<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<page>
  <author>Ruchi Agrawal</author>
  <body-html>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img class=&quot;protect&quot; src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Thanks_to_FT_1.jpg' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here are some stories of the magical hands that give life to our beautiful products. Hands rich with art and lives rich with modesty and simplicity. Each thread adds beauty to the product and color to their lives. Let&amp;#8217;s watch them weave, stitch and make the fabric of life. Click on any of the following headers to read the story:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table class=&quot;page-table&quot;&gt;


&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;th&gt;Artisan Group&lt;/th&gt;
  &lt;th&gt;Description&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sahaj-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Sahaj-Button.gif' alt='women empowerment fair trade' /&gt;Sahaj&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This unique story shows the benefits of Fair Trade.  This group makes our Mix N Match series, as well as other products that requires fine beading.  They have been empowered without having Western values imposed on them, and women have been able to become respected, independent, decision makers in their community.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/vishwakarma&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Vishwakarma-Button.gif' alt='recycled bags group' /&gt;Vishwakarma&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Read our story about the group that makes our color splash bags. Fair Trade is making smiles bloom in the desert, as artisans are able to lead a dignified lifestyle.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/hand-block-printed-quilts-and-bags&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Tilonia-Button.gif' alt='fair trade group' /&gt;Tilonia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Our quilts and table covers are created by artisans in the Barmer region of Rajasthan, India.  They use the wood block printing technique, similar to the one used in the Eco Shoppers and Laptop Bags, but differing in their modern-design approach.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/eco-friendly-papers-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Eco-Friendly-Papers-Button.gif' alt='fair trade recycled paper artisans' /&gt;Eco Friendly Papers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;All of our journals and other social stationery items are made from recycled cotton rags, making them 100% tree-free.  This story showcases the skilled artisans who make these sustainable products by hand.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sure-artisan-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/SURE-Button.gif' alt='fair trade applique group' /&gt;SURE&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is a story about an all-women's cooperative that makes our appliqued products.  Click hear to learn about the art of needlework!&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/unique&quot; target=_blank&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Unique-Button.gif' alt='fair trade unique' /&gt;Unique&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The Unique artisan group is a collection of great sewers and tailors who specialize in stitching bags together.  Some of their bags are completely done by them, while others are made in collaboration with some of our other partner artisans.  If a group specializes in weaving a special kind of fabric, block printing, or making good silk, then the Unique group can use their materials to create many of our products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/ana-art-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Ana-Art-Group-Button.gif' alt='fair trade jewelry group' /&gt;Ana Art Group&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;After receiving an email from a struggling artisan group, Handmade Expressions provides employment to these talented jewelry-makers.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/masuta-artisans-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Masuta-Button.gif' alt='silk scarves group' /&gt;Masuta Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These artisans create silk scarves and cushion covers by harvesting the tasar silkworm.  It is a skill that has been practiced by generations, and now, through fair trade, they are able to reach a market that wants these products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;


&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/nyishi-tribe-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Niyishi-Button.gif' alt='Fair Trade Green Jewelry group' /&gt;Niyishi Tribe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Our sustainable jewelry is made by an all-women cooperative in the Himalayan region of India.  They have all escaped child marriage, and help each other become self-sustainable decision-makers in their communities.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/rann-kala-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Rann-Kala-Button.gif' alt='Fair Trade Artisans' /&gt;Rann Kala: The Art of the Desert&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;&quot;Rann Kala&quot; means &quot;The Art of the Desert&quot;.  There are numerous women artisans in Gujrat, India, who still dress in their traditional clothes and practice all of their customs.  They have recently opened up to world markets, and are exporting their mirror-work and embroidered products to share with the world.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/kashida-weavers-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Kashida-Button.gif' alt='Desert Artisans' /&gt;Kashida Weavers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These artisans weave different home decor items through an art called &quot;kashida&quot;.  Through fair trade, they have been able to keep their traditional jobs alive.  There has also been less migration to cities, since they can practice the kashida art right in their village.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/very-special-art-the-story-of-the-recycled-tape-products&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/VSA-Button.gif' alt='fair trade cooperative' /&gt;Very Special Arts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is the story of the bags made from recycled video and music cassette tapes.  They are made by a group of artisans that belong to an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/amar-jyoti-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Amar-Jyoti-Button.gif' alt='fair trade recycled bags' /&gt;Amar Jyoti&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;There is a school in Delhi that takes children off of the streets and helps them become self-sustainable, respectable citizens.  They raise income making newspaper bags, and this is their story.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/wood-block-printing-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/RMK-Button.gif' alt='fair trade artisans' /&gt;Traditional Wood Block Printing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Many artisans around India are given merit as artists.  Such is the case with this cooperative, who make products following a wood-block printing technique.  They only use natural dyes, and fair trade has helped them bring their traditional art to a modern context.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/fair-trade-copper-bells-made-by-hand&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/CRC-Button.gif&quot; alt=&quot;fair trade copper bells&quot;&gt;CRC Bell Making Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;We carry fair trade, copper bells made by both men and women artisans.  This is the story of how they make the bells, and how fair trade helps them.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/dianes-paperworks&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Dianes-Paperworks-Button.gif' alt='fair trade jewelry' /&gt;Diane's Paperworks&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This non-profit organization helps the artisans that make the elegant jewelry that Bright Hope International used to carry.  Handmade Expressions is now supporting this group.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/batik-art-wax-printing&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/IFFAD-Button.gif' alt='fair trade batik artisans' /&gt;IFFAD&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;A compelling story of women's development, equity and the fostering of creativity.  These artisans create our batik products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sandur-fair-trade-1&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Sandur-Button.gif' alt='fair trade wood block printing' /&gt;Sandur&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The artisans who make our line of &quot;Cosmic&quot; products belong to an organization whose aim is to promote and preserve the traditional craft of the region and provide employment to rural women. This organization works with tribal Lambani women artisans who face challenges such as drought.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/mahila-bunkar-sahakari-samiti&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Indrem-Button.gif' alt='fair trade artisans' /&gt;Mahila Bunkar Sahakari Samiti&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These partner artisans make some of our home decor items.  The cooperative works with tribal Schedule women artisans who face challenges such as seizing of land and rural to urban lifestyle transitions.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/shramik-artisans&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Shramik-Button.gif' alt='fair trade weavers' class='protect' /&gt;Jana Jaagran: Shramik Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is the story of our jute and cotton bags, such as the Nature Nectar.  We identify these artisans as the Shramik Artisans, which means &quot;laborer&quot; in Hindi.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/hsss&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/HSSS-Button.gif?1255473093' alt='' class='protect' /&gt;HSSS: The Wood Masters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Find out who makes our amazing wooden products such as the cat puzzle box, the wooden top, the earrings stand or the eye glass holder!  This is one of the few cooperatives we work with that is composed mainly of men.  We used to get their products from ASHA Handicrafts, but Handmade Expressions prefers to work directly with the small artisan groups to make sure Fair Trade practices are really practiced.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/joo-handicrafts-the-papier-mache-group&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Paper-Mache-Button.gif' alt='fair trade home decor' /&gt;Joo Handicrafts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is one of the newest artisan groups Handmade Expressions has been working with.  They live in the troubled Kashmir region of North India.  Traditionally, they depended on selling their handicrafts to tourists in the area.  An increase in violence in the region has resulted in a decrease in tourists, so the artisans have found a new avenue to sell their products through us.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/west-bengal-artisans-jute-expressions&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/West-Bengal-Button.gif?1255473482' alt='' class='protect' /&gt;West Bengal Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The artisans who make our Jute expressions bags are located in the West Bengal region of India. They belong to a nonprofit organization that works to better the standing of women, children, marginalized castes, the mentally and physically handicapped and the disadvantaged.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Note: If you are an artisan group who wishes to explore the possibility of working with us, please e-mail us at sourcing@handmadeexpressions.net&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;
Below is a video that exemplifies how we help the artisans:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;object width=&quot;550&quot; height=&quot;445&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;movie&quot; value=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/8y8Ww3w8mSo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowFullScreen&quot; value=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowscriptaccess&quot; value=&quot;always&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;embed src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/8y8Ww3w8mSo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&quot; type=&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash&quot; allowscriptaccess=&quot;always&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;true&quot; width=&quot;550&quot; height=&quot;445&quot;&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;
</body-html>
  <created-at type="datetime">2007-04-18T19:50:27-05:00</created-at>
  <handle>artisans</handle>
  <id type="integer">27439</id>
  <published-at type="datetime">2007-04-18T19:50:27-05:00</published-at>
  <shop-id type="integer">9057</shop-id>
  <template-suffix nil="true"></template-suffix>
  <title>The Creators</title>
  <updated-at type="datetime">2009-11-01T22:17:12-06:00</updated-at>
  <body>&lt;img class=&quot;protect&quot; src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Thanks_to_FT_1.jpg' alt='' /&gt;

Here are some stories of the magical hands that give life to our beautiful products. Hands rich with art and lives rich with modesty and simplicity. Each thread adds beauty to the product and color to their lives. Let's watch them weave, stitch and make the fabric of life. Click on any of the following headers to read the story:

&lt;notextile&gt;
&lt;table class=&quot;page-table&quot;&gt;


&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;th&gt;Artisan Group&lt;/th&gt;
  &lt;th&gt;Description&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sahaj-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Sahaj-Button.gif' alt='women empowerment fair trade' /&gt;Sahaj&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This unique story shows the benefits of Fair Trade.  This group makes our Mix N Match series, as well as other products that requires fine beading.  They have been empowered without having Western values imposed on them, and women have been able to become respected, independent, decision makers in their community.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/vishwakarma&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Vishwakarma-Button.gif' alt='recycled bags group' /&gt;Vishwakarma&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Read our story about the group that makes our color splash bags. Fair Trade is making smiles bloom in the desert, as artisans are able to lead a dignified lifestyle.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/hand-block-printed-quilts-and-bags&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Tilonia-Button.gif' alt='fair trade group' /&gt;Tilonia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Our quilts and table covers are created by artisans in the Barmer region of Rajasthan, India.  They use the wood block printing technique, similar to the one used in the Eco Shoppers and Laptop Bags, but differing in their modern-design approach.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/eco-friendly-papers-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Eco-Friendly-Papers-Button.gif' alt='fair trade recycled paper artisans' /&gt;Eco Friendly Papers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;All of our journals and other social stationery items are made from recycled cotton rags, making them 100% tree-free.  This story showcases the skilled artisans who make these sustainable products by hand.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sure-artisan-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/SURE-Button.gif' alt='fair trade applique group' /&gt;SURE&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is a story about an all-women's cooperative that makes our appliqued products.  Click hear to learn about the art of needlework!&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/unique&quot; target=_blank&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Unique-Button.gif' alt='fair trade unique' /&gt;Unique&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The Unique artisan group is a collection of great sewers and tailors who specialize in stitching bags together.  Some of their bags are completely done by them, while others are made in collaboration with some of our other partner artisans.  If a group specializes in weaving a special kind of fabric, block printing, or making good silk, then the Unique group can use their materials to create many of our products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/ana-art-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Ana-Art-Group-Button.gif' alt='fair trade jewelry group' /&gt;Ana Art Group&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;After receiving an email from a struggling artisan group, Handmade Expressions provides employment to these talented jewelry-makers.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/masuta-artisans-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Masuta-Button.gif' alt='silk scarves group' /&gt;Masuta Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These artisans create silk scarves and cushion covers by harvesting the tasar silkworm.  It is a skill that has been practiced by generations, and now, through fair trade, they are able to reach a market that wants these products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;


&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/nyishi-tribe-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Niyishi-Button.gif' alt='Fair Trade Green Jewelry group' /&gt;Niyishi Tribe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Our sustainable jewelry is made by an all-women cooperative in the Himalayan region of India.  They have all escaped child marriage, and help each other become self-sustainable decision-makers in their communities.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/rann-kala-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Rann-Kala-Button.gif' alt='Fair Trade Artisans' /&gt;Rann Kala: The Art of the Desert&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;&quot;Rann Kala&quot; means &quot;The Art of the Desert&quot;.  There are numerous women artisans in Gujrat, India, who still dress in their traditional clothes and practice all of their customs.  They have recently opened up to world markets, and are exporting their mirror-work and embroidered products to share with the world.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/kashida-weavers-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Kashida-Button.gif' alt='Desert Artisans' /&gt;Kashida Weavers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These artisans weave different home decor items through an art called &quot;kashida&quot;.  Through fair trade, they have been able to keep their traditional jobs alive.  There has also been less migration to cities, since they can practice the kashida art right in their village.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/very-special-art-the-story-of-the-recycled-tape-products&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/VSA-Button.gif' alt='fair trade cooperative' /&gt;Very Special Arts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is the story of the bags made from recycled video and music cassette tapes.  They are made by a group of artisans that belong to an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/amar-jyoti-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Amar-Jyoti-Button.gif' alt='fair trade recycled bags' /&gt;Amar Jyoti&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;There is a school in Delhi that takes children off of the streets and helps them become self-sustainable, respectable citizens.  They raise income making newspaper bags, and this is their story.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/wood-block-printing-group-fair-trade&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/RMK-Button.gif' alt='fair trade artisans' /&gt;Traditional Wood Block Printing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Many artisans around India are given merit as artists.  Such is the case with this cooperative, who make products following a wood-block printing technique.  They only use natural dyes, and fair trade has helped them bring their traditional art to a modern context.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/fair-trade-copper-bells-made-by-hand&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/CRC-Button.gif&quot; alt=&quot;fair trade copper bells&quot;&gt;CRC Bell Making Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;We carry fair trade, copper bells made by both men and women artisans.  This is the story of how they make the bells, and how fair trade helps them.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/dianes-paperworks&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Dianes-Paperworks-Button.gif' alt='fair trade jewelry' /&gt;Diane's Paperworks&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This non-profit organization helps the artisans that make the elegant jewelry that Bright Hope International used to carry.  Handmade Expressions is now supporting this group.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/batik-art-wax-printing&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/IFFAD-Button.gif' alt='fair trade batik artisans' /&gt;IFFAD&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;A compelling story of women's development, equity and the fostering of creativity.  These artisans create our batik products.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/sandur-fair-trade-1&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Sandur-Button.gif' alt='fair trade wood block printing' /&gt;Sandur&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The artisans who make our line of &quot;Cosmic&quot; products belong to an organization whose aim is to promote and preserve the traditional craft of the region and provide employment to rural women. This organization works with tribal Lambani women artisans who face challenges such as drought.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/mahila-bunkar-sahakari-samiti&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Indrem-Button.gif' alt='fair trade artisans' /&gt;Mahila Bunkar Sahakari Samiti&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;These partner artisans make some of our home decor items.  The cooperative works with tribal Schedule women artisans who face challenges such as seizing of land and rural to urban lifestyle transitions.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/shramik-artisans&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Shramik-Button.gif' alt='fair trade weavers' class='protect' /&gt;Jana Jaagran: Shramik Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is the story of our jute and cotton bags, such as the Nature Nectar.  We identify these artisans as the Shramik Artisans, which means &quot;laborer&quot; in Hindi.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/hsss&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/HSSS-Button.gif?1255473093' alt='' class='protect' /&gt;HSSS: The Wood Masters&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;Find out who makes our amazing wooden products such as the cat puzzle box, the wooden top, the earrings stand or the eye glass holder!  This is one of the few cooperatives we work with that is composed mainly of men.  We used to get their products from ASHA Handicrafts, but Handmade Expressions prefers to work directly with the small artisan groups to make sure Fair Trade practices are really practiced.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/joo-handicrafts-the-papier-mache-group&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/Paper-Mache-Button.gif' alt='fair trade home decor' /&gt;Joo Handicrafts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;This is one of the newest artisan groups Handmade Expressions has been working with.  They live in the troubled Kashmir region of North India.  Traditionally, they depended on selling their handicrafts to tourists in the area.  An increase in violence in the region has resulted in a decrease in tourists, so the artisans have found a new avenue to sell their products through us.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;tr&gt;
  &lt;td class=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/collections/west-bengal-artisans-jute-expressions&quot; target=_blank&gt;
&lt;img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/9057/files/West-Bengal-Button.gif?1255473482' alt='' class='protect' /&gt;West Bengal Artisans&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
  &lt;td&gt;The artisans who make our Jute expressions bags are located in the West Bengal region of India. They belong to a nonprofit organization that works to better the standing of women, children, marginalized castes, the mentally and physically handicapped and the disadvantaged.&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;

&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;/notextile&gt;


&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;br/&gt;
*Note: If you are an artisan group who wishes to explore the possibility of working with us, please e-mail us at sourcing@handmadeexpressions.net*
&lt;br/&gt;
Below is a video that exemplifies how we help the artisans:

&lt;notextile&gt;

&lt;object width=&quot;550&quot; height=&quot;445&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;movie&quot; value=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/8y8Ww3w8mSo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowFullScreen&quot; value=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;param name=&quot;allowscriptaccess&quot; value=&quot;always&quot;&gt;&lt;/param&gt;&lt;embed src=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/8y8Ww3w8mSo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&quot; type=&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash&quot; allowscriptaccess=&quot;always&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;true&quot; width=&quot;550&quot; height=&quot;445&quot;&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;

&lt;/notextile&gt;</body>
</page>
