Browse Wholesale
Sahaj
Masters in hand-beading: The Mix N Match Story
The Dahod district of Gujarat, India, is comprised of tribal people who have long depended on agriculture to make a living. This means that their work is very seasonal, leaving long gaps between the times they can toil the land. Many men in the village leave their families and migrate to cities to look for seasonal work there, leaving the women behind to fend for themselves.
It was in this environment that a group of people in a non-government organization decided to branch off and help the women develop their arts and crafts in the hopes to achieve sustainable employment. Their mission is: “Socio-Economic empowerment of the woman through art and craft based activities to secure her position in society where she can think independently, become a role model for future generations, and above all does not have to prove herself because of her gender.” In order to achieve this goal, this organization trains and empowers tribal women groups with vocational education, helping them create functional products and make a living. The group has grown to include more than 2,700 tribal artisans (working part-time or full-time on the crafts) from 52 different villages of the area.
Boori, seen above, joined this artisan cooperative cooperative 9 years ago as a widow, a great disadvantage for a woman in her region. Before joining the cooperative, she and her community were facing horrible hardships. Thanks to Fair Trade, Boori was able to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation, giving her the opportunity to re-marry. This is almost unheard of in her tribal society, but is a testament of how Fair Trade is directly challenging social structures and reshaping them so they can benefit everyone. Women in this cooperative went from making an average of Rs. 500-1000 per month to making Rs. 3000-4000 per month. Apart from the increased income opportunities within the village, women have also gained social status within their family, community and various government and banking institutions. Thanks to the success of the program, men started joining and now make up 10% of the group.
Please see below a list of the products made by this artisan cooperative, carried by Handmade Expressions:
$ 10.00
Hanging Bird Trail
Hanging trail of stuffed birds. Assorted bright colors with hand-beading detail.
Materials: Recycled Cotton, beads
Size: 32 1/2"L
$ 3.50
Elephant Ornament
This Christmas ornament is hand sewn into a a finely detailed elephant and accented with a bell. Stuffed with recycled scrap fabric. Each sold separately (picture is meant to show some of the assorted colors). Fair Trade your Christmas!
...
$ 10.00
Elephant Trail Hanging Strings
A single string with elephants that are made of cloth. In between the elephants, the string has glass beads. Each string is sold separately.
These is a Fair Trade product handmade by artisans in India. The artisans are compensated fairly for their work, and are given development help to help...
$ 4.00
Tribal Magnets
These tribal magnets resemble our tribal Key Chains. There is a male figure and a female figure, both made of colorful fabric and embellished with fine beading. The filling is made of recycled cotton. They look great on a fridge or other surfaces!
This is a Fair Trade product made...
$ 10.00
Sabai Grass Placemats
These placemats are made by artisans in India by interlacing natural grass with threads. This gives them a natural look. The placemats come in sets of 4.
This is a Fair Trade product, handcrafted by artisans in India. The artisans are compensated fairly for their work and are given development...
$ 3.50
Tribal Key Chains
Fun key-chains in bright assorted colors. They come as either a male or female figure.
The craftsmanship can be admired when you see the designs up close. The eyes, hair, mouth, ears, hands and feet are made made with fine thread work and beads. The filling is recycled waste cotton...
$ 6.50
Mix-N-Match Coin Purse
Highly functional, bright colored coin purses made following the “batik” art. Multiple pockets enhance the functionality. Completely quilted; comes in an assortment of colors.
This product is made by an artisan cooperative in eastern Gujarat, India. This organization trains and empowers tribal women groups with vocational education,...
$ 6.50
Mix-N-Match Sling Bag
Sling bag with vibrant prints. The edge of the bag is trimmed with intricate hand beading. The front flap closes with Velcro, and it covers a large zipped front pocket and a large open top. Very sturdy and a very functional bag. Comes in an assortment of colors.
This product...
Member of the Green Business Network
Member of Fair Trade Federation