Lebanese embroiderers
We're looking forward to a new year, with new products and a new website. We're already working with prospective new suppliers on new textiles, home wares, dolls and holiday ornaments. Look for new basketry and wall art from Uganda, and for ornaments from Laos and Nepal.These relationships take many months to come to fruition. First we discuss what we're looking for. The artisans then make samples. We look, they tweak, until we have the final product. We have to take into account seasonal issues (paint doesn't dry during the rainy season, some areas are cut off when roads wash out each year, snows make passes impassable, grasses are ready to harvest at specific times of year, etc). We also have to plan for shipping times and test the political winds for potential border closings. We're starting on Christmas stockings right now!
Peruvian weaver
One of our Bolivian suppliers has begun putting the amount of labor in creating each piece on the item tag. We'll be suggesting that to others as well. We hope this will help you, our customers, gain a deeper understanding of what goes into each item.We welcome your ideas for products and your recommendations of fair-trade suppliers.
Kenyan beaders
Our 30%-off sale on ornaments and nativities begins next week, after the Jan. 7 Orthodox Christmas. Look for us at 271 Harvard St., in Brookline's Coolidge Corner, on our website, and our store on World of Good.
Happy New Year to all.
Kate Harris
Crossroads Trade
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1 comment:
Thanks for the information, Kate. And good work! I hope you're managing the economic tides as well as possible.
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