18 Jan 2010 2 Comments
in Affinity, BenefitNight Tags: Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, earthquake, haiti, relief
Cut Metal Tree of Life Black, Haiti, $54.00
Ten Thousand Villages of Austin and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund have partnered for the month of January.
50% of sales from Haitian crafts will go towards earthquake relief via the Clinton-Bush Haiti fund.
Please support the artisans of Haiti in their efforts to recover from this catastrophe.
Our store carries a variety of well-crafted, beautiful items from Haiti and your contribution to the rescue mission is greatly needed.
Our gratitude goes out to all of our customers and artisan partners who are committed to improving our world.
Cut Metal Tree of Life Vibrant, Haiti, $285.00
Fair trade brings sunshine
12 Sep 2008 1 Comment
in FairTrade, Products Tags: chisel, customer service, cut metal, fair trade, haiti, sun tattoo, tattoo
A fair trade story from Polly, our volunteer coordinator:
A customer was in the store the other day and exclaimed “Yea, you still have it!” when she saw the cut-metal sun mirror on the wall. Then she showed me her foot with a matching tattoo. She had bought the mirror last year and liked the design so much that she’d had it tattooed onto her foot so she could have it with her all the time.
Nicole with mirror and tattoo
These cut metal objects are made by Comite Artisanal Haitien, in Haiti, from recycled 55 gallon oil drums. The artisans cut them open, hammer them flat, and then mark beautiful designs on the black metal with chalk. Using a hammer and chisel, they pound and cut through the metal to make designs. Some are left black, others are painted with bright colors.
Nicole probably gets asked often about her tattoo, and about the inspiration for it. She then has the opportunity to tell the story of the mirror and the artisans who made it. And just like that, the mission of fair trade continues. Thanks, Nicole, for being a fair trade champion!
Come visit us at the store and check out other beautifully made, cut metal objects from Haiti. Maybe you will find your own inspiration! …Taylor
