal space.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a fashion statement wherever your summer adventures take you. Invest in the Lost River 5-Way Shawl today and embark on your travels with confidence and style. Visit our online store now and discover the magic of this ultimate on-the-go summer travel piece.
]]>At Alternatives Global Marketplace, our Capiz Shell Chimes collection stands out as one of our best-selling offerings. From vibrant capiz shell strands to an array of colors and shapes in capiz shell chimes, and even magnificent large shell chandeliers, each piece is handcrafted by our esteemed fair trade artisan partners in Bali, Indonesia. Join us as we explore the origins of capiz shells and delve into the skillful craftsmanship and sustainable practices of Bali's local artisans.
Local artisans in fishing villages in Java masterfully repurpose discarded oyster shells into stunning capiz chimes. All parts of the jingle oysters are used including the meat for food, the shell for chimes, and shell waste for fertilizer. Only full-grown shells are picked from the kelp beds, providing more space and food source for the young ones to grow. With great care and a deep reverence for nature, these artisans source capiz shells from local fishermen in significant quantities. Through meticulous cleaning, sorting, slicing, sanding, and dyeing, the shells are transformed, revealing their inherent radiance and vivid hues.
The sustainable utilization of discarded jingle oyster shells in the creation of capiz chimes highlights the harmonious relationship between nature, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. By repurposing these shells, we not only celebrate their natural beauty but also promote resource conservation and the utilization of all parts of the jingle oyster.
At Alternatives Global Marketplace, we understand the importance of sustainable fashion, which is why we proudly present Lost River Clothing, a collection of sustainably handcrafted garments made by female artisans in Indonesia, ensuring fair living wages and financial independence. In this guide, we'll explore some fantastic dressing tips tailored specifically for women over 50, helping you create stylish and effortless looks that celebrate your vibrant spirit and highlight your personal flair. Let's dive into the world of summer fashion and discover how to conquer the summer months with grace, confidence, and a renewed sense of style!
Looking for a piece that checks all the boxes? We’ve got you covered. With 200+ 5-star reviews, 45+ vibrant colors, wrinkle-resistant knit, and a timeless a-symmetric lining to dress up any outfit, the Lost River Popcorn Poncho is a staple every woman in her 50s can’t go without. Pair it with jeans, tees, your favorite dress, or just throw it in your purse as an extra layer for the evening. Check out all the colors our customers rave about here.
When you feel good in what you're wearing, it radiates through your posture and overall demeanor. Finding a fit that complements your body shape and highlights your best features helps you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered.
Look for dresses that accentuate your waistline or provide structure to enhance your figure. A well-fitted, flowy dress like the Lost River Long Elastic Dress with Pockets can boost your confidence and highlight your best features.
Since we all want summer to be as easy, convenient, and relaxing as possible, it’s ideal to have pieces that are multi-functional and versatile for a variety of occasions. Our elegant, breathable Lost River Full Batik Sarong can be worn as both a dress or skirt, allowing you to create different looks for various summer events. Its loose and breezy design offers both comfort and sophistication, making it a staple throw-on piece for your summer wardrobe.
With 45+ vibrant color variants, our Lost River collection has a shade for every skin tone, personality type, and phase of life. Check out our Lost River Skin Tone Matching Guide and take our test to find the set of Lost River colors that will complement your natural undertones and avoid those that clash with it.
Furthermore, considering the right texture can contribute to a polished and age-appropriate look. Look for fabrics that skim over the body rather than cling to it. Lightweight materials with a bit of stretch, like flowy chiffon or popcorn-knits can provide comfort while maintaining a stylish appearance. These textures create movement and add visual interest to your outfits. Below are six tips for choosing clothes with the right texture:
Choosing the right colors can indeed create a slimming effect and enhance your overall appearance. Here are five tips for selecting colors that can help you achieve that:
Opt for comfortable yet stylish ensembles, like a pair of well-fitted jeans or a flowy maxi dress. By combining comfort and style, you can create an effortless and fashionable look for your summer concert outings. Our Lost River Open Cardigan and Lost River Popcorn Shawl are two great options to keep you cozy during outdoor concerts or evening events. The breathable fabrics ensure you stay comfortable while adding a touch of fashion-forward flair to your ensemble. Pair them with casual yet chic outfits.
Going for a more boho vibe? Try our Lost River Sequoia Cover-Up. This trendy cover-up can be easily layered over your summer concert attire, adding a touch of bohemian panache to your look. Its lightweight and flowy design make it a perfect choice for warm weather, providing both style and coverage.
Remember, fashion should be empowering and uplifting. Instead of focusing on hiding specific aspects, let's celebrate our bodies and embrace the styles that make us feel confident and beautiful. The collection of Lost River Clothing at Alternatives Global Marketplace offers a wide range of sustainable and stylish options that cater to women of all ages, ensuring you can find pieces that make you look and feel your best.
As women in our 50s, we deserve to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable in our summer outfits. By following these fashion tips and incorporating Lost River Clothing into your wardrobe, you can create fashionable and sustainable looks that celebrate your individuality. Visit Alternatives Global Marketplace to explore the timeless appeal.]]>
With years of trial and error, you may have developed a general sense of what colors look best on you and which do not. Nevertheless, with over 45 shades to choose from in Lost River's clothing color selection, it can be difficult to know where to start. Use this "Test to Dress" skin tone guide to find the set of Lost River colors that will complement your natural undertones and avoid those that clash with it!
Disclaimer: This guide is not color law, it is color theory. If you love a color that doesn't necessarily match your "tone," don't worry. Ultimately, the most important factor in looking your best is authenticity and self-confidence, so if you have an attachment to a certain color, do NOT let this guide stop you.
With that said, shopping online can be difficult when trying to determine what a color might actually look like in person. For the most part, our samples are pretty spot on, but this guide is here to make your e-shopping experience just a little easier.
To figure out your true skin tone, you need to look more than skin-deep. While the surface color of your skin can change with sun exposure, reactions to medication, or medical conditions like rosacea, your skin tone is actually determined by the undertones that come through. This confusion about undertones versus surface color is why sometimes we pick out foundation or powder that looks great in the tube but clashes horribly once we try it.
Before starting, make sure your skin is clean and free of any cosmetics or lotions, which could affect the results. If you just washed your face, wait about 15-30 minutes until any redness from scrubbing fades. Make sure you use natural daylight to examine your skin tone, as artificial lighting can change the appearance of your skin's undertones.
First, flip your wrist over so that your palm is facing up. If your vein has a blue or purple tint to it, you have a cool skin tone. If your vein is more of a greenish color, you have a warm skin tone. If it's hard to tell one way or another, you may have a neutral skin tone.
Second, reflect on your relationship with the sun. People who tan easily are warm-toned. If you are more prone to burning, you have a cool skin tone, although people who have dark ebony skin that doesn't burn can also have cool undertones. If you experience a bit of both, you have a neutral skin tone.
Third, find a white piece of paper and hold it up to your face in front of a mirror. If your skin appears to be pink, rosy, or blue compared to the paper, you have a cool skin tone. If you have more of a yellow, green, or brownish tint, your skin is warm-toned. You have a neutral skin tone if your face appears grey or ashen-colored. If you have a skin condition like acne, rosacea, or if you are extremely tanned, ask a friend to use the paper test on the crease behind your ear instead, which is less likely to be affected by these variables.
Now for the fun part. We have separated Lost River's color selection into groups that will complement cool, warm or neutral-toned skin, as well as a group of classic neutrals that will look good on everyone!
First, let's start with neutral colors. These classic shades will look great on any skin tone because they provide a perfect balance of warm and cool that won't clash with your skin. Pure white goes great with everyone's skin. If you ever find that a white garment doesn't look quite right on you, take a look at it in natural light and make sure it doesn't actually have cool or warm undertones that might not have been as obvious on the rack. Light blush pink brightens any skin tone and brings out the natural glow of your face. Teal with a perfect mix of blue and green can be worn by anyone and is a great summer or winter shade. If you want to go dark, try eggplant purple, which acts like a neutral and accentuates your skin without overpowering it. Sage, navy, cinnamon, and light and dark grays are also great classic Lost River neutrals that will complement any skin tone.
For a cool skin-tone, the best colors to wear are inspired by both the depths of the ocean and the depths of winter. Bright blues, emeralds, and deep purples will look great, along with frosty shades of lavender, ice blue, or pink. On the warm side, you can turn to crimson, raspberry, or espresso. With neutrals, you can rock cool gray, bright white, and navy. Try to avoid orange, tomato red, and strong yellows, which can clash with your skin completely.
For a warm skin-tone, the best colors to wear are rich reflections of nature. On the warm side of the color wheel, you should turn to red, coral, mango, saffron and honey. You also should look great when you wear "warmer" versions of cool colors, like kiwi, moss and boysenberry. Neutrals that are best for you include oatmeal, winter white, latte and chocolate. Avoid chilly colors like icy blues or jewel tones like sapphire or amethyst because they can wash you out and make your skin look gray.
As a neutral, you can wear anything on the color wheel — but it's typically best to go for softened or muted versions of a color instead of the brighter ones. Choose colors like dusty rose, sage, buttercream, or aqua. For neutral colors, turn to off-whites, latte, mid-range grays, and black. Oversaturated colors like azul and hot fuschia can overwhelm your neutral skin tone, but there's one big exception to this: never be afraid to wear a bright, true red — you will look amazing.
We're only just getting started! As you may have already noticed, this particular guide only covers our Popcorn color samples. Stay tuned for future posts featuring:
Have a topic you'd like us to cover that isn't listed above? Share it below in the comments!
]]>So... what's new? Over the past few years, our small business has grown into a thriving e-commerce marketplace, but don't worry, we're still a small team that values unique handicraft, handmade goods, and fair trade principles. That being said, we have refreshed quite a bit! We now have a brand new logo and an entirely new website, designed in a way that makes it easier for you, our valued customers, to learn more about us and shop our curated collection of items from around the world! We've also added some new team members since you've heard from us last. We encourage you to check them out here! Finally, we've been working hard on one of the most important parts of the fair trade process - transparency - by creating detailed pages for all of our wonderful artisan partners so you can learn more about them, their impact, and the processes behind their master artisanship. All in all, while we're the same Alternatives Global Marketplace that you've known and loved for years, we've got some exciting new updates that we're extremely proud of, and we hope that you'll continue to follow us on our journey!
While we won't have a regular posting schedule for a while, we will be trying to post somewhat regularly, so check back often for updates, and make sure to follow us on all our socials and subscribe to our newsletter for more frequent updates!
That's all for now! See you soon.
-The Alternatives Global Marketplace Team
]]>We build partnerships with artisans, cooperatives, and fair trade organizations worldwide. The artist receives a fair return for their effort, and you in turn obtain a hand-crafted item of beauty and originality that is sure to be cherished. With the purchase of these items, you are supporting a process that brings dignity to a people’s struggle for economic independence.
“I became co-administrator of UPAVIM in 1993. It was the end of the year in December, and with my first paycheck I was absolutely overjoyed. I was in the clouds. Because I had money and since it was close to Christmas, I could buy new clothes for my children. Before, I didn’t have anything so this was a great experience for me to have a great Christmas. [Working at UPAVIM] changed my life and gave me the opportunity to have scholarships for my children up until sixth grade. I have travelled to parts of the United States for work. I have met lots of good people and made lots of friends. And I think that it helped us. It helped me buy a house with walls and a roof over our heads, which isn’t easy for a woman usually. So for this, I’m grateful to God and grateful for UPAVIM…it’s our home.
“UPAVIM’s products are a craft. A true craft--they are art. And I’m totally marveled at [what we produce]. I always say to the ladies that their work is a transformation. When the women come to collect their bags of material and come back with finished products, it’s so lovely. But, what I like is knowing that the people who buy our products directly help that woman change her way of life. And not just that woman--it helps the community, it helps the children, it helps other women and it helps the families. And it makes me feeling amazing to know that they know that it’s helping people and that they like the quality of our products. I think UPAVIM is a fountain of opportunity. In reality, UPAVIM is a change of life for all of us. Like I’ve said and like everyone says, it’s in our name—UPAVIM: for a better life. That is exactly what it is. I believe in this…my life has changed so much. UPAVIM is an opportunity for all of us and for all the children. The people who buy from us, they all allow us to do this work. And for that, I’d say UPAVIM is a great gift for this place.”
--Angela, UPAVIM Crafts
"I don’t have any siblings. My mother died when I was 4 years old, and my father was killed when I was 8 years old by a notorious Khmer Rouge soldier. It was a terrible time for me. I was only a young child and didn't realize my father was dead. I begged him to wake up, but he never answered me.
I started learning jewelry making from the age of 14 years at the Skip Organization (orphanage center). Through purchases made through Craftworks Cambodia the artisans’ lives are getting better. The fair trade practices give us fair pay for our work. I am able to work from home; I have more freedom and independence. I also have more time to take care of my daughter"
--Chantha, Craftworks Cambodia
"I've been practicing this art for the last 10 years but we never felt such support as we do working with you. With other exporters, they will request a big order but until we send the very last piece they will not give us a dime. Even after completing the order we’re not sure if we will ever get paid. Sometimes they will hold the payment for two months and only pay 10%, 20%, 40% at a time. But this problem is solved now working with you."
--Anonymous Artisan, Matr Boomie
]]>This beautiful bird can be found in the eastern and southern Africa. It gets it's name from it's impressive courtship flight, a fast and shallow dive from high elevation with a rolling motion.
Visit the Kruger Park's website to learn more about this bird and many of the other birds from our Seedpod Bird collection.
Our collection of seedpod birds are made by Raina Mazwiembiri and her two daughters make these seedpod bird using pods that they collect and wire for the feet. The women hand paint each to create these unique birds from Africa.
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We are a member of the Fair Trade Federation and are happy to be a part of an organization with members that share our values.
Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. We create create social and economic opportunities by partnering with marginalized producers. We place the interests of producers and their communities as the primary concern of our business.
We develop relationships with artisans and other fair trade business that share our values to ensure that relationships are open, fair, consistent, and respectful.
With fair trade principles, producers become independent and are able to learn and enhance their art or business skills. Together with our partners and artisans, we invest time and resources to help producers build their businesses and create sustainable supply chains and improve the lives of our artisan partners.
We promote fair trade and our passion for sustainable development by using our web platform and social media. We are committed to educating others about fair trade and its benefits in improving the lives of artisans including wages, education and health. We encourage our customers to learn and shop with a conscience.
Producers, under Fair trade principles, set their prices based on the costs of their time, materials and overhead costs. Our artisan partner wages meet or exceed local, national, international, and fair trade minimum standards.
The organizations and artisans we partner with work in safe and empowering working conditions. This includes giving women safe opportunities for leadership and flexibility to work in their homes while taking care of their families.
Fair trade is a strong supporter of women and the development of strong children. We ensure that we never use exploitative child labor. FTF members support children’s right to security, education, and play and respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We promote environmental stewardship through two avenues. We source many products that are made of recycled or re-purposed materials. In addition, our business works to reduce, reuse, reclaim, and recycle materials whenever possible. We recycle boxes, and packaging materials whenever possible.
Our artisans partners are represent unique cultures and we not respect but promote these interests. This includes their way of life but also their traditional crafts and techniques. We hope to spread our passion for cultures and traditions so that others might gain a better understanding and appreciation of people near and far.
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Associacion Vida - Our artisan partners are helping to raise funds and deliver supplies for the victims with this local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health, education, housing and nutrition in San Miguel Duenas (where our artisan partners live and work). San Miguel Duenas is located about 10-20 miles from where the worst damage occurred in San Juan Alotenango and El Rodeo.
Wings Guatemala - Founded by a Returned Peace Corps volunteer, this organization provides quality reproductive health education and services to underserved, primarily rural Guatemalan youth, women and men and have a special campaign to support the volcano relief efforts.
World Compassion Network - This organization has excellent photos, stories, and updates on relief efforts that they are coordinating via their facebook page.
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Matr Boomie's sustainable leather goods are a great example of true craftsmanship. They are made by artisans in the vegetarian region of Rajasthan, India where making leather crafting has been passed on for generations. The leather is tanned using a vegetable tanning method and artisans use water based dyes or oils to color the leather.
Most of our leather artisan partners belong to a social class called Chamar, which excludes them from other classes of society and severely limits their resources. Nearly 30 families work to create these beautiful products and success is resulting in lower caste stigma, better housing, sanitation, access to health care and the creation of its first school for girls!
Shop Matr Boomie's collection:
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It's amazing we had enough energy to cruise the eastern part of the country after the 16 hour plane ride with my two very young daughters. They thankfully did great and our travels started in and around Kruger National Park and then headed south through the providence of KwaZulu-Natal with a brief stop over in Swaziland.
A main highlight was our visit to the Ilala Weavers, one of our artisans partners. The Ilala weavers work from their homes spread throughout an area as far away as 200 km from the small town of Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal South Africa. Here these Zulu women make woven baskets by hand, using local grasses. It can take up to one month to produce a medium size basket. In Hluhluwe, mostly known as an entrance to the beautiful Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and tucked away off the beaten path, the Ilala weavers have a very nice museum, cafe and market.
These bulb shaped Zulu baskets are water-tight and traditionally used to hold home-brewed beer for celebrations. See our collection of Zulu Baskets from the Ilala Weavers. We found a good home for our new baskets!
Near the Ilala Weavers is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, a beautiful big-five state-run game reserve that has the largest population of white rhinos in the world. We drove through part of the park in our own vehicle with my family. We encountered beautiful landscapes along with elephants, rhinos, baboons, giraffes, zebras and more.
Kruger National Park did not disappoint! We could have spent nearly our entire vacation enjoying the wide open African Savannah with wildebeest, giraffes and ostrich lazily playing the the afternoon sun. I recommend going in the off peak season to avoid lots of traffic.
Another must see in this region of South Africa is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Nelson Mandela said, “The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the Coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).”
See our Facebook page for more photos.
]]>We love these yoga mat bags and yoga ball covers because they are handmade by talented artisans in Guatemala and Nepal.
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The toiletry bag is made with beautiful batik fabric in traditional Hmong style accented with pink and orange giving it a modern design. Very importantly, these bags are made by artisan cooperatives in Thailand where this fair trade project works to provide dependable employment with fair wages, training, design assistance, and access to greater markets. Equally important, this bag is has great functionality. I love the size and it's fully lined with an easy wipe waterproof lining.
The bag is big enough to fit all my toiletry for most trips. I put the following items in mine. 12 oz bottle of contact cleaning solution, 4 oz bottle of contact solution, eye glasses case, toothbrush, 6.4 oz toothpaste, mascara, 3.8 oz bottle of lotion, regular size deodorant, 2.5 oz bottle of foundation, sm bottle of mouth wash, dental floss, small concealer, travel size shampoo and conditioner, contact case, and travel size container of aspirin.
The collection also includes matching Hmong Cosmetic Bag (8"x9") and Hmong Makeup Bag (7"x5"). These fully-lined sets are also available in the Earth and Flower of Life styles.
]]>This eyeglass holder is a beautifully and carved peacock. Artisans in a Muslim rural region in north central India have a tradition of wood carving. They use sustainable rosewood and natural wax and paints. This art form requires mastery to create intricate carvings, filigree and inlay. This fair trade project brings income opportunities to an area where it is limited. The project focuses on sustainable income generation, skills development and raw material allocation.
Watch for more on the inspiring story of our Woodcraft artisans:
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Our collection of handmade journals are great for bullet journals or any other use. They are made in India using 100% recycled cotton paper. The paper in these handmade journals is made using cotton textiles discarded by the textile industry. The leather covered journals are made using sustainably sourced leather from the vegetarian region in Rajasthan. Learn more about handmade paper making and the leather craft below.
In west Rajasthan, India artisan families from the minority group called Kagzis have been in the paper making industry for over 80 years. The paper is made from recycled cotton fabric by hand without the aid of heavy machinery. Discarded cotton scraps are collected from India's textile industry. Pulp is then made by breaking down the cotton fibers using a wheel press and soaking them overnight. The pulp is made into sheets of paper by straining and pressing it into pages which are then dried. The sheets are then ironed and added to a journal or given to artisans for screen-printing, embroidery or patchwork.
The process to make these fair trade journals is tree-free, non-toxic, and conserves and filters water for reuse in irrigation. The entire process is done by hand and gives jobs to many in the community. The benefits from this project including education, health assistance, training, and micro-finance.
Leather craft and tooling is an important traditional craft in a vegetarian region of Rajasthan, India. The leather is tanned using a vegetable tanning method, which protects the environment and tannery workers from toxic chemicals. Artisans then use water-based dyes or oils to color the leather. Hand tools are used to cut, stitch, and emboss the journal covers.
Most of our leather artisan partners belong to a social class called Chamar, which excludes them from other classes of society and severely limits their resources. About 30 families formed a development group to empower artisans, beginning with advanced tooling techniques. As a result, the caste stigma is gradually diminishing as artisans make economic and social progress. Housing, sanitation and health care access have improved, and children are attending school. Most recently, the village realized its dream of opening its first school for girls!
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A wind chime makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift. They are also good housewarming gifts and anniversary gifts. Wind Chimes are unique and represent peacefulness. A wonderful message to send to any loved one.
Our collection of fair trade wind chimes come from Indonesia. These wind chimes are made from capiz shells. Capiz shells come from a marine mollusk which is also known as a windowpane oyster. Families of fisherman on Java's eastern coast have collected capiz shells and created a variety of handicrafts for centuries.
Listen to the gentle tinkling of our fair trade wind chimes in this video.
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Zulu Basket weaving is a tradition that has been passed down from previous generations. These Zulu baskets were traditionally woven to store beer for wedding ceremonies and the baskets themselves were also given as wedding gifts.
These weavers are located in Hluhluwe, South Africa. The Ilala Weavers project began over 30 years ago to revitalize the Zulu basket tradition. Today, Ilala Weavers help over 2000 Zulu men and women.
Each Zulu basket is a true individual work of art that is valued around the world. These Zulu Baskets make great wedding gifts, or beautiful home accents.
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What is a Sadza Batik?
Sadza is a porridge-like paste of maize or wheat-meal and a traditional staple food of Zimbabwe. This paste is used instead of batik wax. Geometric designs and African animals are painted onto the cotton. The porridge dries and cracks, then paint is applied to the fabric over the dried porridge. After heating several times to reinforce the paint colors, the textile is washed and the porridge is scraped off leaving a unique batik crackle pattern where the porridge was applied.
If you'd like to try it yourself, detailed instructions and photos can be found in this tutorial.
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Our new fair trade collection features brass jewelry made from bullets and bomb shells.
Artisans in Cambodia skillfully mold bullets and bomb shells left over from Cambodia's wartime decades ago into beautiful jewelry pieces.
With the support of Craftworks Cambodia, a fair trade organization, the artisans generate an income that will provide their families and their communities the chance at a better future. Artisans make a fair wage for their work and receive support for education and training. See our collection online.
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We are excited to announce that we've joined the Fair Trade Federation! Over the past month, we were subject to a rigorous screening that evaluated our business operations in nine fair trade categories including relationships, working conditions, fair wages, safety of our artisan partners, and more. This membership shows that we go beyond the fair trade basics. It's a 360° approach that's building true partnerships with artisans and working to create positive change through all of our work. It's not only fair wages, but also long-term partnerships that empower small artisans to grow their businesses.
Our selection of fair trade gifts and fair trade home decor can make positive social change for our artisans and their families!
]]>Many pieces are left in their natural silver color, while other are hand painted in bright colors. Each piece is coated with a weather-resistant varnish and can be used for indoor or outdoor use. Sculptures placed outside should be coated with an additional clear anti-rust enamel spray once a year to prevent rust.
This art form originated in the 1940s, Haitian blacksmith Georges Liautaud created artistic cemetery crosses of iron bars and metal from steel drums. His work was discovered by DeWitt Peters, a Haitian art patron. As Mr. Liautaud’s art grew in popularity, he took on apprentices and other began creating metal art. Today, the streets of Croix-des-Bouquets are filled with sounds of hammers coming from most homes. Many artists are well-known and produce pieces that are highly collectible. The production of this art is providing income and job opportunities to these many artists.
View our collection of Haitian Metal Wall Art Decor.
]]>Each item is handcrafted by talented artists who directly benefit through employment, fair wages, and transparency. This collection includes jewelry, scarves, home decor, and much more! You are sure to find a unique gift, big or small by visiting our Valentine's Day Collection online.
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Our 6th Street Office will be restocked in January!
Please call our Holiday Store with questions. 352-335-0135
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Our new collection of hand-knitted sweaters are designed and knitted by families around Otavalo, Ecuador such as Daniel & Marlena Morales, pictured above.
Marlena learned to make sweaters including knitting and dyeing when she was five from her parents. Her whole family is established in this craft. Her and her husband also design sweaters from original drawings. Marlena now purchases machine processed yarn, dyed to the color she orders.
When they have a lull in orders they help their parents or other families complete orders from other clients and vice versa. Parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters all pitch in to help each other. Many nuances go into creating original designs – they put a lot of love and pride into their work. Every sweater is made stitch by stitch by hand.
Through their work, they aspiration to continue to increase their business and production to help their daughters finish their studies and care for their needs.
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The history of Jews in Yemen is long-dated with many periods of deep persecution. Today most of the Jews have left Yemen. Over these periods, they were known to be excellent artisans, especially known for silver work. They created jewelry and other metal object for both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in Yemen.
Yemenite Brides, both Jewish and Muslim, were lavishly adorned in jewelry made by Jewish silversmiths. Their costume included an elaborate headdress, amulet cases with rows and rows of necklaces decorated with bells and corals, filigree bracelets and rings on every finger.
The tradition was maintained Israel in some manner and few silversmiths passed their knowledge of this skill to their children.
Watch Ben Zion David make a traditional cuff using the ancient handwork in this video.
Our collection of Yemenite inspired jewelry is made by Ben Zion David and his team at his workshop in Israel. The pieces are a modern twist on Yemenite Bridal Jewelry, still handmade using traditional techniques and modern improvements. See our full collection here.
Sources: http://www.yemenite-art.com/pages/JewishbridefromYemen.aspx, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Yemen.html
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I've been lugging around a diaper bag for nearly two years as I try to keep up with my young daughter. We've put together a list of top 10 essentials which include some of our favorite fair trade and organic products.
1. Fair Trade Recycled Diaper Bag from Cambodia
Check out our line of fair trade diaper bags and totes. A farmer in Vietnam feeds fish in this farm. The fish feed bags are then discarded. Disadvantaged women in Vietnam and bordering Cambodia, collect these bags, clean them, and then make a variety of bags that are lightweight, bright, and functional. This project provides these women with sustainable income and is fair trade certified.
2. Global Mamas Dress from Ghana
These adorable hand made batiked dresses and shirts by Global Mamas, a women's cooperative in Ghana, are great for everyday or a special occasion. So different and unique from most other children's clothing today. This project is certified by the fair trade federation.
3. Wipes
Don't forget those wipes, we use the unscented!
4. Changing Pad
Things can get messy but this is especially helpful for public restrooms. Who wants to lay their baby on a public changing table with no pad? Plus, they are almost always out of the paper liners.
5. Toys
Every child has their favorite. The elephant posted is fair trade and made by a group of weavers in India.
6. Hand Sanitizer
I don't use it all the time, but in a pinch it's a savior.
7. Moisturizer or Diaper Creme
This Wee Rub was a gift at my baby shower. It safe and smells very calming. My favorite part is that it is made by another great small business, Indigo Wild.
8. Diaper
The whole reason for carrying the bag! We tried cloth with no luck. If you use them, you are one heck of a woman!!!
9. Book
One of my daughter's favorite book. Her grandmother who loves to dance gave it to her. Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig (author) and Marc Brown (illustrator).
10. Health Snacks
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