In our blog post from March 10^th, we introduced you to Streetwires, one of our partners in South Africa.  To recap, the Capetown based organization, which started in 2000, began to develop their community-focused approach to creating jobs for Zulu artisans working with wire.  Since it’s inception, Streetwires has provided job opportunities to over 120 wire craft artists, encouraging the growth and creativity of their employees. Recently, Streetwires was commissioned to construct a life-size replica of Volkswagen’s popular Beetle car model for their upcoming 60^th anniversary.  With only 8 days to execute the project, it was truly a race to the finish line for the Streetwires team! After strategizing, they began construction by welding the frame of the model vehicle to support the weight of beads that would comprise the exterior and interior of the car.  Simultaneously, a team of talented people set to work shaping the fenders, seats, dashboard, license plate, and headlights.  A third team of artisans was tasked to spindle the beads while other members of the Streetwires team constructed the wheels.  The artisans worked tirelessly through the night to ensure that the Beetle was completed on time for it’s scheduled delivery to Johannesburg. [caption id="attachment_859" align="alignleft" width="221" caption="Artisans hard at work on the car's structure"][/caption] To complete the Beetle, it took an astounding 14 artists, 2,828,000 beads, 110 lbs of wire, and 26 lbs of recycled tire tubing. The Streetwires team’s meticulous attention to detail is seen in the photographs of the completed model.  It truly is amazing to note the determination of the team, as they were able to produce such outstanding quality work in such a short span of time! If you liked this blog post, make sure to check out our prior post from March 10^th to learn more about the fabulous artisans working for Streetwires! [caption id="attachment_862" align="alignleft" width="226" caption="Congrats Streetwires!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_861" align="alignleft" width="163" caption="The Beetle!"][/caption]

Global Goods Partners recently had the chance to attend the Peru Moda and Gift Show in Lima, Peru to scout for new partners. Before the show, we headed down to Cusco to check out the work of Nilda Callanaupa at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco. We visted their workshop and showroom just outside of Cusco in Chinchero and got to see some of the work they’ve done to preserve traditional weaving techniques and bring back natural dyeing processes. While we were in Cusco, we found an amazing group that perfectly fits our mission. Mantay operates a leather workshop in a home for adolescent mothers, helping them gain work experience and economic security for themselves and their children. And the products are beautiful to boot! Look for bright, quality leather products like these available on our site late this summer.     Click here to see more products from Global Goods Partners >>  

World Health Day is this Thursday, April 7th. Let us introduce you to one of our partners making great strides towards improving the health of its community. The Maasai Women Development Organisation (MWEDO) works with the semi-nomadic Maasai of Tanzania, boosting development through the production and sale of traditional beaded ornaments, jewelry, and home accents. Founded in 2000, MWEDO trains women in leadership and business skills as well as craft development. In addition to employment opportunities, MWEDO provides human rights education, adult literacy and girls education, and health services. MWEDO works with women and girls to curb HIV/AIDS rates and increase local knowledge about maternal and child health. Learn more in this video >> The Maasai are well known for their incredibly elaborate and vibrantly colorful beaded jewelry and ornaments. Beadwork is an age-old craft among the Maasai. Beads are traditionally made from natural materials like skins, bone, seeds, wood, and gourds. Different colors often symbolize different life elements in their culture and society; for instance, red signifies the bravery, strength, and unity of the community. MWEDO artisans now obtain their materials from modern sources, but they still maintain the traditional symbolism of the beadwork. [caption id="attachment_833" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Beaded Dangle Earrings $18"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_834" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Beaded Nesting Boxes $52"][/caption] See more MWEDO products >>  

"March 8 is a day for commemoration and reflection.  It is a day to celebrate our multiple differences and capacities, our commitment to a dignified and free life for women. The road towards gender equality is long, and our perseverance to build a more just and democratic society does not wear out." Click here to learn more about Manuela Ramos and purchase their products >> [caption id="attachment_711" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="These artisans recently completed a workshop in Chucuito, Puno on Quality Standards for Knits for Export. "][/caption]