Handmade from Start to Finish
Follow us on this step-by-step journey through the creation of our new bag and marvel at the beauty of this handmade accessory. 

First, natural dye is prepared and applied to cotton thread to achieve a rich blue hue. 

The thread is then woven on a traditional back-strap loom at the intricate ikat pattern is formed.

The woven fabric is then carefully sewn and with the addition of locally-sourced leather straps, our new Indigo Ikat Weekender Bag is born. 

The sale of this weekender helps the Maya Traditions Foundation provide social services for artisans and their families including youth education, community health and artisan development programs. 

We are closing in on May 9th. Know what that means? It's time to get excited about World Fair Trade Day!

To celebrate, we have teamed up with an amazing group of fair trade companies to bring you 5 weeks of fair trade giveaways! (that's right, 5 weeks!)

The lineup:

Global Goods Partners: Facebook | Instagram

Mata Traders: Facebook | Instagram

Faire Collection: Facebook | Instagram

GREENOLA STYLE: Facebook | Instagram

Manos Zapotecas: Facebook | Instagram

The Leakey Collection: Facebook | Instagram

Here's how it works:

Every week until World Fair Trade Day on May 9th, one or two of these awesome brands will host a giveaway on Facebook and another on Instagram. Make sure to check both platforms because you will have two chances to win each week! Prizes will be announced on Monday. Simply follow the instructions to enter, and winners will be announced on Friday. This all leads up to the grand prize giveaway the week before World Fair Trade Day. 

Make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date details about this epic event!

We are eager to announce our newest partner from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -- Sabahar. Founded by Kathy Marshall in 2004, Sabahar has been providing jobs for artisans in Ethiopia. Sabahar is a fair trade company that works with World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Sabahar trains artisans to incorporate their traditions with modern day ideas. This helps provide a sustainable income for their families.

Sabahar produces a variety of items from scarves to towels to cushions and many of these items incorporate Ethiopian silk. Sabahar has many different sources for their silk. They buy Eri silk worm cocoons from different farms in Ethiopia to raise silkworms and they import silk from India. Using the silk from India they combine it with the silk they produce in Ethiopia to get a one of a kind product. Sabahar also uses natural dyes for the silk and AZO free dyes for their cotton. For example they use coffee and marigolds to produce colors such as beige, oranges and yellows.

There are multiple steps to the production process. The first step is spinning. Many women in Ethiopia learn this skill at a young age from their mothers. All of the thread used by Sabahar is made in this traditional fashion. The next step in the production process is dyeing the cloth. Sabahar is trying to rekindle these dyeing traditions because sadly, some of these skills have been forgotten. To dye the thread, artisans use materials such as marigolds, coffee, and tea. The next step in the production process is weaving. There are many different types of techniques used. Some women hand weave some of the products but for the larger items such as tablecloths they use a large loom. The last step of the production process is checking the product. They have designated people to do a quality check, tag the product, and package the product.

Global Goods Partners will be teaming with Sabahar to sell different types of scarves. Currently GGP has two types of scarves in stock. One scarf, made of 100% cotton, has a simple stripe design and is offered in three different colors. The other scarf is an infinity scarf that is made with both cotton and silk and also has a stripe design.

Fair Trade Gifts for Her

Our Midnight Beaded Wrap Bracelet is the perfect easy-to-wear gift. She’ll be able to layer this wrap bracelet with any other accessory to create a unique wearable look.

A true favorite, our Afghan Lapis Cut Out Gold Plated Earrings are one of a kind. Their bold designs are sure to make a statement and she’ll love the intricate details of the star pattern cutout.

Cozy up with our ultra soft Alpaca Shawls. Made in Bolivia through age-old weaving techniques, we promise these will keep her warm all season long!

She’ll love the detailed geometric patterns and strong textures of this hand woven Bold Clutch Purse from Colombia. It’s easy to carry, can match any outfit and is the perfect size for traveling.

Fair Trade Gifts for Kids

Our Felt Panda Baby Booties is the most adorable accessory to keep kiddies warm. Our playful booties are also available in Giraffe and Hedgehog designs.

Handmade with love in Peru, our Knit Stuffed Cotton Elephant and Knit Teddy Bears are the perfect little gifts for any child to cuddle with this holiday. 

Fair Trade Gifts for the Home

Give the gift of a bold new piece like our Decorative Vase, or delight your favorite hostess with our Bright Woven Tray. Each of our holiday picks are from our artisan partner Gone Rural. A community-based organization that provides work and skills training for women in Swaziland. Make sure to give a gift that makes an impact! Support our work with these gifts that give back. 

I had the absolute pleasure of preparing a superfood breakfast with none other than the main Breakfast Criminal herself - Ksenia Avdulova. I met Ksenia a few years back and together, along with Jen Gootman of West Elm and Jonit Bookheim of Mata Traders, we founded the ethical shopping initial #FairTuesday.

We started #FairTuesday as a response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The goal of #FairTuesday is to inspire conscious consumerism and show how an everyday purchase can change lives in a whole community. The initiative quickly grew through social media channels and today we have 150 partners in 14 countries that are supporting our cause. 

To celebrate #FairTuesday 2014, we prepared a delicious Fair Trade breakfast including a Cinnamon Spice Cookie Acai Bowl, and a Pomegranate & Pitaya Maple Cheer Smoothie. We were also outfitted by fair trade clothing company, Mata Traders and accessorized with jewelry from GGP! For all the recipes visit Breakfast Criminals and don't forget to shop on #FairTuesday, December 2nd!