Handcrafters

I (Corinne) have worked for fortune 500 companies for many years and was dissatisfied with the Corporate way of thinking and bottom line mentality. I was asked to be on the board of an Organization and discovered a different way of doing business. I was then asked to be the executive director of the same Organization and for 2 years realized there was an alternative way to trade with developing countries which was called Fair Trade. I decided then that this was what I was meant to do. So with the help of 5 other women ages 65 - 90, in 1995, Global Handcrafters was created. I discovered while providing beautiful items to the public, I was also helping others. Now, this is my passion and mission in life and each day I know I am making a small difference in the lives of others.

Global Handcrafters Mission is to support the Artisans in Developing Countries by assuring that they are provided with fair wages and good working conditions. I believe these people deserve not only recognition for their talents, but an opportunity for self reliance and economic betterment. Global Handcrafters is a member of Co-Op America which is a supporting Organization of Global Handcrafters Mission.

Many of the Producer Groups Global Handcrafters work with are comprised of women. Working with these groups allow these women to be able to support themselves and gives them the self confidence they need to become independent.
http://www.globalhandcrafters.com/artisans.php

Global Handicrafts

Welcome to Global Handicrafts
In many ways, ours is an unfair world...

Across the planet, people in struggling economies may work hard to produce goods for which they receive little or no profit.

Middlemen often buy at unfair prices that leave producers plagued with poor working conditions, health problems, lack of education and damage to the environment. The Global Handicrafts Marketplace invites you to take a wander through markets from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, Central Asia and the Middle East.

All products are purchased on fair trade principles, with appropriate payment given those who grew or produced them.
http://www.globalhandicrafts.org/

Gogo-Olive

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!
http://www.gogo-olive.com/

Cards from Africa

Cards from Africa is a part of a new generation of African businesses setting a trend in our divided world. We make high quality products, made in one of the poorest countries, available to the international market at competitive prices. In return, we offer well-paid employment to those who need it the most. Furthermore, our business model is to provide a stepping-stone for our staff to transition easily to another career or start their own business someday. We are currently developing a program to effectively teach entrepreneurial, management, and practical business skills to our staff. By unleashing creativity, teaching valuable skills, and fostering self-worth, we are confident that someday they will be able to access the international market themselves and contribute to a thriving economy and better quality of life for all Rwandans.

http://cardsfromafrica.com/

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

"Quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution"

Daedalus Aerospace company

Remember to check out the Short-on-ideas blog page