Santiago Rivera Tells His Story -Fair Trade Featured Series Day 5

Today is day five of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post click the link: What Items Are Available as Fair Trade .



Today, let's watch a video.  Here, a coffee farmer in Nicaragua tells of how he switched to Fair Trading and why. The video does a great job of showing what a difference Fair Trade makes in the lives of producers and how it empowers. It also takes you through a day in the life of what it's like to produce coffee  (video is 6 minutes from YouTube). Click the link below:

Santiago Rivera's Story  

Once you've had the chance to listen to Santiago's story, please stop back by and leave your comments. I'm enjoying your comments, and excited that those who are following are getting so much out of it!

Tomorrow we'll do the Top 10 Countdown of reasons why you should by Fair Trade. It won't be as exciting as David Letterman, but it will give you something to think about. 

Unveiling in video,
Dee

Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom - Featured Series Day 3



© Tatiana Morozova Dreamstime.com

 Today is day three of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post, Fair Tradeducation 101, please click here.

Today, I’m going to share with you, through a personal story, one other reason why I choose to purchase Fair Trade products - The Stories.

Because of the nature of the Fair Trade concept, there is typically a story behind the artists or farmers who produce these items. While you may never meet these individuals, you’ll always be able to tell someone else about their story, their village or the positive change your purchase made for them, their family or their village.

I shared this particular story a couple of years ago here, but it’s one that I just enjoy telling again and again:

The Story

One of my favorite places to shop during the holiday is Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade retailer founded in 1946 with stores in the United States and across Canada. All Ten Thousand Villages stores are non-profit and are mostly staffed by volunteers.  

$98.00 Singing Bowl from Ten Thousand Villages

Three Christmas’s ago, while shopping with my son in Carytown (you've heard that before), we made our usual holiday stop in, to see what unique gifts we could find. While I was off looking at the music in the CD section, my son and one of the sales ladies working were plotting over in the musical instrument section, working out a game plan, unbeknown to me at the time. After several minutes had passed, he comes to me and asks me to come over to where his accomplice was waiting....I mean, where they were. He begins to show and demonstrate to me this big metal bowl that hums. I could tell by the look on his face that he just had to have it. He was in awe for some reason at the sound and an apparent sensation he was getting. It was Christmas, so I decided to ask the sales lady for the price.  At the tune of $98.00, I quickly said to my son, “not today buddy”, and suggested that he save some of his own allowance and return to purchase it later.

$48 Singing Bowl from Ten Thousand Villages

They weren’t ready to hear that; nor, were they ready to give up that easy. The wonderful sales lady (who turned out to be a volunteer) was on her job that day, because this is when she began her tugging at my heart. She started with the following…”These bowls are called singing bowls. They are solid brass and handmade in Tibet, used for meditation and sometimes prayer. Because they are handmade, each bowl has a different sound.” She then begins to demonstrate this, and hands another bowl to my son and continues…”this one, only cost $48.00” (remember... they had a head start on their game plan). She then gives me the larger bowl ($98), and continues…”Now if you hold this flat in your hand, and rub the wooden dowel around the outside of the bowl, the humming will start, and you’ll feel a warm vibration going up your arm, and into your chest”. Guess what? - I DID!!!

I tell you, it was a really weird feeling…I felt relaxed and at peace – EXACTLY where they wanted me!! This lady was good, and what she probably really wanted to say me to me was….”you’ll feel a warm vibration going up your arm and into your SAPPY heart!” But guess what? She’s not even finished with me yet…she tops it off with the following: “As you know, Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization and the proceeds from the sale of these bowls, go back to an organization named New Sadle, where they offer FREE medical care to ARTISANS…(that would be the bowl makers folks)…in Tibet who suffer with LEPROSY!”

Need I say more? Okay, I will…we now have two $48.00 bowls downstairs in our living room, where my son has told the Leprosy story behind the bowl and has performed many demonstrations for guest who have stopped by. The second one was a surprise Christmas gift from me to my son, after he DROPPED..YES DROPPED the first one on cement the SAME day we purchased it! (word of caution: singing bowls don’t sing with a crack)– If you had seen his puppy dog eyes that day, you would have done the same thing!

My Story

Before you leave today, please share your comments on Fair Trade.  If you have a story I'd love to hear about that too.

Visit Ten Thousand Villages online or in your neighborhood and purchase your own Fair Trade Art, and tell someone the story, then come back tomorrow when we'll explore some of the different Fair Trade items around the world. 

Ten Thousand Villages
3201 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia (Carytown)
Upcoming Events:

May 14, 2011 - Fair Trade Day
- Fair Trade Scavenger Hunt
- Fair Trade Memory Wall
- Fair Trade Sundaes

June 4, 2011
- Fair Trade Fashion Show

Unveiling one village at a time,

Fair Tradeducation #101- Featured Series Day 2

FTR Booklet 

Today is day two of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. Hopefully, by now if you don’t already know what Fair Trade is, I’ve peaked your interest. If you do already know about Fair Trade, hopefully you’ll learn something new and get excited all over again.

Welcome to my version of  Fair Tradeducation 101, a one day, drive by lesson  on Fair Trade. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers, pull out your pen and paper, and take some short hand notes and please don’t forget to leave your comments as you leave class today and remember to click a link or two for some brain food.

 Don’t run away just yet, I promise not to bore you today with a lecture on the background and history of Fair Trade. There are way too many websites out here that have done all of that hard work. With my lack of time, I have no intentions of recreating the wheel. I’ll only provide the subliminal messages, and links to the well written details you need to know, and leave the in-depth research up to you...so, shall we begin? 

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is based on economic principles and social justice. I’m not pointing any fingers here, but it should already be obvious that it’s not your traditional commercial trading. Fair Trade improves the lives of millions of disadvantaged artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America, by providing opportunities to trade and develop partnerships with developing countries. This partnership helps them to improve the lives of their families and living conditions, as well as build their businesses.

How do I know if an item is a Fair Trade Product?

photo from Fair Trade USA.org

The best way to recognize if an item is fairly traded is to look for a Fair Trade Label.  There are several FT certifiying and promoting organizations in the world, but only a few big players. Click this link to find a list of Fair Trade organizations by country and type. Then visit their websites to become familiar with their labels. 

What is a Fair Trade Organization?

A Fair Trade Organization is “a big dog“…they watch over manufacturers, producing communities and organizations to ensure that they are following guidelines specific to Fair Trading to ensure economic principles and social justice. Below is an example from the World Fair Trade Organization on a few principles that they hold their members to for producers (workers/artists).  The above link will also take you to a page where you can search for FT products or organizations who are 100% committed to the principles of Fair Trade. 

1. Gender equity - Women and Men are paid equitably for equal work. Fair traders recognize the value of the work women perform as producers and as leaders.

2. Healthy working conditions - Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment. Any children who participate in Fair Trade production are assured security, education, well-being and recreational requirements in accordance with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

3. Transparency and Accountability - From managers and commercial relations to prevent easy manipulation. Some are subject to external verification, audits and frequent self-assessments.



Necklace created by Runako Designs using
Fair Trade beads

4. Investment in Producers -There is a commitment to producers to develop independence through long term relationships. An example would be the Tsunami in China. For commercial importers it is sometimes easier for them to just shift suppliers during this time. Fair Traders help their producer partners survive natural disasters and wars and when possible, and resume production and shipping.

5. Favorable Terms - Most Fair Traders extend several months of working capital to their producer on favorable terms in advance of receiving product; whereas, most commercial trading terms carry a 60 to 90 day wait for payment. These favorable terms of Fair Trader partners - typically 50%, allow producers to ensure material costs are covered and assists in preventing hardship, should items fail to sell. This favorable terms encourages producers to produce only quality products for their partners.

These are just a sampling of the economic principles that Fair Traders are held to. Most organizations follow  similar guidelines with few differences. Visit WFTO for a complete list of their principles and participating organizations.

Well….that’s my drive by education for today. That should be plenty to get you excited about spreading the word and doing more research on Fair Trade.

Tomorrow I’ll share with you a story about my favorite Fair Trade retailer in my own hometown and what great events they have coming up for Fair Trade Day…you won’t want to miss.

Until then, take a look around the following websites, they are loaded with great information.   Then skip over to Autonomie Project, where they are holding a Fair Trade Tee Design Contest. If you have skills and want to see if you can design a winning tee, you have 6 more days for your chance at stardom!

Resource links for your pleasure:
Word Fair Trade Organization
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade Federation
World Fair Trade Day (official Site)

Unveiling and teaching,

It Wasn't Humpty Dumpty This Time...

I'm afraid of a few things...flying, bridges, height, snakes just to name a few, BUT this week, I'm adding stairs to my list - that's right stairs and they happen to be the four bottom ones inside my house!

I was on vacation last week, and I must say it was quite enjoyable.  I Didn't go out of town, didn't have any planned things to do, just enjoy the time off at my leisure. But, I guess my body enjoyed the time off a little more than I did and wasn't ready to go back to work Tuesday morning - seems it had more relaxing to do and it failed to inform me of its plans.

As I was headed downstairs Tuesday morning, right foot wasn't collaborating with left foot and between the two, one of them missed the 9th step and ......need I say more?  Okay I will.....

I don't know how I got there, but I landed with my head at the bottom, (after hitting a plastic tub on it's way to the attic.) in a twisted fetal position!

First thought...Don't Move!  Second thought...Medic Alert...why don't I have one!  Third thought...where is the closest phone!!

After lying there for several seconds, I knew I had to move, because I was the only one home. I can say now and I did exclaim when could feel pain... Thank God!  After picking up my glasses (which I heard crack and thought was my back) and slowly sitting up, I was a bag of nerves. My entire body was shaking, but I was alive and I was able to move.  I made it to work that morning..slowly with a burning sensation that I remember from my epidural 14 years ago. I saw the doctor that afternoon (left armed with a prescription for inflamation and pain) but the reality of all things affected wouldn't surface until Wedneday and they went in the order as follows:

bump on back of head

aching neck

sore right upper arm

sore left shoulder blade

burning upper back

sore left hip joint

sore left knee

I am happy to report, and still so thankful for being here, that I'm on the mend and feeling much better today. Still some lingering issues with my back and hip, but I'm so happy and blessed that it wasn't worse, that I'm not complaining one bit! 



Click here to Visit



Visit me tomorrow, when I'll begin a 15 day countdown to World Fair Trade Day. Learn all about the goodness of Fair Trade and why you should pledge to buy more.  In the meantime, check out Putumayo for some great selections in World Music at http://www.putumayo.com/.  The company’s commitment to helping communities in the countries where the music originates has led to the label contributing more than one million dollars to worthwhile non-profit organizations around the world.  Take a listen, I guarantee "it will make you feel good". 

 Unveiling through a blessing,

Just Some Ideas....

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and whether you're shopping for your significant other or someone special in your life, here are a few lovely things I ran across on Etsy tonight. Valentines Day was originally for lovers, but it's also a great time to tell anyone in your life that they are special.

This lovely necklace is from JudysDesigns. I love the asymmetrical design of this piece and it's something you could wear year round.  The oxidized silver just adds that special pop to the pearls. 

Another simple, yet lovely piece is the above silver necklace from Tiny Tokens Designs.  It's called Heart to Heart.  You can have it personalized. I especially love this piece with two names.  I'd like this one myself with mother and daughter.  

Need a masculine gift for someone who loves art photography?  this photo is breath taking from Raceytay's  The pathway seems never ending. This is such a mystic piece that any male woud appreciate. 

Tell me this set isn't cute! I love these faceted Swarovski crystals. Perfect for any day and any season. I found this set at Briguysgirls . 

Well, just a few ideas, to get you thinking outside the red heart and Happy Valentines Day norm. If you have something different in mind and you are looking for something more personalized, send me an email and I'd be happy to do a custom order for you.  

Unveiling others, 

Dee 

And Then There Was Chain Maille...

When I started making jewelry, the one thing I said I did not want to do was make one particular style of jewelry, for one particular audience. I also said I wanted to explore other things and learn about the different techniques, which I've done by taking classes and purchasing books. I love working with different types of beads, chain, and wire..but then there's chain maille! For those of you who know me well, you know I am not a fan of making it myself, but I think the finished pieces are absolutely beautiful! It's the tedious work involved that drives me to another project. However, having said that, I still indulge in at least 2-3 chain maille projects a year..that's just about enough for my fingers and patience.If you don't know what I'm talking about, chain maille is a technique that involves intertwining jump ring, after jump ring until you have a finished project with two pairs of pliers. If you don't do it often, its torture on your fingers. But I have a few friends who love the technique and they typically can do one or two projects, while watching television, they find it mesmorizing.

This past weekend, I picked up two kits while at BeadFest, one earring project and a necklace. Tonight I completed the earrings, so I guess it will be another 6 months til I tackle the necklace. If you'd like to really see some beautiful chain maille jewelry using other techniques, check out a fellow jewelry maker, Gladys Ruediger at Silver and Spice Jewelry. Then drop back by here and leave a comment and let me know your favorite design from her site.

Unveiling and intertwining,
Dee

Running out of Time, but shopping!

Just checking in briefly, as I'm getting ready for an event tomorrow to benefit the American Heart Association. Preparing for a show or event can be very stressful. Mainly because I don't prepare in advance...wonder why that is?

Any who, wanted to quickly tell you about some cute accessories I found today from Miss Gina's Designs. They are handcrafted right here in Mechanicsville, Virginia. There was a cute clutch bag that caught my eye right away and I had to have it...just purchased it 5 minutes ago! I got my eye on Purse 031 as well!

Stop by Miss Gina's and I guarantee, you won't be disappointed. While you are there, pick out two items you would like to have, then drive on over to Mommy Enterprises, where she's holding a review and give-way for one of Gin's cute clutch purses. Good Luck!

Unveiling and packing,
Dee

Runako Designs - What's New?

Things are still a little crazy on my end, so, I'm still popping in and out. I've started uploading new pieces to the jewelry website, so make sure you stop by over the next few days to see what's happening. Don't forget to leave your name suggestions for Monday's post. There may be a name on the site, but I'm still looking for suggestions, and you have a chance of winning a Free pair of Earrings..now how easy is that. Before I go...here's another treat for you:

I'm just calling this one Scarlet, I love this necklace. Simple, Bold and makes a statement. Match it up with a white shirt and jean jacket...FABULOUS!

Unveiling Spring and Summer,
Dee

Take A Fair Trade Coffee Break - May 9th

Well, I guess I have some splainig to do! Last week, I told you I was preparing for my Toastmasters speech. Well, that went well, except to my surprise and everyone else's I got so wrapped up in my presentation that I went over by 2 minutes!!! That's a big no, no in Toastmasters, because one of the things they emphasize is paying attention to your time...oh well, it was only my second speech and I just got so caught up in it, I couldn't stop.

The title of my speech was Empowering and the subject was Fair Trade. My speech was to encourage the audience to consider purchasing Fair Trade for future gift giving or self use. When I got home, I was still a little excited at the response. I had the crazy idea of starting another blog about Fair Trade, and a little something extra, as I use Fair Trade components frequently in my own designs, as well as gift giving and personal usage. Well reality settled in last night and the great idea from last week, didn't sound so good once I added into that equation 5th grade homework, soccer practice, soccer games, jewelry business, jewelry classes, 40 hour job, blog, twitter, facebook, website, cafe mom, yahoo groups, craft shows, home repairs, etc...I think you're getting the picture as well!

So, I Googled, and I ran across this great website called Fair Trade Resource Network. It's filled with great information and resources about Fair Trade, news updates, and more. FTRN is an information hub designed to grow the fair trade movement, so I figured why recreate the wheel? I'll just refer to their site through my blog and blog more about Fair Trade... problem solved, itch scratched!

So, what's the GREAT news!!? Well on May 9th, I'd like to invite you to hold a Fair Trade Coffee Break in your town. You can hold an event with your church, at your home, in the community, etc. It can be simple to extravagant...that's your choice. All you have to do is hold an event and post it on their site, and it will count towards their attempt to break the record in North America for the most Fair Trade Events around or during Fair Trade Week..May 9th.

I'll be hosting a Fair Trade Coffee Break at my home on the 9th. Where I'll be introducing my friends and neighbors to Fair Trade. I'll be having Fair Trade coffee and baked goods and literature for them to learn more about these great products..will you join me?

If you decide to hold an event or think your interested, please post a comment and let me know. Also, please visit FTRN website to learn more about what they are doing and this great event!

Unveiling and Changing the World,
Dee

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

Congratulations to Dominique Henry of Richmond, Virginia. Dominique has won a FREE pair of earrings of her choice from an earlier blog series on Why You Should Buy Handmade. Names were entered into a random drawing tonight. Congratulations Dominique, contact me soon about your prize!! Special thanks to everyone else for submitting comments telling us why you choose to buy handmade, I enjoyed reading each one.

If you'd like to read the 3 Part post, click here to go back to the articles.

Keep Unveiling,
Dee

Hang Me Pretty Please

If you're anything like me, you hate digging through a jewelry box to find your favorite pair of earrings. That's why I was so excited when I found these cute earring stands at Tammnoony Art from the Heart shop on Etsy.com to share with you. Kati Rapaport makes these whimsical and fun colored earring stands by hand. They come with the frame for hanging your earrings as well as the stand to hold them up. Kati's two greatest loves are, teaching art to children and caring for animals, which is very apparent in her designs and colors. (see samples below)

(photos courtesy of Tammnoony.etsy.com)

Kati also offers other whimsical gifts such as clocks, wall hangers, hair pins, etc. But I must admit the Earring stands are my personal favorite! The colorful designs would make the perfect gift for any girls bedroom. At Tammnoony's shop, their philosophy is that a happy client makes a happy seller, so if you see something at the shop, but need a different design or color, they will customize it just for you!

For the entire month of March, Kati is offering 15% OFF all wall clocks and jewelry displays. Scroll on over to her shop and take a look around. After visiting Kati at Etsy, leave a comment and let me know what you're favorite products are, you already know mine.

(Kati Rapaport. lives in Israel and makes mostly wood handcrafted products, and sells them out of her shop at Tammnoony Art for the Heart or www.tammnoony.etsy.com)

Unveiling,
Dee
www.runakojewelry.com

I Took the Pledge...will you? Part II

As I was saying on Wednesday, I took the pledge to buy homemade and I'm inviting you to take the pledge with me. In part I of this blog series, I begin listing my reasons for buying handmade items by giving you an example of the stories you can share with others about the Artist or the particular piece. Today, I will continue with my reasons for support:

#2. Handmade Items are Unique
Each handcrafted item designed by an artist is unique and in some cases one of a kind. You won't find your neighbor or best friend scurrying off to find a replica, because there likely won't be one. There are no assembly lines of production workers and no industrial machines. What you'll likely find as the workshop is a garage, spare room, basement, corner or even dining room table. In addition, you'll probably find some hand tools, a small workspace or bench, and a few pieces of equipment, depending on the craft, and one or two talented designers. My own personal workspace is about 49 x 36! At times it can be even smaller than that when it travels with me to my sons sports practices. Please excuse my messy space in the photo, I'm working on clearing some stuff away this week, but it's like this most of the time and believe it or not, most of us Artisans/designers can't create when things are too organized...we need chaos! Now... that tag that often comes with a retail purchase that reads "made by somebody you don't know", suddenly means even less to you when you're using or wearing your new handmade item by an Artist you just met over the weekend, who told you how they got started, who told you the story behind that design and how it took 3 hours, two weeks or two months to make. The price tag also may begin to not look so bad, as handcrafted items are sometimes a little more expensive, but the craftsmanship and uniqueness of it all somehow removes the sticker shock.

#3. Handmade items are High Quality
Most Artisans put a lot of pride in the designs that they make. They labor over the design creation process as well as the actual creating of the piece. They realize that one bad product could mean the end of their business and the trust of their clients. They agonize over perfection and choose high quality materials that last. The last thing I want when I sell a piece of jewelry is for it to turn or fall apart on a customer... could you imagine my dwindling customer base? For some, their business is their career, and for others it's a passion, or part time job; either way, neither can afford a bad rep. Handmade items are made to last! I have an old quilt that my grandmother made that is stuffed with clothes instead of filling. When I was young I could barely move when sleeping underneath this thing, but guess what? The quilt is over 70 years old and we still use it on cold nights...handmade means heirloom!

So, the next time you ponder over whether or not to purchase a handmade item, look it over closely and remember this post. The uniqueness, quality and detail put into the piece will definitely be something you can be proud to show off and pass along for years.

If you already buy handmade and want your name entered into a drawing for a FREE pair of the handmade earrings below (your choice), leave me a comment and tell me why you buy handmade, don't forget to add your email address so that I can contact you. Get your name entered twice if you sign up for updates or become a follower. Make sure you let me know you've signed up when you leave your comment. Drawing will be held Wednesday, March 4th...Good Luck!

Unveiling,
Dee

I Took The Pledge..will you?...Pt. I

I took the pledge...why don't you? I'm sure you're thinking this post was meant as a plug for my jewelry. Why else would she be promoting handmade? Well, this post is about another passion of mine, even before I started making jewelry, and I'm going to share with you why I took the pledge in hopes that I can encourage you to do the same. I'll also be featuring great handmade and Fair Trade finds on the web and sharing those products with you on a regular basis, in addition to all the other nuts and bolts.

Okay, so why should you buy handmade? For the purpose of this post and future posts, we'll refer to all makers of handcrafted items as Artisans. Over the next several weeks, I'll be telling you in separate posts, why I think you should buy handmade and hopefully by the end, you'll take the pledge with me. So, lets start with my favorite reason:

Handmade Items Have a Story

#1. There is usually a story behind a handmade item, whether it be the concept behind the business or the design of that particular piece, or the background of the artist, there is a story, I promise. You will always be able to share that story with someone else and you'll always remember it.

Every holiday season my son and I visit Carytown in Richmond, Virginia for some unique gift shopping. We stopped in one of my favorites this year, Ten Thousand Villages (available online). While I was off looking at something else, my son and a sales woman were huddling over by the music instruments working out a game plan. He then finds me by the music station and pulls me over to the instruments and the lady. He proceeds to show and demonstrate this metal bowl that hums. he was so mesmerized and taken in by the sound coming from this thing in his hand, he just had to have it. I asked the sales lady for the price...and at the tune of $98.00, (photo to your left) I quickly said to my son, "not today buddy", and suggested that he save some of his money and come back for it. But they didn't give up on me that easy, the wonderful volunteer, that's right folks...VOLUNTEER sells lady was doing her job that Saturday of tugging at my heart. She started with the following... "these bowls are called singing bowls. They are solid brass, and handmade in Tibet, and are used for meditation and sometimes prayer. Because they are made by hand, each bowl has a different sound." She then proceeds to demonstrate this and hands another bowl to my son, "this one only cost $40.00" (keep in mind they had a head start on this game plan) and gives me the larger bowl ($98.00).. she continues.... "Now if you hold this in your hands and rub the wooden dowel against the bowl, the humming starts. You will feel a warm vibration going up your arm and into your chest." And I DID!!! I tell you, it was a really weird feeling...I felt relaxed and at peace, just where they wanted me! She was really good, because what she probably really wanted to say was..." your sappy heart!"..but she's not finished with me yet....she tops it off with the following............as you know Ten Thousand Villages is a Non-for-profit organization and the proceeds from the sale of these bowls, go back to a organization named New Sadle, where they offer FREE medical care to ARTISANS..(that would be the bowl makers folks) in Tibet who suffer with LEPROSY!"

Need I say more? okay, I will... the $40.00 bowl ----------> is downstairs now in our living room, where Eric tells the story and demonstrates to most guest who stop by. Purchase handmade and tell someone the story.

*don't forget to follow this blog, so you don't miss the rest of this series*

(photos of singing bowls from Ten Thousand Villages)

Unveiling,
Dee
www.runakojewelry.com