5 Awesome Handicrafts That Make A Difference
So a few weeks ago, I had the wedding-related task to search for Thank You cards for my wedding shower. I was hoping to find charity cards where at least a portion of the proceeds would benefit a cause instead of filling Target’s big, jolly red pockets. I didn’t think this would be so hard: in every post office, museum shop and local supermarket in the UK you can find packs of cards which benefit charities — and not just UK charities, but global causes as well.
But it would seem out here in the US, we’re are only interested in donating or buying charitable gifts when it suits our taxes. I could only find Christmas cards, and expensive ones at that. What I didn’t expect to find was an endless array of beautiful handcrafted goods. I do mean beau-ti-ful crafts that you would consider placing right in the center of a mantelpiece (or, at least, I would if I had a mantelpiece).
I’m used to finding gorgeous handcrafted goods on Etsy, and they do have their very kind Pay It Forward scheme, although as I understand it, it benefits sellers more than impoverished children in the Sudan. If you love Etsy half as much as I do, you’ll understand why I felt the need to list some of the beautiful handicrafts I found on my mission to buy charitable Thank You cards. Obviously, I am not looking in the right place for these cards, and when the wedding is all over and done with I’ll return to my sightseeing adventures to museums and the like, find the cards, and kick myself for not looking there earlier.
So, meanwhile, here are some beautiful and unusual products that can benefit your greedy lust for stylish things and at the same time, help the needy:
Handwoven by Zulu women in South Africa, these bowls are pretty gosh-darn stunning.
The proceeds from each telephone wire basket purchased through Bridge for Africa go to the weaver and his/her family, and to improve working conditions and further job creation in the region.
Re-useable gift cards, you ask? Why yes — come on, what’s really wrong with that? Given that the Bodhi leaf is supposed to be a present in and of itself, these cards actually have replaceable inserts, so the card can just keep on carding (like the gifts that keep on gifting). Bodhi leaves are intended to provide peace to the recipient. Go on, give peace.
Bright Hope International
Handmade in the Godavari River Delta in India by women who live in a town that only gets running water three times a week. Imagine that.
This purse is so cute and woolly, and in these city-slicker colours, it will match just about any winter coat. So cute. Did I say that? Did I mention it’s only $24.99? On the same page, you’ll find a selection of intricate lace shawls and table runners, too.
Greeting Cards from El Salvador
These cards immediately make me think of something you might find in a magazine during Fashion Week. They come in a variety of styles with pressed flowers integrated into their hairstyles. Truly beautiful gift cards, blank inside for your own message.
Handmade by women whose homes in El Salvador’s highland cloud forest were destroyed by a devastating earthquake and mudslides.
Mulberry Paper Journals from Thailand
Handmade in Northern Thailand, these black and white journals are simply beautiful. Choose the ‘Funky Zebra’, ‘Koi Fish’ with a splash of red or ‘Modern Paisley’ pattern, or do more good and order all three — at $7.95 you’re hardly doing your wallet any harm.
You see, sometimes it’s just good to go shopping.
For a great list of Fair Trade online shops, visit:
http://www.globalstewards.org/fairtradeshops.htm
Or you can donate your own time & craft making skills:
http://www.craftbits.com/crafts/charity
Tags: charity handicrafts, charity shopping, fair trade shopping, fairtrade