With new orders from several boutique stores in Southern California, Near and Far is proud to announce that they have provided much needed work for 32 artisan weavers and their Fair Trade co-operative in Guatemala.
The handmade scarves, handcrafted handbags and handmade iphone cases are perfect fit for a growing class of consumers that want to make socially conscious purchases and appreciate the style and aesthetics of unique handcrafted items made by fair trade artisans from around the world.
Near and Far's Fall collection features natural dye cotton handmade scarves that are hand-dyed and woven by a women's co-operative in Guatemala. All the dyes come from natural ingredients including aloe vera, indigo, and achiote seeds.
"When I saw these scarves on a trip to Guatemala, I knew this was just what I was looking for. They feel modern but in an organic, human way and the colors are stunning," says Betsy Kaufman, Founder and Head Curator at Near & Far.
Near & Far is also proud to offer several products made of repurposed and recycled materials such as their popular recycled jewelry line. Betsy explains, "There has been a big trend toward repurposing materials especially in the hand-crafted marketplace. It's a way of coming up with new products, but making the most out of objects we already have instead of wasting new materials."
An example of Near & Far turning trash into treasure is their line of colorful recycled jewelry necklaces from a Buenos Aires designer who uses leftover fabric remnants. Each piece is unique due to the various colors and fabric prints.
"Preserving the art of handcrafted items both in the US and globally is a huge passion of mine, and the fact that age-old techniques were eco-friendly before we ever knew the term, is a huge bonus for me. I love that the handmade and eco movements overlap so well," adds Betsy.
Near and Far searches high and low to find beautiful fair trade gifts made by human hands and they are proud to offer our their customers a "global craft" collection of fashionable and stylish handcrafted bags, handmade jewelry, handmade iphone cases, decorative pillows, Fair Trade gifts, and more.
Whether from Fair Trade co-ops or independent designers, all of Near and Far's exquisite fair trade gifts celebrate the preservation of fine craftsmanship while supporting artisans at home and abroad.
As Betsy explains, "Near and Fars mission is simple - to connect crafters and artisans with consumers who appreciate these exquisite handcrafted items with striking and stylish designs. Near and Far is about creating a world marketplace that provides opportunities and improves the lives of our fair trade artisans and their families while preserving and innovating traditional handicrafts. For each purchase we put a percentage of our own profits toward improving the livelihood of these talented and creative fair trade artisans."
