Craft Ideas 
Most cultures are rich in craft skills. This has been my observation during my travelling over the past three decades. In the late 70's, I had the joy of hosting a research officer from a craft-marketing agency in the UK while he was in a Pacific Island nation. We spent a few wonderful days travelling throughout the country meeting with entrepreneurs engaged in producing and marketing a whole variety of craft items. You can see something of this particular project on: http://www.createdgifts.org/tearcraft/public/home.jsf?contentPage=0&contentTab=0
The aim was to choose those items that would be suitable for the company's mail-order catalogues which targeted the UK market. One of the challenges was finding items that would appeal to European taste as well as be practical to produce in quantity and freight over to the UK. Traditionally, in the country he visited, craftsmen with expert skill would produce masterpieces of art in the area of wood carvings, etc. Each item may take weeks to perfect and then months to sell. Although wonderful as pieces of craft, they were not practical to promote in quantity through mail-order catalogues.
Encouraging the production of smaller items, with designs that would sell, was a challenging assignment. Once the company choose an item to market, then an agreement is made with the craftsman to produce a specified minimum quantity each month and a price for each item is agreed. The company would then ensure that payment would be deposited in the craftsman's family bank account. The concept was sound and enabled craftsmen internationally to receive regular and assured income for their families.
Recently, while in Hong Kong, I visited another excellent craft shop, probably the best I've ever seen. You can find out more on the following link Global Handicrafts http://www.globalhandicrafts.org
Remember to check out the Short-on-ideas blog page
Gogo-Olive
About Us
World Cup Animals Gogo Olive was set up in Mutare in the Eastern Highlands of Zimabwe in November 2008 to give local women the opportunity to use their craft skills to build a future for themselves and their families. Knitting was chosen as it only requires basic materials, it can be done anywhere and at any time and is a skill that is practical for the women to learn. We began as a small group of 6 ladies and following the success of this group we have added to the numbers and also introduced the group into a local prison. Over 25 women are now involved in Gogo Olive. Knitting the animals has become a part of the rehabilitation process for the women in prison, it gives them something positive to focus on and allows them to meet practical needs that they or their families have, both whilst they are in prison and after release.
Each animal is lovingly and completely handmade and has as much individuality and character as the lady who knitted it!
Tannery Cottage Transformations
You will be fascinated by this creative concept. Do check out the website for Transformations liste below. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Hannah at a Craft Fair here in the UK. It is so encouraging to meet up with young entrepreneurs with vivacity and vision.
http://www.tctransformations.co.uk/pages/index.php
