eco-kind magazine rod earrings - Global Goods Partners

I think these rolled magazine rod earrings are truly stunning. The craftsmanship is perfect...I can't believe these are made from rolled magazine paper. Clever artistry and design. Totally stunning, absolutely chic!

~ Made from 100% recycled magazines

~ 3" in length

~ Choose from Black, Green, Fuchsia, Dark Violet, Lime and Teal

Due to the recycled nature of this product, colors may slightly vary

Both professionals in International Development, it was part of Catherine Lieber Shimony and Joan Shifrin's job to travel to impoverished areas around the world to see what could be improved. What they began to witness over and over again, were creative, energized women producing magnifient handmade goods...yet, they lacked any access to sustainable markets in which to sell their products.

Catherine and Joan had witnessed women in marginalized communities throughout Asia, Africa, and the US being able to advance the wellness of their families when their income was stabilized. In 2005, the friends  founded Global Goods Partners to create a practical pathway for women to generate income opportunitites and gain access into the consumer marketplace for handmade, fair trade merchandise.

Global Goods Partners (GGP) is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice and empowers women to create sustainable change.

Smitten again!!

simply red - the Red Thread Movement

This is about a movement, and it is called the Red Thread Movement. It is a call to action with the sale of red thread bracelets. This is what one little vibrantly colored, handsomely crafted little bracelet can do! 

The Red Thread Movement battles human trafficking and has partnered with a Nepalese anti-trafficking organization that has set up border units between Nepal and India (which is open and allows for citizens from both countries to travel freely with no visa or passport.) As there is an estimated 12,000 victims of sex trafficking between these countries every year, the success rate of these border units is extremely high, each rescuing up to 15 girls a month. 

Many girls are not able to return to their villages after rescue, as social rejection and shame are common. Safe houses are established to provide shelter, counseling and vocational training for girls who cannot return to their villages. It is at these safe houses that the girls make the Red Thread Movement bracelets.

The bracelets make a difference in 3 important ways:

1. They provide a Fair Trade income for rescued girls who do the craftsmanship and hand weave the bracelets themselves.

2. Additional proceeds fund anti-trafficking border units and safe houses through the work of Red Thread’s partner, Kingdom Investments Nepal (K.I. Nepal.)

3. Wearing the bracelet generates awareness and declares sex trafficking as human rights crime.

These bracelets are an outstanding way to fundraise and spread the word!

I am Smitten.

something beautiful on the horizon - Punjammies

I may be a little late to the party here, as I am just discovering Punjammies, but I am no less excited or bowled over by the idea that is the International Princess Project.  Firstly, Punjammies are cozy, colorful loungewear trousers, fashioned from the same gorgeous fabric that the traditional Sari is made from, they are 100% cotton -- incredibly soft and comfortable.

The International Princess Project was founded by Shannon Keith in 2005 when Shannon and her husband visited India for the first time. They loved the country but were struck by the very serious problem that existed for the young girls and women of India, that of sex trafficking and modern day slavery. After visiting one of India’s countless red light districts, she was changed.

Pressed by the immensity of the problem, Shannon returned home, culled some goodhearted friends and founded International Princess Project to advocate for these women and help them rebuild their lives. Soon, the team realized that without an occupation, these women and girls stood a slim chance of survival outside the brothels and prostitution. 

With this knowledge, Shannon focussed on what she knew, sales and merchandising -- and Punjammies were born. The brilliant fabric of the traditional Indian Sari was the key inspiration. The team worked with talented seamstresses to create a simple pattern that women could use to learn how to sew. With each stitch, the women gained courage, confidence and determination. Their newfound trade was their passageway to freedom.

What started as a six-woman sewing center is now three centers that employ over 150 women. All receive fair wages and recovery care. Punjammies are loose fitting for comfort, all-cotton and can be worn indoors as loungewear or for a festive evening out, with a pair of strappy sandals and your favorite clutch. The elastic waistband sits comfortably on your hips, and can be customized with the drawstring. 

With every purchase, know that you are directly helping the women of India pave a pathway to the dignity and freedom they justly deserve. 

Crazy Smitten for Punjammies.