Kantha is a traditional form of embroidery that’s popular in
Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal. For hundreds of years, women
in India and Bangladesh used kantha stitching to create something to keep them
warm. Using a small, straight running stitch, they took old pieces of cloth and
sewed them together to create blankets, throws, scarves and shawls.
Now, a skill passed down from generation to generation, kantha
refers to both the tradition of creating a beautiful and useful product out of
discarded items, as well as the kantha craft itself, which features a signature
running stitch. While kantha traditionally refers to upcycling old materials,
some kantha items are now also made with new fabrics.
This beautiful, reversible kantha throw was handstitched by
Najmeen. Najmeen is 29 years old and has been working with Prokritee for five
years. Prokritee provides work for women in Bangladesh with little or no
income. Makers work in a safe environment and are given a fair wage, which
helps them take care of their families and send their children to school.
Prokritee provided training for Najmeen and taught her how to do kantha
stitching. This particular throw is made with recycled cotton fabric purchased
from a local market in Bangladesh. It took Najmeen almost six days to make this
kantha throw!
Before Najmeen joined Prokritee, she and her family
struggled to make ends meet.
“We didn’t have enough income to pay for food or give our
children an education. We didn’t have enough money for medicine.”
After joining Prokritee though, things got better for
Najmeen and her family.
“I am now able to buy good food and clothes for my family. I
can now pay for my children’s education.”
Najmeen’s dream for the future is to continue giving her
children an education so they can be literate and have successful futures.
Purchasing a kantha product is a wonderful way to reduce waste and empower makers like Najmeen. Visit our website to check out all our kantha throws, blankets, scarves and shawls.
During Guatemala’s civil war, the village of Chontola lost
more than 40 husbands, fathers and brothers to the military’s “scorched earth”
campaign in 1982. Many women became widowed and had few ways to support their
families. These women were overwhelmed with farming, childcare duties and
extreme poverty.
With nowhere else to turn, two Mayan Quiché women approached
Diego Chicoj Ramos, a Methodist church pastor, and asked him and his wife,
Juana, for help. Though their church had been burned to the ground and they had
little to offer, they managed to secure seven pounds of thread. A small group
of women took this thread and started to weave small items to sell in nearby
markets. Soon, they were bringing income back to the community.
In 1986, with new buyers in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, the
group decided on the name, Ruth and Naomi, in reference to the Bible story of two
widows who were without resources, but worked hard and survived.
Today, Ruth and Naomi is comprised of six workshops,
representing more than 60 makers. These makers weave bright pieces of cloth on
looms in workshops and at home, creating products such as purses and bags. They
use traditional Mayan huipiles, which are handwoven, embroidered blouses from
the Chontola area, to create their beautiful, handcrafted designs.
Ruth and Naomi also provide youth with scholarships, making
it possible for teens to complete high school and go on to university.
This is Celestino. He was living with his wife and young
daughter in Santa Barbara, Peru when political violence forced them to leave.
“They killed my brother-in-law, a cousin and a nephew. Two
other brothers-in-law went missing and another was put in jail. Three of my
sisters are widows.”
Celestino left Santa Barbara with his wife and daughter and
moved to a village outside of Huancavelica, his hometown. There, he bought a
rustic loom and taught himself how to weave.
In 2001, he started working with Allpa, a fair trade
organization that aims to improve the living standards of handicraft producers by
providing technical help, product development advice, skills training, tools
and equipment. His work involved developing products and fulfilling export
orders. Today, Celestino runs a sophisticated workshop with Allpa, providing
good jobs to over 70 weavers (using improved looms) in Huancavelica, one of
Peru’s poorest cities.
Makers at Celestino’s workshop create textiles with alpaca
fleece. Alpacas are raised in the foothills of the Andes, near Lake Titicaca in
Peru and Bolivia. Their fleece is sheared by Peruvian herdsman. Alpaca fleece
is hand spun into yarn, dyed by hand and then handwoven by makers using an
ancient technique. Each throw is then washed and ironed. It takes three days
and five people to make an alpaca throw.
Watch this video to see some of the process.
*Video created by Allpa and used with their permission.
Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fleece does not contain lanolin,
so it’s naturally hypoallergenic, warmer and softer.
Celestino is proud to say that his textiles travel around
the world and reach homes in Europe, North America, Japan and Australia.
Stay warm and cozy this winter with beautiful, handcrafted alpaca throws.
Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a great time to
reflect on the past year and make goals for the year ahead. Here are a few of
our tips for making 2020 great.
Make a realistic
resolution
Make sure your resolution for the New Year is realistic. Set
yourself up for success by striving for a goal that is attainable. Once you
have decided on a goal that is doable for yourself, make a plan to achieve that
goal and write that plan down in a journal. Create an outline of how and when
you’ll reach your goal and use that journal to keep yourself on track and
accountable. This blue leather journal was handcrafted by makers working with
Noah’s Ark in India.
Get organized with
baskets
Start the New Year off right and get organized in 2020. Baskets
make great, time-saving, storage solutions and they look great too. Are toys
scattered throughout your house? Keep toys, books and games in colourful baskets.
Can’t find important paperwork? Keep important documents in a safe and handy magazine
holder. Are clothes and knitwear being left all over the place? Keep them tidy
and together in baskets. These baskets were handwoven by makers in Bangladesh.
Practice self-care
regularly
Make self-care a priority this year. Light a candle and draw
a bath once a week to relax your mind and body. Make time for yourself so you
can read a book or just listen to music. Whatever form self-care takes for you,
make sure you make it a priority this year. Your mind and body will thank you.
This eucalyptus-scented soap was handmade by makers working with Palam Rural
Centre in India.
What are your tips for the New Year? Let us know in the
comments below!
Not sure what to get her for Christmas? This holiday season,
give meaning. Every handcrafted gift from Ten Thousand Villages feeds families,
provides healthcare, sends children to school, helps to build safe homes and
empowers women. With every purchase, we fight poverty and improve the lives of
makers and their families around the world. Whether she’s your wife, sister or mom,
she’ll love unwrapping these unique gifts that give back on Christmas morning.
Handcrafted Jewellery
This Christmas, surprise her with a new necklace, bracelet
or set of earrings. This sterling silver jewellery was handcrafted in Peru by
the makers of Allpa. Allpa aims to improve the living standards of handicraft
producers in Lima by providing technical help, product development advice,
skills training, tools and equipment.
Cozy Scarves
Gift her with a beautiful, cozy scarf that she can wear all
winter long. Whether it’s made of viscose, chiffon or silk, all our scarves and
shawls are handstitched by makers all over the world benefiting from a fair
wage and safe working conditions.
Eco-leather Purses
Make her Christmas with a practical, environmentally
friendly purse. These eco-leather handbags were handcrafted in India by the
makers of CRC. Unlike the commercial leather industry, makers working with CRC
tan leather products without using harmful chemicals. In other words, instead
of using harmful substances, eco-leather is tanned using
environmentally-friendly materials derived from sustainable tea bark extracts
and waxes.
Divine Chocolate
If she has a sweet tooth, gift her with her favourite
chocolate bar, or try something new this holiday season. When you buy our
chocolate, you improve the lives and opportunities of small-scale farmers.
What are you getting her for Christmas? Let us know in the
comments below!
Not sure what to get him for Christmas? This holiday season,
give meaning. Every handcrafted gift from Ten Thousand Villages feeds families,
provides healthcare, sends children to school, helps to build safe homes and
empowers women. With every purchase, we fight poverty and improve the lives of
makers and their families around the world. Whether he’s your husband, brother
or dad, he’ll love unwrapping these unique gifts that give back on Christmas
morning.
Plaid Scarf
If he’s a skier or snowboarder, he’ll love getting cozy knitwear
for Christmas. This plaid chenille scarf was handwoven in Ecuador by the makers
of Maquita. Maquita works with more than one hundred craft workshops in Ecuador
providing marketing, production and design assistance to over 600 makers.
Cozy Socks
Skip ordinary socks this Christmas. These fair trade,
organic cotton blend socks help change lives. Our friends at Conscious Step
partner with non-profit organizations to fight poverty and support humanitarian
causes around the world. This year, we’ve partnered with Conscious Step and The
Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS) in Nepal to make our own socks that give
back. Every pair purchased feeds 10 children nutritious snacks through KTS’
daycare and school programs.
Delicious Coffee
If he’s a coffee connoisseur, gift him with his favourite coffee
or try something new this holiday season! When you buy our coffee, you help:
Children in Colombia get uniforms so they can
attend school
Farmers in Peru receive education so they can
cultivate healthy, organic food
Communities in the D.R. Congo access
vaccinations to stop the spread of disease
Divine Chocolate
If he has a sweet tooth, gift him with his favourite
chocolate bar or try something new this holiday season! When you buy our
chocolate, you improve the lives and opportunities of small-scale farmers.
What are you getting him for Christmas? Let us know in the
comments below!
Now that the snow is here (at least in Ontario!) and the
holiday season has arrived, it’s time to start shopping for Christmas gifts.
Are you struggling with what and how much to get your kids for Christmas? Then
we suggest the five gift rule:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
Something to do
Something they want
This is probably the toy that’s at the top of their
Christmas wish list or maybe it’s a fun and new toy to surprise them with!
Whether it’s a toy they want or a toy they didn’t even know they wanted, it’s
sure to make them smile. This adorable Kenyan school girl was hand sewn in
Kenya by the makers of OTICART.
Something they need
This could be an item they need
for their room like a lamp or a desk, supplies they need for school like a new
pencil case or set of markers, or equipment they need for a music or sports
activity they participate in. These three colourful journals were handmade in
the Philippines by the makers of Salay Handmade Paper.
Something to wear
This could be clothing for the upcoming
winter season like sweaters, knitwear or boots, or maybe it’s attire for a
different season or a winter getaway trip you’re taking. This cozy scarf was
handstitched in Nepal by the makers of The Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS). KTS
operates an orphanage, a nursery, a primary school for children of impoverished
families and a workplace daycare.
Something to read
This is the perfect chance to get
them a brand new book they’ve never heard of that you think they’ll like. If
your child is an avid reader, you can get them the next book in the series
they’ve been reading and waiting for!
Something to do
This gift idea is the perfect
chance to spend time together as a family. Whether its tickets to see a movie
or tickets for an amusement park, it gives you the opportunity to bond and make
memories. This solitaire game was handcrafted in Pakistan by makers working
with Dominion Traders.
Do you know what you’re getting
your kids for Christmas? Do you have a set of guidelines that you follow? Let
us know in the comments below!
The holiday season is finally here and we are so excited for
Christmas! Here are some tips for giving your home a holiday makeover.
Ornaments
Before you start decorating your Christmas tree, decide whether you’re going to decorate with modern, playful or a mix of ornaments. If you’re going a more contemporary route, Elle Décor suggests “giving your tree a minimalist twist with geometric gold ornaments.” If you’re going for something more fun, House and Home says that “incorporating playful pieces are a sweet addition that’s sure to appeal to the kid in us all.”
Stockings
Stockings aren’t just for hanging on fireplaces! They look great just about anywhere you can think of. Country Living suggests making “dressers, armoires, and other storage pieces fit for a visit from Santa by hanging stockings from their pulls and drawers.”
Pillows
Make your living room warm and cozy for the holiday season with decorative throw pillows. The more pillows, the better! As Country Living puts it, “is there any such thing as too many Christmas pillows?”
Garlands
Deck the halls with garland! House and Home suggests creating “a merry atmosphere with garland draped over ordinary items.” Add garland any place you can to make every inch of your home merry and bright.
Presents
Use beautifully wrapped presents as holiday décor! Elle Décor says “why spend all that time on wrapping gifts to perfection if you aren’t going to show them off?” Line a set of stairs with gifts or place them under your Christmas tree.
Do you have
any holiday decorating tips? Let us know how you decorate your home for
Christmas in the comments below!
Now that fall is in full swing, it’s time to put away your
flip flops and get out your plaid. Fall is a big season for fashion. Here are
our top four must-have accessories for autumn.
Brown Crossbody Purse
The start of the fall season is a great chance to switch up your everyday purse. Forbes says that “one of the most perfect bags for fall is a brown crossbody.” There’s no need to worry about matching your outfit to your purse with a neutral crossbody bag. Simply put your essentials in this purse, swing it over your shoulder and you’re ready for wherever the day takes you!
Cozy Scarves
Stylish scarves are a great way to stay warm while adding a different dynamic to your outfit. Glowsly says that “scarves that keep your neck warm are a season must. Scarves are warm and cozy, but they’re also as glamorous as can be.” This season, try different ways to style your scarf! If you’re stuck in a rut and need new ideas for styling your scarf, then check out this video.
Tassel Earrings
Tassels are on trend this season. Glowsly says that “tassels are a fun way of adding a slightly bohemian vibe to any look.” For your everyday look, go with tassel earrings in black, silver or gold. For a weekend look, try something bold and go with pink or blue tassel earrings.
Long Necklaces
A long necklace instantly dresses up any basic look. Forbes says that “gold dainty necklaces are timeless, but elegant and long necklaces are especially suited for the fall.” This fall, look for a gold necklace that’s extra-long.
What are your must-have fall accessories? Let us know in the
comments below!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we couldn’t be
more excited to spend time with our families and eat all the yummy food. And if
it’s your turn to host a Thanksgiving dinner this year, why not set the table
with beautiful, globally responsible, handcrafted pieces from around the world?
With every Ten Thousand Villages purchase, makers are paid fairly for their
work which helps them to take care of their families. This Thanksgiving, set
the table for your family with items that help families all over the world.
The Appetizers
As guests are arriving to your Thanksgiving dinner, greet them with a charcuterie board filled with various delicious appetizers. HGTV suggests using a “larger tray to create a big cheese board for some pre-dinner snacking.”
The Centerpiece
An assortment of apples, pumpkins or gourds makes for an easy Thanksgiving themed centerpiece for your dinner table. Best Products says “tiny pumpkins are without a doubt, the perfect place setting for your Thanksgiving table. If a trip to the pumpkin patch isn’t in the cards for you this year, faux pumpkins (that you can reuse year after year!) will do in a pinch.” Just place them in a bowl or basket, and voilà, you’re done!
The Main Course
Now it’s time to serve the turkey and all the delicious side dishes! HGTV says that a “matching serving dish set is perfect for your turkey and smaller side dishes.”
The Dessert
Skip the pumpkin pie this year and try something different for dessert! Jillian Harris says that a “cake stand is the perfect way to showcase your baking skills when you have guests over.” She suggests stacking one with “cupcakes, delicious pastries or an indulgent cake.”
Do you have any Thanksgiving table decorating tips? Let us
know how you decorate your table for Thanksgiving in the comments below!
