These saxophone playing gecko sculptures are handcrafted using up-cycled aluminum cans. Because each sculpture is crafted using recycled materials, each is unique!

Sold singly in assorted colors. Because these are handcrafted items, each will vary.

Dimensions: 3.5"L x 3.5"W x 9"H

Crafted from: Aluminum, wire

Made in: Zimbabwe and South Africa

About the Artisans:

Zimbabwean and South African artisans up-cycle discarded aluminum cans into these playful gecko musician sculptures.

This handcrafted wallet features handmade mudcloth fabric from the Mali. Exterior is made from mudcloth in assorted hues, with brown leather trim. The wallet's interior is crafted from sustainably sourced leather and includes a long top slot for bills, 4 slots for credit cards, and a small zippered change compartment.

Measures approximately 8.5"L x 5.5"W open, or 4.5"L x 5.5"W folded. Fabric color and designs will vary due to the handmade nature of this product; size may vary slightly.

Sold individually.

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic, and child labor is never used. Mali Chic provides artisans with 50% advances on all orders and pay a fair price for their products.

Sold in assorted designs in neutral tones, these beautifully crafted trivets can be used to protect surfaces from hot pots and serving dishes. Handcrafted in Zambia using palm leaves and twigs, they are a wonderful addition to any tabletop.

Sold individually. Designs are assorted, see images for examples. Because this is a handcrafted item, size may vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 7"L x 7"W x 0.5"H

Made in: Zambia

About the Artisans:

The Jarida team explores a variety of recycled media in their handmade photo frames. Crafted from recycled paper and adorned with recycled aluminum butterflies in assorted colors, these unique decor accessories make sweet gifts.

Sold singly, two sizes available. Because these are handcrafted items made from recycled materials, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small:  4"L x 0.5"W x 4"H (Opening is 1.75" x 1.75"
Large:  6.25"L x 0.5"W x 7.75"H (Opening is 4" x 5.5")

Crafted from:  Recycled paper and aluminum

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

The artisans of Jarida Crafts in Kenya work hard to rise above challenging circumstances. Comprised of at-risk teens, young mothers and individuals with disabilities, the Jarida team exemplifies the power of cottage industry as a vehicle for personal betterment.

The Jarida team explores a variety of recycled media in their handmade photo frames. Crafted from recycled paper and adorned with recycled aluminum flowers in assorted colors, these unique decor accessories make sweet gifts.

Sold singly, two sizes available. Because these are handcrafted items made from recycled materials, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small:  4"L x 0.5"W x 4"H (Opening is 1.75" x 1.75"
Large:  6.25"L x 0.5"W x 7.75"H (Opening is 4" x 5.5")

Crafted from:  Recycled paper and aluminum

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

The artisans of Jarida Crafts in Kenya work hard to rise above challenging circumstances. Comprised of at-risk teens, young mothers and individuals with disabilities, the Jarida team exemplifies the power of cottage industry as a vehicle for personal betterment.

These lovely baskets feature vibrantly dyed, natural raffia in rich orange and burgundy, coiled over banana stalks. This functional art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop or put to use on the tabletop.

Sold singly, available in two sizes. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns may vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 2.5"H
Medium: 12"D x 3"H

Crafted from: Natural raffia palm, banana stalks, natural dyes

Made in: Kenya, Uganda

About the Artisans:

Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalised and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia, some with natural dyes, wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.

Kenyan artisans add sparkle to the holidays with handmade banana fiber and wire angel ornaments, adorned with shiny azure blue thread robes and sparkling wings.  Often hung in the home to convey blessings, the angels are a symbol of peace and love for all who behold them. Angels will come with assorted items in hand or clasped in prayer.

Sold individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected.

Approximate Size: 2.75"L x 1"W x 8"H (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

These freestanding African sculptures are all welded in Kenya by metal artists using recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Each elephant is handcrafted from the ground up and is one-of-a-kind, with a unique personality. Trunk position varies.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home. Due to the handcrafted nature of this sculpture, size will vary slightly.

Dimensions: approximately 14-20"H x 20"L x 7"W

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

Artisans in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, capture the graceful long lines of a ballerina in a relevé in this unique bronze sculpture. They use the lost wax method of casting, then hand-paint and polish details. A green-toned gown and lustrous brass bangles add beautiful contrast to this bronze.

Each sculpture is unique. Sold singly. Due to the handmade nature of this item, color and shape may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 3"W x 3"D x 8"H

Crafted from: Bronze, paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

These delicate African ornaments are handmade from natural plant fibers in Kenya. Each angel wears a gown of white sisal strands and floats with wings carved from banana leaves. Often hung in the home to convey blessings, the angels are a symbol of peace and love for all who behold them.

Sold individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected.

Approximate Size: 4.5"T x 3.5"L

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

Kenyan artisans use banana fiber, cardboard, wire and scraps of fabric to create a unique portrayal of Mary, baby Jesus and Joseph.  The hanging loop allows for this nativity scene to be hung as an ornament if desired. The scene makes a lovely addition to nativity collections or a fitting holiday adornment for a small space. 

Sold singly as a self-contained set. Because this is a handcrafted item, sets may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 6"T x 2.5"W x 2.5"D

Crafted from: Banana fiber, wire, fabric, wood

Made in: Kenya

About the artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

Kenyan artisans utilize abundant banana palm leaf fiber to create unique collectibles. This sweet nativity scene is handcrafted from banana fiber, wire, corn husk, and wood. The fixed scene features Mary, Joseph, the infant Christ, angel, animal, and star sweetly enclosed with a hinged door.

Sold singly as a self-contained set. Because this is a handcrafted item, sets may vary slightly.

Dimensions: 7"T x 7"W

Crafted from: Banana fiber, wire, fabric, wood

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

Featuring a full cast of nativity observers (Mary, Joseph, the infant Christ, three shepherds and animals, three kings and an angel), this sweet nativity scene fits nicely into its double door stable for storage.

Artisans in Kenya and Uganda use the fiber of banana palm trees to create unique nativity collectibles. Each nativity is completely handmade from natural materials and fair trade.

Size: [Stable] 5.5"L x 2.75"W x 8"T [Figures] 3-4"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

This sweet nativity scene, with its single door stable, is handcrafted from banana fiber, wire, corn husk and wood. Featuring Mary, Joseph, the infant Christ, a shepherd and animals, this scene will bright African style to your holiday decorations.

Artisans in Kenya and Uganda use the fiber of banana palm trees to create unique nativity collectibles. Size: [Stable] 4.5"L x 2.25"W x 7"T [Figures] 3-4"T.

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

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These tropical nativities are crafted in rural Kenya using banana leaves, wood, and wire.

Banana palms thrive in East Africa's warm climate, and this nativity scene unites the Christian icon with strong elements of Africa tradition. Measures 10"T x 5"D. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Fair trade.

About the Artisans:

In Nairobi's Banana Hill suburb, artisans utilize the fiber of banana palm trees, which grow prolifically in East Africa, to create whimsical gifts for local sale and export. Esther heads up a small group of talented individuals with a penchant for creating collectible works of folk art using this sustainable, all-natural medium.

These beautiful angel ornaments are handcrafted in Zimbabwe and finished using ribbons and colorful beading.

Sold individually. Each measures approximately 4.5"L x 1"W x 6"H.

About the Artisans:

These beautiful ornaments are crafted by a cooperative of women in Zimbabwe called Batsiranai, which means "help each other" in Shona. As mothers of children with disabilities, the women of Batsiranai are overcoming the difficulties of finding employment by banding together to handcraft goods for export.

South African artisans craft this unconventional hand beaded wire menorah in the shape of a bicycle. Adorned with colorful glass beads, this unique menorah brings extra joy to Hanukkah's commemorative candle lighting ceremonies. The wire can be manipulated to your liking, and a few drops of melted wax into each candle receiver helps hold lit candles in place.

Measures 11"L x 4"W x 8"T. Candles not included. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Artisans left to right: Wadzanai, Victor and George.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, African Home is an organization formed with the goal of providing employment for members of historically disadvantaged communities. Many of the craftspeople are refugees from Zimbabwe, and the organization assists with support documents for asylum seekers. Through African Home, talented craftspeople are able to gain collaborative opportunities, international exposure, and support themselves and their families.

Kenyan beadwork artisans create collectible folk art sculptures from recycled wire and moody black glass beads. This stylized spider makes a fun fall decoration.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 6”L x 5.75”W x 3.25”T

Crafted from: Beads, wire

Made in: Kenya

This sweet butterfly sculpture is crafted from recycled metal wire and glass beads in shades of aqua or pink which are sprinkled with multi-color beads as a cheery accent. 

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 6.5"W x 5"L x 1.5"T

Crafted from: Recycled metal, Beads

Made in: Kenya

This sweet dragonfly garden stake is crafted from either red or blue glass beads and recycled metal, and can be gently pressed down into a flower bed, or a large planter.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 5"L x 4.5"W x 17.5"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal, Beads

Made in: Kenya

Present a sweet gift in one of these holiday ornaments, made in Kenya, that can double as a tiny gift box or just to hang from a tree. The small beaded hut is crafted from wire and beads, and its removable lid offers a spot to hide sweets or small gifts.

Sold individually. Choose from silver, gold, red, or green. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 2"L x 2"W x 3.5T (to top of hut), 8"T (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Using wire and beads, an artisan in Nairobi named Irene hand beads and crafts these adorable ornaments/gift boxes.

Kindle the spirit of the season and bring shine to your tree with these whimsical Christmas tree ornaments. Sparkling beads and silver wire blend beautifully in our handcrafted Christmas tree ornaments from Kenya.

Sold individually. Choose from silver, gold, red, or green. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 2"L x 2"W x 6T (to top of tree), 12"T (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly. 

Stringing thousands of lustrous glass beads onto wire forms, a Kenyna artisan creates a truly unique nativity scene. The set includes Mary holding baby Jesus, Joseph, and three wise men, all in a fabric-lined banana fiber storage box.

Sold as a set. Because these are handcrafted items, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: Box: 6.75"L x 3.5"W x 3.5"H Figures: 1.75"L x 1.75"W x 4.5"H

Crafted from: Banana Fiber, fabric, beads, wire

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly.

 

These beaded flower ornaments will delight your Christmas spirit! Sparkling beads and silver wire blend beautifully in these handcrafted ornaments from Kenya.

Sold individually. Choose from aqua, gold, red, or green. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 3"L x 1"W x 3"T (to top of round), 7"T (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly. 

These cheerful beaded reindeer will delight your Christmas spirit! Sparkling beads and silver wire blend beautifully in these handcrafted ornaments from Kenya.

Sold individually. Choose from silver, gold, red, or green. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Size: 3.5"L x 2.5"W x 6T (to top of antlers), 8"H (to top of string)

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We met Wanduta at the Friday Market in Nairobi where his bright designs immediately caught our eye. Wanduta works almost exclusively with recycled pop cans and beads. His work, like his personality, is vibrant and joyful, and is work is 100% eco-friendly. 

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from each Beads for Clean Water Zulugrass strand to the “Clean Water for Every Home” project; the goal - put a water dispensing unit, locally called a “leak-tin” in every Maasai home in the area. Clean water for drinking and washing helps stop the spread of life threatening disease and illness. Each strand is packaged on a special tag--explaining how the proceeds will be allocated--and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from these specially designed 26" Zulugrass strands to their Girls Graduation program to counsel young rural girls and their families on the importance of staying in school. Each strand is packaged on a special tag, explaining how the proceeds will be allocated, and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

Proceeds from 26" Beads for Healthy Gardens Zulugrass strands support the Leakey Collection's “Healthy Garden” project, which educates Maasai women to plant vitamin and mineral rich home gardens. Most rural pregnancy and birth issues, as well as child development problems, can be eradicated by eating a healthy diet. Each strand is packaged on a special tag—explaining how the proceeds will be allocated—and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass in a mix of garden greens, blues, and purplesÑeach bracelet is unique. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Utilizing remnants of colorful Zulugrass, Maasai artisans are designing one-of-a-kind strands to symbolize the bright futures of educated children. Buy Zulugrass=Educate Kids. The Leakey Collection will donate 100% of their profits from the sales of these bracelets to pay for teachers' salaries in rural Kenya. Each 26" strand is packaged on a special tag explaining how the proceeds will be allocated. Wear it wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle, or long as a necklace. 

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

This bracelet will feature a variety of colors; each one is unique.

Talented metal workers in Burkina Faso handcraft this beautiful sculpture of a graceful woman walking while carrying two vessels. She is dressed in a matching brown top, skirt, and headdress with polished jewelry. This beautiful piece of art showcases Burkinabe metal casting skill.

Sold singly. Each sculpture is unique, and colors will vary.

Dimensions: 3"W x 2"D x 7"H

Crafted from: Bronze, Paint

Made in: Burkina Faso

Interweaving natural and dyed grasses to create intricate patterns, Tanzanian artisans hand-craft these stylish baskets. The baskets are named for the weaver, Maila, who perfected the new woven design.

These all-natural baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania. The milulu makes durable baskets, which can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.

Sold individually; choose from 3 sizes. Approximate measurements: Small 10" wide x 10" tall; Medium 12" wide x 12" tall; Large 13" wide x 13" tall. Because this product is handmade, size and design placement will vary.

About the Artisans:

Vikapu Bomba embodies the vision of Catherine Shembilu to create sustainable income for talented, rural Tanzanian women. For many women living in the lush southern highlands, life centers around subsistence farming, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Women can weave baskets between their other duties, working daily to earn money to pay school fees, buy food, procure farming supplies and contribute to savings. When a woman has money of her own to use or share, she has greater influence over her life and future.

Milulu grass reeds can be harvested carefully from the marsh without removing the entire plant. The reeds are dried in the sun, dyed with natural dyes, and split for weaving. The closeness to the earth of both maker and product gives these beautifully crafted baskets natural appeal.

Interweaving natural and dyed grasses to create intricate patterns, Tanzanian artisans hand-craft these stylish baskets. The baskets are named for the weaver, Maila, who perfected the new woven design.

These all-natural baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania. The milulu makes durable baskets, which can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.

Sold individually; choose from 2 sizes.

Approximate measurements: Medium 12" wide x 12" tall or Large 13" wide x 13" tall. Because this product is handmade, size and design placement will vary.

About the Artisans:

Vikapu Bomba embodies the vision of Catherine Shembilu to create sustainable income for talented, rural Tanzanian women. For many women living in the lush southern highlands, life centers around subsistence farming, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Women can weave baskets between their other duties, working daily to earn money to pay school fees, buy food, procure farming supplies and contribute to savings. When a woman has money of her own to use or share, she has greater influence over her life and future.

Milulu grass reeds can be harvested carefully from the marsh without removing the entire plant. The reeds are dried in the sun, dyed with natural dyes, and split for weaving. The closeness to the earth of both maker and product gives these beautifully crafted baskets natural appeal.

From her home in Kampala, Uganda, mother-of-three Betty and four other local women craft these sweet ornaments from scraps of colorful cotton kitenge cloth, a wardrobe staple in East Africa. Each ornament is stuffed with poly fiber, and has an all-natural hanging loop.

Sold singly in assorted colors. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:  3.5"L x 2"W x 7.5"H (top of giraffe), 10.5"H (top of loop)

Materials: cotton cloth, fiber fill

Crafted in: Uganda

About the Artisan:

Betty has been producing hand-stitched dolls for 10 years now. Based in Uganda, she was inspired by a friend and set off to start her own production line. Betty now works with four other women in her home in Kampala to create beautiful decor items using kitenge cloth. 

From her home in Kampala, Uganda, mother-of-three Betty and four other local women craft these precious hanging mobiles from scraps of striped cotton cloth. Each ornament is stuffed with poly fiber, then suspended from a simple wire circlet wrapped with natural fiber.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:  10"L x 10"W x 18"H

Materials: cotton cloth, fiber fill, wire

Crafted in: Uganda

About the Artisan:

Betty has been producing hand-stitched dolls for 10 years now. Based in Uganda, she was inspired by a friend and set off to start her own production line. Betty now works with four other women in her home in Kampala to create beautiful decor items using kitenge cloth. 

From her home in Kampala, Uganda, mother-of-three Betty and four other local women craft these sweet zebra ornaments from scraps of striped cotton cloth. Each ornament is stuffed with poly fiber, and has an all-natural hanging loop.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:  4"L x 2"W x 5.5"H (top of zebra), 8"H (top of loop)

Materials: cotton cloth, fiber fill

Crafted in: Uganda

About the Artisan:

Betty has been producing hand-stitched dolls for 10 years now. Based in Uganda, she was inspired by a friend and set off to start her own production line. Betty now works with four other women in her home in Kampala to create beautiful decor items using kitenge cloth. 

Handwoven in the Binga District of northern Zimbabwe, these beautiful baskets are crafted from locally harvested palm leaves and wild twigs. Shaped like calabash gourds, each basket has a one-of-a-kind shape.

Sold individually. Due to the handcrafted nature of these baskets, each basket will vary. See images for examples of how shapes, and coloring may vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 8”L x 8”W x 7-10”H
Medium: 9”L x 9”W x 10-12”H
Large: 11-12”L x 11-12”W x 13-14”H.

Crafted from: Palm leaves, twigs

About the Artisans:

In the Binga District of northern Zimbabwe, skilled BaTonga women craft iconic baskets from locally harvested palm leaves and wild twigs. The BaTonga people once farmed fertile land that was flooded by the damming of Lake Kariba, so weavers displaced across the lake demonstrate similar yet clearly distinctive styles.

Interweaving natural and dyed grasses to create intricate patterns, Tanzanian artisans hand-craft these stylish baskets. The baskets are named for the weaver, Maila, who perfected the new woven design.

These all-natural baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania. The milulu makes durable baskets, which can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.

Sold individually; choose from 3 sizes. Approximate measurements: Small 10" wide x 10" tall; Medium 12" wide x 12" tall; Large 13" wide x 13" tall. Because this product is handmade, size and design placement will vary.

About the Artisans:

Vikapu Bomba embodies the vision of Catherine Shembilu to create sustainable income for talented, rural Tanzanian women. For many women living in the lush southern highlands, life centers around subsistence farming, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Women can weave baskets between their other duties, working daily to earn money to pay school fees, buy food, procure farming supplies and contribute to savings. When a woman has money of her own to use or share, she has greater influence over her life and future.

Milulu grass reeds can be harvested carefully from the marsh without removing the entire plant. The reeds are dried in the sun, dyed with natural dyes, and split for weaving. The closeness to the earth of both maker and product gives these beautifully crafted baskets natural appeal.

Interweaving natural and dyed grasses to create intricate patterns, Tanzanian artisans hand-craft these stylish baskets. The baskets are named for the weaver, Maila, who perfected the new woven design.

These all-natural baskets are handwoven from milulu, a reed-like grass that grows near the city of Iringa, Tanzania. The milulu makes durable baskets, which can be rinsed with cool water and reshaped as needed.

Sold singly, available in three sizes. Because these baskets are woven by hand, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 10"H
Medium: 12"D x 12"H
Large: 13"D x 13"H

Crafted from: Milulu grass, natural dye

Made in: Tanzania

About the Artisans:

Vikapu Bomba embodies the vision of Catherine Shembilu to create sustainable income for talented, rural Tanzanian women. For many women living in the lush southern highlands, life centers around subsistence farming, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. Women can weave baskets between their other duties, working daily to earn money to pay school fees, buy food, procure farming supplies and contribute to savings. When a woman has money of her own to use or share, she has greater influence over her life and future.

Milulu grass reeds can be harvested carefully from the marsh without removing the entire plant. The reeds are dried in the sun, dyed with natural dyes, and split for weaving. The closeness to the earth of both maker and product gives these beautifully crafted baskets widespread appeal.

Measuring 70" long, this handmade table runner with its modern graphics is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

Rustic meets modern: this striking black-and-white mudcloth throw is crafted in Mali from handmade cotton.

Measures approximately 46"W x 72"L. Natural cotton that is carded, spun, woven and dyed by hand will include variations in color and texture. This is an expected feature of handmade cloth. Authentic mudcloth is a rustic textile with charming imperfections and an unfinished reverse side (see photos). Hemmed at top and bottom, with raw selvedge on the sides. For best care, hand wash in cool water and air dry.

About the Artisans:

Le Ndomo is a social enterprise created to address the unemployment problem of young people who have not had the chance to study or to attend school. Ndomo aims to give these young people training with local knowledge: In addition to technical training, it also aims to assist young people in life by facilitating their socialization and by giving them values that will increase the quality of their lives; responsibility, personal commitment, work and solidarity, in strict compliance with the values of traditional African society.

Artistic creativity abounds within the striking geometric block design of this handcrafted pillow so patterns will be similar to the photo but will vary according to the vision of the artisan who hand-dyed this beautiful mud cloth. Includes a pillow insert.

The pillows are finished on the backside in a foldover enclosure. The cover measures 18"x 18"and insert measures 20" x 20". Natural cotton that is carded, spun, woven and dyed by hand may include variations in color and texture. This is an expected feature of handmade cloth.

About the Artisans:

Le Ndomo is a social enterprise created to address the unemployment problem of young people who have not had the chance to study or to attend school. Ndomo aims to give these young people training with local knowledge: In addition to technical training, it also aims to assist young people in life by facilitating their socialization and by giving them values that will increase the quality of their lives; responsibility, personal commitment, work and solidarity, in strict compliance with the values of traditional African society.

This set of handcrafted baskets features three of our favorite styles (the iconic Peace Corps hamper, open top bin, and small round storage basket) in contrasting black and white. 

Each basket is carefully handmade by a talented Wolof woman in rural Senegal.

Sold as a set of three baskets. Because this is a handcrafted item, each may vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Large: 19"H x 15"W x 15"D
Med: 13" H x 12"W x 12"D
Small: 6"H x 12"W x 12"D

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation is expected. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

In rural Kenya, skilled women weavers create baskets from durable, sustainable sisal fibers, harvested from the Agave Sisalana plant. This small storage basket is woven with a matching lid, making it perfect for packaging a little gift or using on the countertop to corral small items.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each may vary slightly. We recommend spraying the sisal lightly with cold water to reshape your baskets.

Dimensions: 4.5"L x 4.5"W x 5"H

Crafted from: Sisal

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

In the rural Kenyan countryside around the city of Kitui, women specialize in weaving the tough fibers of the agave sisalana plant. Sisal's spiky leaf clusters erupt from a dry landscape and often requires long journeys to gather. Once woven, these baskets are sold to local and international markets. Singing, dancing, and chatting make weaving for export an enjoyable social event!

Wolof women in Senegal craft beautiful nesting storage baskets from cattail stalks and strips of salvaged plastic. Each basket has a flat lid with a braided handle, and cutout handles on each side.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions:  19-20"L x 19-20"W x 20-21"H

Crafted from:  Cattail stalks, plastic strips

Made in: Senegal

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

Bringing style to storage, this multi-toned handmade basket is woven in rural Senegal using natural grasses and thin strips of recycled plastic. This adaptable basket features cut-out handles, a flat lid, and a unique half & half pattern. When placed against a wall, the basket can show only one of the two colors, or both!

Dimensions: 14"L x 14"W x 19"H

Crafted from: Typha (cattail) stalks, plastic

Made in: Senegal

Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation is expected. Read our Statement on Handmade Variation to learn more. Fair trade.

These striking baskets feature a natural cream swirl design set against black raffia and are handcrafted by coiling raffia over banana stalks by Ugandan artisans. This functional art can be displayed on the wall with its raffia loop or put to use on the tabletop.

Sold singly, available in two sizes. Because these are handcrafted items, colors and patterns may vary slightly.

Dimensions:
Small: 10"D x 2.5"H
Medium: 12"D x 3"H

Crafted from: Raffia palm, banana stalks, natural dyes

Made in: Kenya, Uganda

About the Artisans:

Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, a member of the International Fair Trade Association teaches basic handcrafting skills to rural & urban women and provides income opportunities for the marginalised and disadvantaged: people with disabilities, widows, orphans, single mothers, women with minimal education, and people living with HIV. They handcraft baskets using natural raffia wrapped over coils of banana leaf stems.

Carvers in Kenya's western highlands craft this beautiful canister from soft soapstone. Artisans in a Nairobi workshop then add a rich black dyed finish and art deco inspired etched details.

Sold singly. Liner recommended if vase will be used for fresh flowers. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 7"H x 6.5"W x 6.5"D

Crafted from: Soapstone, non-toxic dye

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

Carvers in Kenya's western highlands craft the basic form for a lidded storage box from soft soapstone. Artisans in a Nairobi workshop then add a rich black dyed finish and art deco inspired etched details.

Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 4"W x 4"D x 2"H

Crafted from: Soapstone, dye

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.