Peruse jewellery and accessories come from all around the world – literally!
This spring I have added bags and purses from Vietnam,where the artisans now producing the bags were originally rice farmers, earning an irregular wage. Now each seamstress has a reliable income and can also afford to send their children to school.
Another new addition are "Bill Brown Bags" from Kerala in South West India. These are made using locally sourced natural products, and the dying processes used are environmentally friendly.
Closer to home, I'm adding hand-made necklaces in a mixture of gemstones, ribbon yarn and soft wire, knitted and knotted in Scotland, and finally a new fabulous range of felt brooches and corsages from Nepal. Lots of lovely things! Enjoy!
New for Autumn 2009 were our lovely range of Fair Trade toys and puzzles from Sri Lanka - fabulous, funky and small-finger friendly!
The jewellery comes from a cooperative that supports more than 400 families
in places as diverse as Mexico, Bali, India and Peru, Indonesia and
Thailand. Craftsmen are paid a fair wage for their items directly, rather
than through a 'middleman'. This ensures that they get paid
properly, without vague deductions that reduce their income. They work
in a safe and profitable environment. No children are employed – parents
are encouraged to send their children to school.
The bags and hats come
from Nepal in Northern India, where again, they are fairly traded. Many
of the items use recycled fabric – usually
silk from the ends of looms, cutting down on unnecessary waste in an
environmentally friendly way.
All of our items are made in small scale and
local family business, supporting communities which will benefit and
grow with fair trade. Go on, buy fair trade and add another
star to your halo!
For more information call 01386 422354 or send an email.