global goods partners is an organization very near to my heart – they are wonderful nfp org ‘dedicated to empowering women, alleviating poverty and promoting social justice’ <from their mission statement>  i feel grateful that they bring unique handmade and free-trade products to the american market, thereby promoting independence and providing support to artisans worldwide.  now through dec14, ggp is offering free shipping on orders over $50!  -or- if you prefer a tactile shopping experience, there is an upcoming opportunity to do just that:

the holiday fair will take place next thursday, dec 17 in the urban zen center at stephan weiss studio : 711 greenwich st, from 12pm to 8pm.  download a copy of the invite here. in eager anticipation, a few personal favs from their site:

argentinian handmade necklace $34.00

bolivian ceramic chicken lights $26.00

perhaps my absolute favorite are these vibrant totes made of recycled rice bags <and lined with sturdy cotton> specifically supporting landmine and polio victims in cambodia:

cambodian pleated market bag $34.00

columbian change purse $22.00

indian folk doll keychain $7.00

nepalese felt flowers $6.00

having recently hiked the inka trail – i suppose i am partial to the following three selections and can personally attest to the warmth + softness of alpaca wool – which is attained similar to sheep shearing, no animal cruelty!

peruvian braided alpaca scarf $66.00

peruvian embroidered dog collar $21.00 and leash $38.00

peruvian alpaca wool bunnies $20.00 ea

south african beaded bread bracelet $8.00

south african motorcycle keychain $10.00

embroidered card sets from the thai-burmese border $24.00 for 5

each photo is linked to the relevant product site – or browse the entire assortment here

i’ve blogged before about the beauty+importance of intersecting art and function.  one such union is masterfully constructed by JR‘s socially conscious work in 28 millimetres: women.

“after more than a year of planning, 2000 square meters of rooftops have been covered with photos of the eyes and faces of the women of Kibera. The material used is water resistant so that the photo itself will protect the fragile houses in the heavy rain season . . .

over-view

over-view

marching eyes

marching eyes

everyone at work

everyone at work

train + hill

train + hill

train top

train top

. . .This new work, by far JR’s most ambitious to date, can be seen from space and will be seen in Google Earth.” writes wooster collective

oh my

market

across the continent

across the continent

among many achieved goals, this project for women  “wants to underline their pivotal role and to highlight their dignity by shooting them in their daily lives and posting them on the walls of their country.”  these portraits are currently on display in Sierra-Leone, Liberia and Kenya.  the project is developing next in India and Asia.  it’s touching to see the basic beauty of women magnified to this degree.

[big thanks to ms for the tip]

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.