Fair Trade Pan Pipes

A traditional South American instrument recreated in young bamboo. The artists have created an intricate etched design to the wood. A scale of 12 notes is bound together with bamboo and twine. It is played by blowing across the top of the note to create a haunting, flute like sound. 

Please note this is a real musical instrument (e.g. not a toy) from a range produced in Indonesia by local artists, communities and craftsmen. All raw materials are sustainable and legal.

http://www.arushafairtrade.com/men/134-pan-pipes.html

Penguin Rucksack and Pencil Case

This is perfect for any little person you know who may be starting school or playschool - delightful hand-embroidered cotton rucksack and matching pencil case set. Made at St. Mary's, India, who offer computer literacy classes for their employees' children and so improve their prospects for the future.

In 1954, a group of Dominican nuns arrived in Ahmedabad to start a hospital. Ahmedabad was an industrial city, producing textiles, but when the mills began to close many men lost their jobs and women became the sole earners. As a result, the nuns organised a sewing/embroidery centre where women use traditional skills to make fair trade handicrafts. The women at St Mary's also have access to medical help, savings schemes, cooking classes and scholarships for children. 

Available for next day despatch from our online store

Perfect gift for a Cat Lover

There are as many words to describe the traits of the cat as there are words to describe their owners. Usually the descriptions go something like, "graceful and agile", or, "so cute". Others will try to define their personality such as, "independent and loners", or " stubborn and strong willed". 

Whether we have described your cat or your favourite cat owner we think you will love this fair trade terracotta cat which is also a tealight holder.  At only €10.95 you will also like the price.

http://www.arushafairtrade.com/living-room/160-william-tealight.html

World Day for Cultural Diversity

May 21st is World Day for Cultural Diversity.  UNESCO introduced this day to provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

Our range of books introduce children to cultures and traditions from all over the world, encouraging them to see life from different perspectives. 

      

    

Special Offer – 50% Off Tulip Bell Bag

This large slouch shoulder bag is now HALF PRICE and is available in brown,  black or grey. The main body is made of soft suede with leather detail and leather shoulder straps, magnetic catch to close. It is  fully lined with cotton and includes an internal zip.

The bag is handmade in Nepal but hardware is not produced locally in Nepal and so to reduce air miles over the Himalayas, this unique collection excludes hardware, highlighting the soft combination of sheep leather and softest fine Indian goat suede. 

These beautiful bags are made by girls rescued from slavery from the Indian circuses by the Esther Benjamins Trust.  You can read more about the story of these girls on the product page in our online shop.   

Meditation Chimes

8 highly polished steel bars are suspended above a sustainable mahogany wood platform. When the keys are struck with the included beater they create a light, crisp tone that continues to resonate well after the note has been played. The full octave of notes allows melodies to be played on the instrument.

Our range of instruments are produced in Indonesia by local artists, communities and craftsmen. Producers represent the five main religions and both male and female craftsmen are employed through the various stages of the production process. This helps to further maintain a social balance in these areas. 

Producers are allowed to dictate prices and these prices are above local averages.   In return they supply high quality products and there is an attention to detail that surpasses products made under factory or other mass-production conditions. This rewards the high quality craftsmen and encourages other importers to work with the high quality artists above other producers.  Child labour is not used but the part-time training of older youths is encouraged. These trainees remain in education and they receive a full wage for the time that they spend working. This will ensure that they have a career to follow upon leaving school (if they choose to do so) and will help to sustain the community for successive generations.

All raw materials are sustainable and legal. No poached or endangered woods are  used. No toxic or harmful materials are to be used in the production process and any waste created must be disposed of in an ecologically sound manner.

Available in our online store

Wooden Train

Forget shiny plastic gadgets and have a look at this beautifully simple and superbly hand-crafted toy. Nobody should see their childhood out without at least one train and this pull-along wooden train is made by an organisation in Thailand which preserves traditional craft skills. The carts are linked with cord while the engine section of the train can be taken to pieces. When we display this toy at a craft fair the children in the room are instantly attracted to it.  Made in Thailand by Thaicraft.

Available to purchase from our online store