tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87074999013280440592024-02-19T10:29:00.951-05:00Crossroads TradeThe blog of Crossroads Trade, a fair-trade ethnic-arts store at <strong><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">www.crossroadstrade.com</a></strong>, EBay's <strong><a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/crossroadstrade/seller/list/">World of Good</a></strong> and on <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrossroadsTrade?ref=pr_shop/">Etsy</a></strong>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-34584809953530423562012-11-13T16:51:00.000-05:002012-11-13T16:51:31.962-05:00We've made a mighty move! Our new mailing address is:<br />
<br />
Crossroads Trade<br />
4701 SW Admiral Way, #81<br />
Seattle, WA 98116<br />
<br />
Our phone number is still: 617-975-2001<br />
<br />
Our products are on view at our website, <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">www.crossroadstrade.com</a> and eBay store: <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Crossroads-Trade?_trksid=p2047675.l2563">http://stores.ebay.com/Crossroads-Trade?_trksid=p2047675.l2563</a>.<br />
<br />Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-78619109239298600172011-11-25T23:41:00.001-05:002011-11-26T11:55:32.075-05:00Our Holiday Open Houses: Save the Dates!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQudLIPcJqp8Enb4hR8oOdguktixht5S2IdWUxq5kzSmdnC_A2_qwQguUjzz5TtnniXSJd5PHXnaA-eDpjbP4NwtBVTrScjNGwHKIUm_AlyUpEBc5UgXz6GmlyKJNWaXYNL0luVgb2uak/s1600/Bird+View+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQudLIPcJqp8Enb4hR8oOdguktixht5S2IdWUxq5kzSmdnC_A2_qwQguUjzz5TtnniXSJd5PHXnaA-eDpjbP4NwtBVTrScjNGwHKIUm_AlyUpEBc5UgXz6GmlyKJNWaXYNL0luVgb2uak/s400/Bird+View+2" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This holiday season, our mantra is shop relaxed. Kate is opening her home for four open houses. Join us for unhurried shopping with free parking and hot cider. We'll be featuring our glorious new <i>alebrijes</i>, whimsical, carved, painted critters from Kate's scouting in Oaxaca.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X-uVLd13vZODnCv3wFJ1FtyHVc35wZ4_K_r-3TcoovPYYyL2nOPt4QVgTSYbq-ScxYoEmkppF_MiHvPrTkvqWr1qPkBAFv8LM3xKQE1Q4RLo8_SHnTDC055BVrGyKCAI8JwUqWomwYE/s1600/Circle+of+Hope+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X-uVLd13vZODnCv3wFJ1FtyHVc35wZ4_K_r-3TcoovPYYyL2nOPt4QVgTSYbq-ScxYoEmkppF_MiHvPrTkvqWr1qPkBAFv8LM3xKQE1Q4RLo8_SHnTDC055BVrGyKCAI8JwUqWomwYE/s200/Circle+of+Hope+Detail.jpg" width="200" /></a>We have some fine new turquoise and silver jewelry from Tibetan artisans in Nepal. Our seasonal sparkle forecast: outstanding. Shimmery,<br />
subtle hues of cranberry, cinnamon, silver and gold, in your choice of chunky, slinky, ropy, loopy...even understated!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5Hd70UnAIH6m2_-leASO0y-H5F8qfGO884F6RDFZvdyWepU8TnK4JrrFIyc3J7nvCCgL4oUYrpTTTbPx2Z6lBI3Umj4ClYdZ-0mas5j1z80OIFbX484qaYLsXA8KRHYzizdMjMjFuYk/s1600/Tele+Wire+Square+Resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5Hd70UnAIH6m2_-leASO0y-H5F8qfGO884F6RDFZvdyWepU8TnK4JrrFIyc3J7nvCCgL4oUYrpTTTbPx2Z6lBI3Umj4ClYdZ-0mas5j1z80OIFbX484qaYLsXA8KRHYzizdMjMjFuYk/s1600/Tele+Wire+Square+Resized.jpg" /></a>Our vivid basketry from Rwanda has a sweet scent of grass. The colors pop in bold geometrics. We'll have the world's finest, one-of-a-kind Wounaan baskets from Panama, plus your favorite South African telephone wire baskets.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZMpe6tyrHa6sEpfSf1VhKBeYZXl2MvJojSTqi3mmXVZr1DohqIViX5Gh-_-EjqW2BVoFNDiCi7JkaHaB8UkRnxraoO_dgi_XXkroJFzwaRU8jFdxHrk-eLczGQguBvfHhEIenjC80dE/s1600/Bulgarian+Cup+-+Brown+Resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZMpe6tyrHa6sEpfSf1VhKBeYZXl2MvJojSTqi3mmXVZr1DohqIViX5Gh-_-EjqW2BVoFNDiCi7JkaHaB8UkRnxraoO_dgi_XXkroJFzwaRU8jFdxHrk-eLczGQguBvfHhEIenjC80dE/s1600/Bulgarian+Cup+-+Brown+Resized.jpg" /></a>We'll have fabulous bargains as well. We're closing out several lines, including our Bulgarian mugs, Indian and Egyptian boxes, Egyptian recycled glass vases, Vietnamese ceramic vases, and soapstone critters and candleholders.. If it's bulky or heavy, we're motivated!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnp9eng84W3YpNmBJuk0PQN1TqTzLq_Ua9ShUJUKuKcto-HPj6JHnVJZjpL7zBgEJcmENdQ4aM-l9L2JAwLoV6QC2KpmDufyMpXicvBgkDpe0e-9m8iHS2TR40sh9PepS7Z7vTV_uCzY/s1600/Purple+and+Pink+Sevya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnZmAv9AZAa58jgxRvqq6TOAIDmdjIA2WQAX5eS_gM-xv3iJhLbo1xDlzVhDZnJV_G3VJkboGIZ0N5FGSl34BqlL9C3vdsg9xeovPg2l2nkcGwp7wzWp8SE8-7dnvMKe7L9ygcVnHvmk/s1600/Purple+and+Pink+Sevya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnZmAv9AZAa58jgxRvqq6TOAIDmdjIA2WQAX5eS_gM-xv3iJhLbo1xDlzVhDZnJV_G3VJkboGIZ0N5FGSl34BqlL9C3vdsg9xeovPg2l2nkcGwp7wzWp8SE8-7dnvMKe7L9ygcVnHvmk/s1600/Purple+and+Pink+Sevya.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnp9eng84W3YpNmBJuk0PQN1TqTzLq_Ua9ShUJUKuKcto-HPj6JHnVJZjpL7zBgEJcmENdQ4aM-l9L2JAwLoV6QC2KpmDufyMpXicvBgkDpe0e-9m8iHS2TR40sh9PepS7Z7vTV_uCzY/s1600/Purple+and+Pink+Sevya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnp9eng84W3YpNmBJuk0PQN1TqTzLq_Ua9ShUJUKuKcto-HPj6JHnVJZjpL7zBgEJcmENdQ4aM-l9L2JAwLoV6QC2KpmDufyMpXicvBgkDpe0e-9m8iHS2TR40sh9PepS7Z7vTV_uCzY/s1600/Purple+and+Pink+Sevya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a>We'll also be discounting our scarves, as we narrow out focus to one-of-a-kind and small production. We've plenty of sumptuous Indian silks in rich palettes and elegant drape.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">We're looking forward to seeing friends old and new!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15KLEm1aw1KVbOvXYSuRCsSa0QF0HvOOYkhhF2mZ6L5jLTtvTbXH6LYM85K9jyiFzSCyzh880zT_DZKxJXt0S9HVOSmW-DJBAiTjQvaxhAS_N9sdc3J-GQWLs3HXLdUzjNWxFYF-yIHI/s1600/Guitar+Player" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15KLEm1aw1KVbOvXYSuRCsSa0QF0HvOOYkhhF2mZ6L5jLTtvTbXH6LYM85K9jyiFzSCyzh880zT_DZKxJXt0S9HVOSmW-DJBAiTjQvaxhAS_N9sdc3J-GQWLs3HXLdUzjNWxFYF-yIHI/s200/Guitar+Player" width="159" /></a><br />
<br />
The open house schedule is as follows:</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;">Saturday, December 3rd, 11 - 7</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;">Sunday, December 4th, 11 - 6</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;">Saturday, December 10th, 11 - 7</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;">Sunday, December 11th, 11 - 6</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;">The address: 24 Ottawa Road in Arlington. Easy access from Route 2 and Mass Ave.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">Looking forward to seeing you!</div></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-65389754531561931022011-10-04T17:20:00.002-04:002011-10-04T17:37:26.026-04:00Our Inuit art prints are up!<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/inuit-print-hunter-s-dream.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/u/hunter_s_dream_21-25_04616982421.jpg" width="237" /></a>We are delighted that many of our<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Inuit+print"> limited-edition Inuit art prints</a> are now on our web site. These are prints Kate bought from the famed Holman Eskimo Cooperative and the artist's collective at Cape Dorset -- both within the Arctic Circle of Canada.<br />
<br />
Our prints are all numbered -- most from an edition of 50, some from an edition of 25 -- and signed, some with Inuit symbols in addition to the artist's name in English. Collectors will recognize the names Mary Okheena, Mabel Nigiyok, Mayureak Ashoona, and others. Our web site is completely searchable, so feel free to type in a name or a theme.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/inuit-print-asking-for-help.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/s/asking_for_help_16-50_p94hc15.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
Some prints are easy to interpret, such as "Hunter's Dream" above. Others, such as "Asking for Help" on the right, recall Inuit legends and stories and shamanistic beliefs that are not entirely suppressed even in the late 20th and early 21st century. <br />
<br />
Our prints are all shrinkwrapped on foam core, and are priced to ship in an oversized art box. If you'd like to discuss shipping prices with Kate, e-mail her at <a href="mailto:info@crossroadstrade.com">info@crossroadstrade.com</a>.<br />
<br />
We still have some more prints to post. Keep checking back!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-72914264413046216612011-09-14T11:44:00.001-04:002011-09-14T12:02:10.220-04:00Getting ready for Town Day!<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=soapstone+hearts" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpnoEDE4SzXO5Yc0Nql5KKc_ro-xssU8T6gZeQuPvuvooxmClsZIGFk_xr7YGmXnZf1CSjmcubXqKA2jRtxAZJExDPo5jSSYodjA5VgEwKZ4PhlJ7nc_pynDEsw0H7tL0WLrj7NngszE/s200/nd17d.3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.town.arlington.ma.us/Public_documents/ArlingtonMA_Home/01792463-000F8513">Town Day</a> in Arlington, MA is a splendid aggregation of merchants, community organizations, food vendors, and musicians. The center of town is closed off and more than 200 booths line that section of Massachusetts Avenue. This year, Town Day is on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's been a while since we've had a booth there, and we're eager to go back and see old friends and be part of the local business community in Arlington.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=wallet" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/061-462CH.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">We'll have lots of charming things for sale: the ever-popular Kenyan soapstone hearts and critters, all sorts of earrings, wallets, handbags, and scarves; dream catchers and worry dolls; little Egyptian and Indian boxes and Guatemalan baskets. And more; be sure to look in the $5 bins! We will have amazing buys on items we're closing out. If you're paying cash, we'll pay the sales tax.</div><br />
We hope to be near our old storefront location at 669 Mass. Ave, but one never knows where one's booth will be until the morning of set-up. Nevertheless, you'll be sure to find us as you walk up and down the Avenue, debating whether to have fried dough or a slice of pie, a sausage or a plate of Thai food, and what community e-mail lists to sign up for. It's always satisfying to contemplate what you've brought home after Town Day. Your bag should include something special from Crossroads Trade.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith </div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-89333375115943058012011-08-17T10:33:00.004-04:002011-08-17T22:05:26.081-04:00Oaxacan alebrijes come to lifeAlebrijes, fantastically shaped and colored animal figures, were born of a fever dream of a Mexico City artist in the 1930s. Sick and hallucinating about these figures, he recovered and fashioned these figures he had seen from cardboard and papier-mache. These figures are now a firmly established folk-art form in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca. Artisans there incorporated these new motifs into the local tradition of carving in copal wood. We are always interested how an art form evolves from a copy of another form into its own authentic style; wooden Oaxacan figures are a perfect example of this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6IMlf_SuDaW6CUgDQ-cTU4bNlNKX5zVvJkZ_9io4nIMLo3Dd9XUPT-obat1i6mDKMPotoaAJ9PCt2Q7tvEq42FxwuY6DBV7uKw0AjRZSxu79d-qiF27czo4PfGAPtgAu1M0RBs9WNzM/s1600/Alebrije+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2rDiPmpPc97HLcezhHGz4RpHpAM1xU8nzsM460cXAXFk9hyphenhyphenOPFyqfSyD8pkV8fWxhy3Kue_7mJixHzL_CQiBX8eRSI8MDEXyQbLo8bM1QSPNIT4ZBUWzycx54H2TJH6WOGdzUZNERQE/s1600/Alebrije+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2rDiPmpPc97HLcezhHGz4RpHpAM1xU8nzsM460cXAXFk9hyphenhyphenOPFyqfSyD8pkV8fWxhy3Kue_7mJixHzL_CQiBX8eRSI8MDEXyQbLo8bM1QSPNIT4ZBUWzycx54H2TJH6WOGdzUZNERQE/s320/Alebrije+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kate visited some Oaxacan artists on her recent trip. Oaxacan pieces are made by artisan families. Here Narcisso and Ruby work take turns painting a dog. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Kate writes: "Painting this alebrije is trully collaborative. Where Narcisso leaves off, Ruby begins. Back and forth they went, as they went about their afternoon tasks."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> You can see the unpainted copal carvings on Ruby's table in the photo below. To the left, you can see the levels of detail the artists add to their painting. </span> The pieces are signed, and with experience one can identify a particular family's work by sight. <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">The dog Ruby and Narcisso are working on is a piece Kate is bringing home to sell. When it was finished, Kate said, from a distance it looked so chihuahua-like that only the blue color told you it was not a real dog. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QJOCQoL73aOpAmbLPY6vG4444FyaA75YT8k1iFm8H-tVdJcn7Eryau8-4wqlGTGCfKBY4GMuSGz89OC2ZlfwLV73HR3SenJtMJox7mikmjN8v9zUWRsx1A8BQr9IKwN_YaDBNPBZVYo/s1600/Alebrije+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QJOCQoL73aOpAmbLPY6vG4444FyaA75YT8k1iFm8H-tVdJcn7Eryau8-4wqlGTGCfKBY4GMuSGz89OC2ZlfwLV73HR3SenJtMJox7mikmjN8v9zUWRsx1A8BQr9IKwN_YaDBNPBZVYo/s200/Alebrije+01.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B3MYhG9d0aIBOoThqyquZKsADxv8HVretyKckWPkpMgltemht7jK6WukB8PGBmr8Hvh55_OWuW5f9JaJxxI6zHn9_zRoNSAlrjjCUP-Kt_U57OiCWr0Z928tK6dT_3gFqtucX1OcI5s/s1600/Alebrije+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B3MYhG9d0aIBOoThqyquZKsADxv8HVretyKckWPkpMgltemht7jK6WukB8PGBmr8Hvh55_OWuW5f9JaJxxI6zHn9_zRoNSAlrjjCUP-Kt_U57OiCWr0Z928tK6dT_3gFqtucX1OcI5s/s400/Alebrije+02.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoHQGO4ivcGjKAhdpN9hDCqJwfrcJyBc3eiHLZcoiiun3gTUMV9HnRU-qIUp55uh99lfwjMnyh3H8ZR9dpVU1uGMXB9dqGDQmlBE42ynkldhdn85YYDcNEIEbOvyO99IIr9Ok5Wb25aA/s1600/Alebrije+07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoHQGO4ivcGjKAhdpN9hDCqJwfrcJyBc3eiHLZcoiiun3gTUMV9HnRU-qIUp55uh99lfwjMnyh3H8ZR9dpVU1uGMXB9dqGDQmlBE42ynkldhdn85YYDcNEIEbOvyO99IIr9Ok5Wb25aA/s320/Alebrije+07.jpg" width="240" /></a>Here Julio is at work on the back of a spectacular owl. And here is the owl itself, among some other alebrijes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTF9EnUMUnY4G2S0i038QCpdWWZ2cJRa9mehpwGb_c5sMM2QjnybuLAh_D-b1lXosl6egf15A5wDxcVDBvyhJSuv-MvsvP8Fs3jhY0oKG2mD537Ne7bxj4UhbrWQH40a1YRbUFtdTgnU/s1600/Alebrije+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTF9EnUMUnY4G2S0i038QCpdWWZ2cJRa9mehpwGb_c5sMM2QjnybuLAh_D-b1lXosl6egf15A5wDxcVDBvyhJSuv-MvsvP8Fs3jhY0oKG2mD537Ne7bxj4UhbrWQH40a1YRbUFtdTgnU/s400/Alebrije+06.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We sell Oaxacan figures in all sizes. We have a wide range of price points, although we look for originality and energy in the carving and the painting, and so do not stock the cheaper, tired-looking works. You'll see more Oaxacan creatures on our web site on Kate's return.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0RClZYUWWc75OOpSQ9CZqGhKyHepDgxWElPWdW32Q6MujaksnsfJz2PAI_Is_sVBLG-v1Qj4i_Quagd47w0QepmIijnknTOWWSQ93gkjBbj3IntySQQAuN0xqUgtZMobYd4Om2iSH9A/s1600/Alebrije+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-50548795836131463072011-08-01T16:10:00.003-04:002011-08-01T16:18:50.301-04:00Kate's in Mexico!Kate's in Mexico busy with several things: taking an intensive Spanish-language course, doing some scouting (she 's found one spectacular Oaxacan sculpture on a collector's special-request list), and seeing the sights. <br />
<br />
She spent some time at a Guelaguetza.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUcqW3NyROUlZyUy1P6VKrWdeiJ5HS9gxVnuTI_NzczKStV83HKwbgSFzRt3Jk4CMDga0hK11DplALem1fUO0I0aYMZfbXJUFOhviPQc2mUkF0nIN5pWv8eIMXWCYt9k4gPWyLcrr3jI/s1600/Guelagetza+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUcqW3NyROUlZyUy1P6VKrWdeiJ5HS9gxVnuTI_NzczKStV83HKwbgSFzRt3Jk4CMDga0hK11DplALem1fUO0I0aYMZfbXJUFOhviPQc2mUkF0nIN5pWv8eIMXWCYt9k4gPWyLcrr3jI/s400/Guelagetza+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
She writes: <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"The </span>Guelaguetza<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> is an annual Oaxacan celebration of the ethnic traditions of its seven distinct regions and cultures. Combining ancient traditions with mestizo culture and Catholic ritual, the </span>Guelaguetza<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> takes place on the last two Mondays in July in several towns. This </span>Guelaguetza<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> took place in the town of San Juan Chilateca."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD-wKoGSH6Eeu7CtY34SE2uGWIBbRGFqKcF54HPqwS6j5-YYLeN8p-iEOoUcqofJINtHIRG4buc6Oxa2ixc1u4RrmfCExWMnREAwdUuGAUi93rmm1Khut4sm2ZWsf3z0O_JolCW7dWwA/s1600/Guelagetza+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD-wKoGSH6Eeu7CtY34SE2uGWIBbRGFqKcF54HPqwS6j5-YYLeN8p-iEOoUcqofJINtHIRG4buc6Oxa2ixc1u4RrmfCExWMnREAwdUuGAUi93rmm1Khut4sm2ZWsf3z0O_JolCW7dWwA/s400/Guelagetza+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k5xUGvTQijkR4bCNiz-_yrzu55Xkt0sSDmU7NgH5lcVB67-PRVyvR1UBB-2zjlDjNGKAG0F2vvnFiukcx1RV_HFyveFxrS3DU_L_vyxZnkGf6gifiLDHH8scM0ffVSePi1VG8G8tsc8/s1600/Guelagetza+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k5xUGvTQijkR4bCNiz-_yrzu55Xkt0sSDmU7NgH5lcVB67-PRVyvR1UBB-2zjlDjNGKAG0F2vvnFiukcx1RV_HFyveFxrS3DU_L_vyxZnkGf6gifiLDHH8scM0ffVSePi1VG8G8tsc8/s400/Guelagetza+06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">She went to a museum and solved the mystery of putting on armor. Note the buckles and straps in the second photo. </span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJglWY4I1d7EKCtzdzkq3ryth2eejrBnfs6Ra40nwO4kIyb4p1Pq0hD-WhCiEPQs5rkFTqVe-YALfGVwLKF4zF8svpidHZkI23Q0fobeesxMKhtaLdnFqukRqYETzhd-HhLk8cFBLe4_k/s1600/armor+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJglWY4I1d7EKCtzdzkq3ryth2eejrBnfs6Ra40nwO4kIyb4p1Pq0hD-WhCiEPQs5rkFTqVe-YALfGVwLKF4zF8svpidHZkI23Q0fobeesxMKhtaLdnFqukRqYETzhd-HhLk8cFBLe4_k/s320/armor+01.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWftOeBWx5izfIk4H5v4bK7IL6ZkSxguDc0ZphlBNaojeE5YA4TJ7XK85nXMfajFtBdEAxkGQlTSzFR1il1eM1dnyE49dPmEc3nzVqqaqYh3X1ek-xv4Am3uT0_LumeJgwlhEyF9r00is/s1600/armor+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWftOeBWx5izfIk4H5v4bK7IL6ZkSxguDc0ZphlBNaojeE5YA4TJ7XK85nXMfajFtBdEAxkGQlTSzFR1il1eM1dnyE49dPmEc3nzVqqaqYh3X1ek-xv4Am3uT0_LumeJgwlhEyF9r00is/s320/armor+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> And contemplated the differences in ironing among the socio-economic classes:</span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZQGLU6FIoJxTAyQuC2cOl-6rIqC_EltL4-fHC9yBHjvY-oAJGtXCjdO0PtnV7q6Xg-5mJj2lANdJGcLB6werkkWvJab4b6nH_wv2weL-V3whibvR0DFyp0st5BM_m2B1BMStD_pQQJ0/s1600/ironing+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZQGLU6FIoJxTAyQuC2cOl-6rIqC_EltL4-fHC9yBHjvY-oAJGtXCjdO0PtnV7q6Xg-5mJj2lANdJGcLB6werkkWvJab4b6nH_wv2weL-V3whibvR0DFyp0st5BM_m2B1BMStD_pQQJ0/s320/ironing+01.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> More to come about Kate's adventures in Mexico.</span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">-- Lisa Deeley Smith</span></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-15657362393658194672011-07-22T10:58:00.000-04:002011-07-22T10:58:04.646-04:00Watch Our Other Space!<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/beaded-bracelet-nepal-1136.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/103-k13bae1s13-aruba.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/rwanda-starburst-basket.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/l/gl-h001-1.jpg" width="200" /> </a>We want you to read this blog, of course, but we hope you are checking out our <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">web site. </a>We are posting new entries there nearly every day. Some are new arrivals, such as our stunning collections of <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Rwanda+basket">Rwandan baskets </a>and <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=bracelet">Nepalese beaded bracelets. </a>Others are best sellers, such as the<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/textiles/molas.html"> molas</a> we ship all over the world. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/circus-elephants-mola.html"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/M/O/MOAN51.jpg" width="400" /><span id="goog_65097105"></span></a><span id="goog_65097106"></span></div><br />
Our web site is now completely searchable, both the titles and the text. Type in "<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Guatemala+wallet">Guatemala wallet"</a> and you'll get all our selections, in two sizes and from four regions, each with its own distinctive motif. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/guatemalan-chichi-wallet.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/061-462CH.1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
We'll continue to keep you posted about new arrivals via this blog, but you don't have to wait for us. Just type in your <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">search items</a> and see what we've got!Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-73421856691304251502011-07-07T16:25:00.000-04:002011-07-07T16:25:59.178-04:00The Fair-Trader's Dilemma and the Republic of South Sudan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO1frYFw0yxtjVywQZMBV5ZLsXcdlBdkbRh2WqjvU1R5uhOYRULnV3H9z_ExjvuHlmRQliCCXmC3vqdRAWvAdq8o47UI39Zg1X0rnmFuOf3PRg_wFIAU1HAd_hqV5gojih6GYXKeOxPg/s1600/sudan_polling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO1frYFw0yxtjVywQZMBV5ZLsXcdlBdkbRh2WqjvU1R5uhOYRULnV3H9z_ExjvuHlmRQliCCXmC3vqdRAWvAdq8o47UI39Zg1X0rnmFuOf3PRg_wFIAU1HAd_hqV5gojih6GYXKeOxPg/s400/sudan_polling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In January, Southern Sudanese cast their votes for independence; the day has come!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We join the rest of the world in welcoming <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/opinion/08iht-edban08.html?_r=1">the Republic of South Sudan</a>, whose flag will be raised as the 193rd nation on July 9 (locally, at 11 a.m. over Boston City Hall). We've followed the fortunes of this newborn country, especially through the Lost Boys of Sudan (all men now, and many married and with children), some of whom we had hired for jobs around the store. <br />
<br />
As this new nation grows, it highlights one of the dilemmas of bringing fair-trade goods to market. We had a choice of carrying pure shea butter from two fair-trade sources -- one from Ghana, and one from South Sudan. The shea butter from South Sudan was triple the price of the shea butter from Ghana. The major reason for the cost difference was the cost of transportation. Ghana is on the west coast of Africa with access to the Atlantic Ocean. South Sudan is landlocked; most of its roads are packed dirt, many unusable at some point of the rainy season. The nearest airports with flights to America are in Kenya and Uganda. The nearest port is Mombasa, Kenya. There was no option of getting shipments through northern Sudan: Americans are allowed to do business with the South, but the government of Khartoum is still listed as a terrorist state. <br />
<br />
There are many efforts to improve and promote commerce in South Sudan; transportation costs are being addressed. We still can get that very expensive shea butter for those who would like to support this new nation. We'll also be writing more about the other barriers of bringing fair-trade items to market, and how these barriers can be overcome.Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-4013934061480844872011-06-29T15:13:00.001-04:002011-06-29T17:06:31.701-04:00Ethnic-looking, but not Fair Trade<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1323626341" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVteyNyXdlpTxCX1KdwEDc7uXkAD_XZ8ng53SU9R6LgfXKCxYOhtjaiedvZim7Wj3pD-jc5vvYaxjLYiqF1VPK4BCyBz5jxo1PGQLvQp4DI-4baDorcwtzUFm_dt5sGTf_SbfiXodKKrU/s320/beaded+gecko.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Fair-Trade-South-Africa-Gecko-AIDS-Crossroads-Trade/250338264343/item">A beaded fair-trade lizard from Crossroads Trade</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was in a Christmas Tree Shop recently, and saw some familiar things -- colorful metal geckos hanging on the walls, and beaded lizards walking across a table.<br />
<br />
They looked familiar because I have carried both. The metal geckos I've carried are steel-drum art, hammered and shaped and painted by a men's co-op in Haiti (recently back in business after the devastating earthquake). The <a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Fair-Trade-South-Africa-Gecko-AIDS-Crossroads-Trade/250338264343/item">beaded lizards</a> are from a South African organization that provides school and support to children of AIDS victims.<br />
<br />
But the geckos and lizards I was looking at were not quite right. They weren't striking. They had no vitality. I couldn't figure it out. They just didn't look jaunty, just lifeless.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I turned them over, and I saw a clue to their lifelessness. I also noticed that they wouldn't be providing any of the social and economic benefits of the ones I've carried. These were factory-made in China.<br />
<br />
They were, of course, less expensive. And everyone is on a budget. But when you spend your money on ethnic-looking home decor, think about where that money will go. Do you want the artisans to receive a fair living wage? Do you want to support a region's economic recovery, and causes that rely on enterprise to fund their operations? <br />
<br />
Think, too, whether you are supporting a vital artisanry or mechanical knock-offs. Those knock-offs lacked an artistic vitality because there were no vital artists at work.<br />
<br />
Look for the country of origin when you shop. Or ask. Or buy your home decor from a member of the Fair Trade Federation. Like us!Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-56883914655389712982011-06-16T09:00:00.003-04:002011-06-16T17:36:35.176-04:00Wedding planning the fair-trade wayWe've posted<a href="http://crossroadstrade.blogspot.com/2011/06/be-fair-trade-wedding-guest.html"> a separate blog entry</a> with ideas for fair-trade gifts for wedding guests to bring. Wedding planners (whether professional, or members of the wedding party) can continue the theme of a fair-trade wedding by providing gifts and accessories for the bride's attendants that reflect the couple's commitment to cooperation and justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOF92a7GXG1-LfZwSBRZ59BWjHlJe-_FDcHK6caT-Era-ZULgSxu1KGEuOzt892pVYq41Wh7wF6N19ZOgOBt5JHEmGlBEWJQeDC8tPRkmnhZyX1SJN-ebXCmA32eUP5isHS9Kx5WUxIM/s1600/gumball+tagua+bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOF92a7GXG1-LfZwSBRZ59BWjHlJe-_FDcHK6caT-Era-ZULgSxu1KGEuOzt892pVYq41Wh7wF6N19ZOgOBt5JHEmGlBEWJQeDC8tPRkmnhZyX1SJN-ebXCmA32eUP5isHS9Kx5WUxIM/s200/gumball+tagua+bracelet.JPG" width="200" /></a>Bridesmaids can adorn themselves with <a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Colombian-Tagua-Nut-Bracelet-Crossroads-Trade-Fair-Eco/230486291667/item">tagua-nut bracelets</a> as part of the wedding's color scheme, at the reception, or later as a memory of the big event. We carry a <a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Jewelry/Bracelets/91/list?MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SellerId=crossroadstrade&RegionOfOrigin=CO&CountryCode=&x=17&y=15">variety of colors and styles</a> on our World of Good website. Tagua is made from the nut of a Colombian palm tree that is dried and dyed. Farmers who sell tagua now earn enough to stop growing coca leaf for the cocaine trade. Brides should know their gifts to the wedding party not only commemorate their day, but bring economic freedom to Colombian families.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzd8xjyNt5hPp0C5Vz52Pwm7w6eDG4hVQW-VEMp_UO_lCobuY6d-4fJ_n4Th_9O0YaNydgaZeEq7DHt3uoNCmRbou0nrumXCSJ-eAV1aJvAKQXpuzqN-GQDYWUrC3O1f_-qM58XarjAk/s1600/k13bae138_-_Sophia_Bracelet_with_Multi_Size_Balls_%2528medium%252C_large%252C_extra_large%2529_%252449_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzd8xjyNt5hPp0C5Vz52Pwm7w6eDG4hVQW-VEMp_UO_lCobuY6d-4fJ_n4Th_9O0YaNydgaZeEq7DHt3uoNCmRbou0nrumXCSJ-eAV1aJvAKQXpuzqN-GQDYWUrC3O1f_-qM58XarjAk/s200/k13bae138_-_Sophia_Bracelet_with_Multi_Size_Balls_%2528medium%252C_large%252C_extra_large%2529_%252449_.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our<a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Nepalese-Beaded-Bracelet-Fair-Trade-Crossroads-Eco/250823361910/item"> Nepali beaded bracelet </a>also comes in a variety of palettes, should the bride wish to coordinate accessories with her attendants' gowns. Brought to market by a fair-trade wholesaler who is a former Peace Corps member, these bracelets are fashioned by women who are earning money to send their daughters to school.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3iI0qVF_zwWJ463ZTsbRSkTKlm93vRmDG1GdtJXZEIPVv1KsZh385nLedeDsy4ulQda-BI57EGwEsGfvzJbJ39I6IuPRuvpQwrNGT6mFAP2zQ5YdsdISN5hQs6eZgJfB6tm1fu3rtF4/s1600/red+Guatemalan+earrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3iI0qVF_zwWJ463ZTsbRSkTKlm93vRmDG1GdtJXZEIPVv1KsZh385nLedeDsy4ulQda-BI57EGwEsGfvzJbJ39I6IuPRuvpQwrNGT6mFAP2zQ5YdsdISN5hQs6eZgJfB6tm1fu3rtF4/s1600/red+Guatemalan+earrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3iI0qVF_zwWJ463ZTsbRSkTKlm93vRmDG1GdtJXZEIPVv1KsZh385nLedeDsy4ulQda-BI57EGwEsGfvzJbJ39I6IuPRuvpQwrNGT6mFAP2zQ5YdsdISN5hQs6eZgJfB6tm1fu3rtF4/s200/red+Guatemalan+earrings.JPG" width="200" /></a>Our World of Good<a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Jewelry/Earrings/92/list?SellerId=crossroadstrade&PageNumber=1&SortBy=9"> earring selection</a> features price points ranging from under $20 (Kenyan recycled metals) to over $40 (intricate Guatemalan beadwork). Our<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/jewelry/earrings.html?dir=asc&order=price"> web site</a> features an even greater selection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EZZYxQaFleMoF4XObe1C3_-mj-WGVE5Ur-WIPfId9y6BbAN6eigAMIGo6cZioGTwnohKLs20wKeQTpkXP9mC0x-PTH7i8o4yXew-bHfvjqhhNo1uLl7q5TQmlb7CBai5n2MBTPOC0c/s1600/DSCN0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EZZYxQaFleMoF4XObe1C3_-mj-WGVE5Ur-WIPfId9y6BbAN6eigAMIGo6cZioGTwnohKLs20wKeQTpkXP9mC0x-PTH7i8o4yXew-bHfvjqhhNo1uLl7q5TQmlb7CBai5n2MBTPOC0c/s200/DSCN0207.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>At the reception, your guests find their table strewn with a variety of our <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/soapstone-hearts-set-of-3.html">Kenyan hearts.</a> These hearts are carved out of soapstone from the Kissi district of western Kenya. Dyed and batiked in Nairobi, they are a cheerful and affordable table favor. <br />
<br />
The bride's attendants will look extra-spectacular. The guests will be charmed by their favors. The wedding will be part of the fair-trade movement. And the day will be even more meaningful than before.Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-16296194078196624602011-06-14T18:07:00.003-04:002011-06-16T16:46:47.159-04:00Be a Fair-Trade Wedding Guest<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We're delighted to be featured in the Fair Trade Federation's <a href="http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/16553">Fair Trade Wedding Guide</a>, which is full of ideas how wedding planners and wedding guests can add joy to the day. As the introduction to the guide says, "Fair</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Trade is an economic partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect. What better way to start your new life together than choosing items for your wedding that represent these values?"</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_2zF2s100wbAZRTmfkT2cimajgcGhL48jY4vgvd99q_LJlGng1KEv_CcuJro9omaDXJ8d9nTr-D1QdIWnoyqxQH4BhcKBk-UBtr8tORBDac_TUgrm6n8eABbK-mUTsqPh-wGfOj46Qc/s1600/Wedding_Mola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_2zF2s100wbAZRTmfkT2cimajgcGhL48jY4vgvd99q_LJlGng1KEv_CcuJro9omaDXJ8d9nTr-D1QdIWnoyqxQH4BhcKBk-UBtr8tORBDac_TUgrm6n8eABbK-mUTsqPh-wGfOj46Qc/s320/Wedding_Mola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have lots of ideas for fair-trade wedding gifts. As featured on page 31 in the FTF guide, <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/love-birds-mola-2.html">our wedding mola </a>would make a spectacular gift. Handmade by the Kuna women of the San Blas Islands of Panama, this mola uses reverse appliqué. The women layer fabric and cut intricate patterns that expose colors in the underlying layers. This one-of-a-kind piece is collector quality with fine, even lines, invisible sewing and lovely composition. Our molas look beautiful framed (we recommend a framer who specializes in textiles), or fashioned into a sumptuous cushion cover. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQXVmXFqAAmT5_MZ9VLiWtzTTp_DVj71wRVa-NWmBPZL4eQ290ORvz-zkRZVouBDRZHMaZ6aPKExWERQAntFu_iHayH1TSChrJwxvNi58pitcgrvSNm-WE4jjARfeXL35ZtDy8UgyxjA/s1600/Bulgarian_Bowl_-_Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQXVmXFqAAmT5_MZ9VLiWtzTTp_DVj71wRVa-NWmBPZL4eQ290ORvz-zkRZVouBDRZHMaZ6aPKExWERQAntFu_iHayH1TSChrJwxvNi58pitcgrvSNm-WE4jjARfeXL35ZtDy8UgyxjA/s200/Bulgarian_Bowl_-_Gold.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aXITWPdikFtNmSnviw0TB1hSkupmvwhHfN_emdDByljjNMW7bjuAfJ_Rys2KUMaWozc0WsrxiJgSDZluDg3myEjY73f4SgXgpcS-OawISKrLUS1wCGZLZvrRwjOHGoGxlKzU8YCBIso/s1600/Bulgarian_Cup_-_Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aXITWPdikFtNmSnviw0TB1hSkupmvwhHfN_emdDByljjNMW7bjuAfJ_Rys2KUMaWozc0WsrxiJgSDZluDg3myEjY73f4SgXgpcS-OawISKrLUS1wCGZLZvrRwjOHGoGxlKzU8YCBIso/s200/Bulgarian_Cup_-_Brown.jpg" width="198" /></a>T<span style="font-size: medium;">hose who like to give tableware should check our our offerings from Bulgaria. Traditional designs have been incorporated into ceramic tableware that is food-safe, ovenproof, and microwaveable. Crossroads Trade carries plates, individual and serving bowls, mugs, and steins in a variety of colors and patterns. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7dZotpuxATBXDqfxn1fbfip5zekCBl2HXmPkKMvcf4mu2jHD5OcdadlEzHyxAiPvPvvi4bWb5BBGkUSH8vEFVPXfCc_tax6Vh3LlAAWPhLmhiTvinQ7uWNNIKIoeW2P0LhxiKOEKHdc/s1600/Tele_Wire_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguxbP4XrPy5DvleVEk9snhC84hBegW5G0QuNExRC5EuotZmig6H7E6jyOYqynBhkO8CTrV55tc7SFdHl5W5Q4Dy3x5i_Vf9Nq7JhtDnCiA16yX4f_cU7i3NmIlqZrLAzWOIckq5kEdAo/s1600/telephone+wire+funnel+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguxbP4XrPy5DvleVEk9snhC84hBegW5G0QuNExRC5EuotZmig6H7E6jyOYqynBhkO8CTrV55tc7SFdHl5W5Q4Dy3x5i_Vf9Nq7JhtDnCiA16yX4f_cU7i3NmIlqZrLAzWOIckq5kEdAo/s200/telephone+wire+funnel+basket.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Our telephone-wire baskets from South Africa are part of a story of local entrepreneurship. The first telephone wire baskets were made from multi-colored plastic-coated telephone-wire scraps, which had been carefully saved by basket weavers.After much experimentation, the artisans devised a technique of weaving over a form a fantastic multi-color bowl from the top down. As the baskets became more popular, telephone lines were raided to provide more raw materials. Our suppliers now use specially-purchased telephone wire for their works. </span></span></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBhJ9jSOvCgE5uF1vVsDGit0s71S7HQUMOM9w_bJyfj4KhsoWuqmIvRIZ7cHqvOyCdGn7aff97-9j_44_aHFwsILIpK3L5SfE5x9amj6Ul9mxdw63brVvyzgZHKykQZF1ZJZe829K1dM/s1600/rwandan+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBhJ9jSOvCgE5uF1vVsDGit0s71S7HQUMOM9w_bJyfj4KhsoWuqmIvRIZ7cHqvOyCdGn7aff97-9j_44_aHFwsILIpK3L5SfE5x9amj6Ul9mxdw63brVvyzgZHKykQZF1ZJZe829K1dM/s200/rwandan+basket.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Our Rwandan baskets are part of the story of Rwanda's rebirth following the 1994 genocide. The thousands of widows and orphans who were left alone after the slaughter are rebuilding their lives through their own talents, including the hand crafting of these baskets. Our baskets are not only beautiful and useful, but contribute to that rebuilding process. </span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have lots more items on our <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">Crossroads Trade web site</a> and our pages on<a href="http://www.community.worldofgood.com/crossroadstrade"> World of Good</a>. We ship all over the world, either to you or to the happy couple. Bring extra-meaningful congratulations and best wishes this wedding season.</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-57109895228935803412011-05-03T14:34:00.004-04:002011-05-04T15:57:44.721-04:00Having a Mother's Day Dilemma?Our last porch sale was a great success -- so great we're going to do it again! This time, our focus will be on items made by mothers, perfect for Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
Back in the day of our brick-and-mortar store, we would get all kinds of husbands into the shop. Some would know exactly what they were looking for. Some would walk in, look around, exhale, and look for help. And help we would, asking questions about what the wife in question usually wore (earrings? necklaces? scarves? big or small? colors?), holding up approximately-sized fingers for ring sizing, modeling necklaces and shawls.<br />
<br />
For those worried Mother's Day shoppers, we can still help.We're offering our personalized service again: Thursday and Friday evenings, May 5 and 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., at<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=24+Ottawa+Road,+Arlington,+MA&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=42.631141,112.763672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=24+Ottawa+Rd,+Arlington,+Massachusetts+02476&z=16"> 24 Ottawa Rd., Arlington, MA</a>. We're also holding a sale traditional yard-sale items and scarves, accessories, and gifts from the home Sat., May 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.at the same location.<br />
<br />
We'll have our new, show-stopping jewelry from Nepal that received rave reviews at our booth at a recent show. It can be brought separately or in sets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXy0PY44G2Pwg67AhvfAXWJZgKbU4BsBok4OVD1L8F2AGi5c2kaNWs8Ep2HxkMA0WhJiV6bHPUp4jki-A9xRsw7-3cQncR-wkCtYU40yLkiW3kc-yp8bbHYsdcyXgCFb2IWGnTY_CT6E/s1600/DSCN0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXy0PY44G2Pwg67AhvfAXWJZgKbU4BsBok4OVD1L8F2AGi5c2kaNWs8Ep2HxkMA0WhJiV6bHPUp4jki-A9xRsw7-3cQncR-wkCtYU40yLkiW3kc-yp8bbHYsdcyXgCFb2IWGnTY_CT6E/s200/DSCN0010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilast2fWKB20JsGzPzyG4LGhjnvl62tA-D8pzsJb4pzEE66N5PStR5FjFA3ghjIF4qWGewutaovQ-ICq4i_2KEoshUwaj1hgNNlfmcLGn7d4-rhWU8we73bKlVJfOh8tXTWlQa76V0Zo/s1600/K13CAQ-TNSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilast2fWKB20JsGzPzyG4LGhjnvl62tA-D8pzsJb4pzEE66N5PStR5FjFA3ghjIF4qWGewutaovQ-ICq4i_2KEoshUwaj1hgNNlfmcLGn7d4-rhWU8we73bKlVJfOh8tXTWlQa76V0Zo/s320/K13CAQ-TNSL.jpg" width="320" /> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-tc_r2eX23gOMH6M1cQ_ZznL4h0e1NaN7NjiM2c5bL-QzxjrnUwiFeorzkXf7R3OIl0pBVaxDaRjmDielpxOsVt19k5tQTxSxCtEZeFoXfSfHU7WGEwosbe2sew9R25zg9ifn3iOjZE/s1600/_MG_5812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-tc_r2eX23gOMH6M1cQ_ZznL4h0e1NaN7NjiM2c5bL-QzxjrnUwiFeorzkXf7R3OIl0pBVaxDaRjmDielpxOsVt19k5tQTxSxCtEZeFoXfSfHU7WGEwosbe2sew9R25zg9ifn3iOjZE/s200/_MG_5812.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKEj_BoAOINj8pbrXbFAHVqosPTMfGPswjHM1PeTMfa8Pyijeqv954Ze6FGuYL-5FwPfXOStIq5tqsQsm5gF0kzomtuFUd1qGRIVNcXEzWmRfgjp8JEx4SXnKgMjQ25kmvAZEoEDnE14/s1600/_MG_5804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKEj_BoAOINj8pbrXbFAHVqosPTMfGPswjHM1PeTMfa8Pyijeqv954Ze6FGuYL-5FwPfXOStIq5tqsQsm5gF0kzomtuFUd1qGRIVNcXEzWmRfgjp8JEx4SXnKgMjQ25kmvAZEoEDnE14/s320/_MG_5804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> We still have some of the popular Guatemalan beaded jewelry from the store. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGC8d2sIULuFuMBY967tUW7-RjmOXxm-IMRP9cEwOutWXoByidwp2xmjJvF6xCTHVJprFP6x9qyUg2O8fPZIg-fmfBrZl31bemQtntzJUjAtBeDg8yIJ0tV7n7Xx-kXMgLZm6r47LRz8/s1600/149-JEA111TE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGC8d2sIULuFuMBY967tUW7-RjmOXxm-IMRP9cEwOutWXoByidwp2xmjJvF6xCTHVJprFP6x9qyUg2O8fPZIg-fmfBrZl31bemQtntzJUjAtBeDg8yIJ0tV7n7Xx-kXMgLZm6r47LRz8/s200/149-JEA111TE.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For those mothers who like to focus on the home, we have cushion covers and hangings from Bolvia, Palestine, and South Africa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkfi5MhUYyzZjGQYF4TRXQDDdE1p-8zSjEs_ITTCKkZhZkt6erUFSokWU4QUV4SXPJH5oV_MVgj0NA7FKlmor6K8p0Ye9NmiO-t0xRDut2fhGijrdCFyNq_n_8SfuGHGEjkdxM7SMfK0/s1600/432-WH27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkfi5MhUYyzZjGQYF4TRXQDDdE1p-8zSjEs_ITTCKkZhZkt6erUFSokWU4QUV4SXPJH5oV_MVgj0NA7FKlmor6K8p0Ye9NmiO-t0xRDut2fhGijrdCFyNq_n_8SfuGHGEjkdxM7SMfK0/s320/432-WH27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've got striking new baskets from Rwanda. Rwandan women began weaving baskets for sale after the genocide, when so many were left to support their families by themselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBjsfNTk7NVeWw7Xl7vNsTEYQQ28KiYLYkRKrKO2Q-DMD8pSp_BNMoxv4sbzob5qLyhfKkll1z_-0Gi0J22eja0KV21oEHmoKIy0w_TmT29u4skuQTEqwbFDWe0bnBnvVUC-5p5wY0uc/s1600/GL-R058-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBjsfNTk7NVeWw7Xl7vNsTEYQQ28KiYLYkRKrKO2Q-DMD8pSp_BNMoxv4sbzob5qLyhfKkll1z_-0Gi0J22eja0KV21oEHmoKIy0w_TmT29u4skuQTEqwbFDWe0bnBnvVUC-5p5wY0uc/s320/GL-R058-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And for kids on a budget, we have soapstone hearts and critters from Kenya, handmade paper flowers and baskets from Guatemala.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpnoEDE4SzXO5Yc0Nql5KKc_ro-xssU8T6gZeQuPvuvooxmClsZIGFk_xr7YGmXnZf1CSjmcubXqKA2jRtxAZJExDPo5jSSYodjA5VgEwKZ4PhlJ7nc_pynDEsw0H7tL0WLrj7NngszE/s1600/nd17d.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpnoEDE4SzXO5Yc0Nql5KKc_ro-xssU8T6gZeQuPvuvooxmClsZIGFk_xr7YGmXnZf1CSjmcubXqKA2jRtxAZJExDPo5jSSYodjA5VgEwKZ4PhlJ7nc_pynDEsw0H7tL0WLrj7NngszE/s200/nd17d.3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So come by! And you can't, check out our offerings on our<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/"> web site</a> and on EBay's <a href="http://www.community.worldofgood.com/crossroadstrade">World of Good</a>.</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-41584346148767497682011-04-12T18:19:00.000-04:002011-04-12T18:19:13.367-04:00Buying molas on the islands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEm_EuhdO5YpW2Jrj4lh3Hh5DbovqCf67ItX_NebvuS3YCofdv3EZ-hwDDjOA4Ws-sMPmRSHmguz1bPeZKx_440RTe3qVMblISHNn-nAfVO7VA1mQw7TNw56Xc0ApRxaCHjEdcvHreVVM/s1600/Kuna_woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEm_EuhdO5YpW2Jrj4lh3Hh5DbovqCf67ItX_NebvuS3YCofdv3EZ-hwDDjOA4Ws-sMPmRSHmguz1bPeZKx_440RTe3qVMblISHNn-nAfVO7VA1mQw7TNw56Xc0ApRxaCHjEdcvHreVVM/s320/Kuna_woman.jpg" width="219" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kuna Yala, the homeland of the Kuna Indians (San Blas Islands) is an archipelago of 350 islands, give or take, on the Caribbean coast of Panama. <span style="color: black;">The Kuna are famous for their molas, reverse-applique fabric art panels, worn in their blouses. This art form ranges from simple pieces sold to cruise-ship tourists to museum-quality works, stunning in their design and execution.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been going the San Blas Islands to buy molas since 1999. I've visited about 10 of the most traditional islands, extending almost to the Colombian border. Each trip, I base myself in a little bamboo hut, with my delightful Kuna hosts, whom I've now known for many years. I eat a lot of seafood and coconuts. Each day, I focus on one island. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Over the years, I've explored different islands with different results. Three of the ones I went to have been reliably good, the other two only sometimes yield fruit. I also know some Kuna artisans from these same islands, who are in Panama City for a few years, so that their children can go to school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The buying rituals were, shall we say, energetic. On any buying trip, I'm trying to balance what I'm seeing with customers' interests. I look at more than 1,000 pieces, of which I'll buy 100-200. I buy the entire blouses that molas are sewn into. The first few days are the most challenging, as I figure out the trends and issues. Is the image I'm seeing one I'll see again? Is it limited to just one island? (I posted </span><a href="http://crossroadstrade.blogspot.com/2011/03/mola-traditions-mola-changes.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">earlier</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> on the trends and motifs I found on this trip.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kuna women are quite emphatic. They have plenty to say when I don't buy. They also wait for the longest time to pull out the best work, even though I've asked for it from the outset. I always like to peruse everything before deciding. Not possible. Whenever I was told that she'd shown me the last, and we concluded our deliberations, the woman would suddenly find a new bunch. One woman told me that if she sold me any more (I'd just bought 9 blouses), she'd have to go around naked. Somehow, more suddenly became available! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBCdJOgSsLHhnve8VSzdso3RQ4iiH8qyPIJDeFMfnAESJA0WRyjXJLYKKglQXDTAK9DheGeP8aVO_XCeSOuDojonyajgjxdA3bbKX74_mT3NHCRTMV7gj8EtQjVgu886BYOViyPs1iaE/s1600/turtle+and+sea+life+mola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBCdJOgSsLHhnve8VSzdso3RQ4iiH8qyPIJDeFMfnAESJA0WRyjXJLYKKglQXDTAK9DheGeP8aVO_XCeSOuDojonyajgjxdA3bbKX74_mT3NHCRTMV7gj8EtQjVgu886BYOViyPs1iaE/s320/turtle+and+sea+life+mola.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Over the long term, it becomes harder to find high quality work. It also becomes harder to find women who know the meaning of the traditional motifs. On my latest trip, one Kuna man put this in perspective in a way I hadn't quite put my finger on before; the more the girls go to school, the more the traditional art suffers. This is such a dilemma. If they don't get an education, their options will be terribly limited. If they do, they will be less able to carry on their cultural traditions.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm almost done prepping the molas. I still have to separate several of them from the blouses, pick threads from most, clean, classify, grade, sort, photograph and code. I'll let people know when the molas are going to hit the website.</span></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-48906083526400357492011-04-04T15:54:00.003-04:002011-04-07T15:27:12.255-04:00Easter tidings<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/hungary-scratched-egg-blue-211-eg263.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd7OpQ3ytmlcpBFWnS0BVPvoQuTm7OSCjL1puMIIoyD1Js9I3Ai8xpst4L26vPCvcnGZ01BsG0xye5r6A1fOGhg_Tp86-tOgg_b6Bv6H2q27XCjI6Hr2N-YJt-deCQybalIKeohEAWK8/s200/blue_scratched_egg.jpg" width="148" /></a>At this writing, the snows of April have been replaced by the rains of April, giving us hope that the new life of spring is here to stay. Here at Crossroads Trade we offer some of the most traditional symbols of new life as well as some unusual ones.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/hungary-red-medallion-duck-egg-211-egd34.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyB-9RetAw37S5BGGzSRdYA4qcRouS_2eX0aw7C7SeSw_w8NQ4OqyguKG61QDuOXILtoAjKduBMkTcqGhB_W9ghzKBkAtPMleZWSH_oM1eAPUrIOQAz4Wry7THDVHPnpazEwqSitUkOU/s200/egg_w_red_medallion_detail.jpg" width="133" /></a>Strictly speaking, our decorated Easter eggs are not <i>pysanky, </i>because they're not from the Ukraine; they're from Hungary. But the Hungarians do a beautiful job with this tradition elaborately decorated eggs.<br />
<br />
The blue one seen here is made by dyeing an entire hen's egg and etching the design. <br />
<br />
The red-and-gold egg to the right with the tassel flourish is a handpainted white duck's egg. <br />
<a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/hungary-batik-egg-red-211-eg711.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIOKQXqxFNi70JKNYfWFHXbadSzEkEnonD8jJQlt_g1mNukMO4CjWdKFiPjx89nU6g6psVmXaJwkrcdScIPKsmiDAhgBpUHuT7NBEZIlxTqLx7UIEIXU679hlufmHaKw_5UUAbn3a-Eg/s200/batiked+egg.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
And the red-and-gold egg to the left is batiked, using the same technique as fabric design, where portions are covered with wax, the item dyed, and the wax removed.<br />
<br />
All our eggs are sent double-boxed with foam chips; they come to us intact, and we have had great success shipping them all over the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/knit-duckling-ornament.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2IEa0YyZuhfQin92HRye0o52C8T0oAaKAOL6KxQQELyxcUA85IAHCxXfPEVRTt9HM80afMS5YP-UzhodUYwOI5JrYe-aYwjSXasLvzXfcwAx88OXM197U7rFeIdoJ0YqBs32nbVb0G0/s200/knit+duckling+ornament.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>For something less formal, more whimiscal, we have hand-knitted Peruvian bunnies and ducklings. We call them ornaments because they have a yarn loop at the top for hanging. They can hang anywhere and are especially cheery during the Easter season. At 3.5" high by 3.5" wide, they are safe, squashy toy for children, as they admire the hand-decorated eggs that have been put out out their reach.<br />
<br />
Visit the <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/holidays/easter.html">Easter page </a>of our web site for more offerings. You will find new life there even as the rains fall.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-49568061100886586122011-04-01T14:20:00.002-04:002011-04-01T16:26:59.452-04:00New Mola Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_0QohOpvgFIOoqPX7iXFQ8dTR-l2QqUOBsyRVFDaffLRQvxt7iTiMDRcSgh8N2JCyiJZy6Yqg_yJxCjJuUlxLSjOWAH4YJ12WK9-QtAzuL1lKw-IQjGd0_vhg-lnihjj2tq2eXQnFug/s1600/mola+eyeglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_0QohOpvgFIOoqPX7iXFQ8dTR-l2QqUOBsyRVFDaffLRQvxt7iTiMDRcSgh8N2JCyiJZy6Yqg_yJxCjJuUlxLSjOWAH4YJ12WK9-QtAzuL1lKw-IQjGd0_vhg-lnihjj2tq2eXQnFug/s400/mola+eyeglasses.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Some time ago Kate noticed that the Kuna Indian mola-makers of the San Blas Islands of Panama gave up their craft when they reached middle age, passing the responsibility to younger women. "At first I thought it was a cultural construct," she wrote. Then she put on her reading glasses to inspect a mola. Both she and the artisans had a revelation: like her, these women just needed to see better.<br />
<br />
Now she brings reading glasses with her on every trip. This year's batch came from the denizens of the <a href="http://www.arlingtonlist.org/">Arlington List</a>, an on-line community of more than 4000 in (or with an interest in) Arlington, MA. As you can see in the photo, the glasses get put to use right away.<br />
<br />
Cultural preservation takes many interesting paths. In this case, the path leads to a pair of reading glasses. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-64875645985620981702011-03-29T22:18:00.000-04:002011-03-29T22:18:40.024-04:00Mola traditions, mola changesI've been buying molas from the Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands of Panama since 1999. I search out the best examples of this fascinating reverse-applique textile art. I've brought home many spectacular molas, and I've had the chance, in these 12 years, to observe the traditions and changes in this art.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl02QmDDsML9UtgZsfiPwnWHlLKHzHeBnjLTKyzL47fsInAihDNgsOZdVDqH8pfmjJ-6WmAsoVQaQ289k_svMdPoMDrT_6Jh1dWXaB9f2ovcYtfCy5xhDkS0IqD-iB1yUyXsex86SStY/s1600/sea+urchins+mola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl02QmDDsML9UtgZsfiPwnWHlLKHzHeBnjLTKyzL47fsInAihDNgsOZdVDqH8pfmjJ-6WmAsoVQaQ289k_svMdPoMDrT_6Jh1dWXaB9f2ovcYtfCy5xhDkS0IqD-iB1yUyXsex86SStY/s320/sea+urchins+mola.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea urchins or sugar cane?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>People so often think of ethnic arts as unchanging. No so. With each trip, I find that the themes of the molas have undergone rapid transformation. This trip was heavy on geometrics and biblical themes. Scarcely an animal to be found! The colors change as well. I saw some yellows, an unfortunate shade of pink and quite a bit of lightish blue.<br />
<br />
I see changes in the quality, as well. That, unfortunately, trends downward over the years, The lines are wider, the dentitions are bigger, and the sewing is more visible than it used to be. On this trip. for the first time, someone tied this devolution to the fact that girls now go to school; they have less time to practice their traditional arts in the formative years. What a dilemma! The women have little choice about their life direction without education; if they focus on their education, however, then they have less opportunity to make money from their traditional arts. Many women simply make tourist-grade molas, which eliminate the complex cutwork.<br />
<br />
Another marked change is that the women are less able to tell me about the meaning of the images. Many of them could only tell me that a motif was old, but not what it was. Then, of course, we have the standard issue; one woman says a motif represents one thing, and another says the same image represents something else entirely! This is the case, for example, with sea urchins and sugar cane. <br />
<br />
It takes about 3 weeks to prep the molas. I still have to separate several of them from the blouses, pick threads from most, clean, classify, grade, sort, photograph and code. I'll let people know when the molas are going to hit the website.Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-27366865139729289722011-03-04T14:21:00.000-05:002011-03-04T14:21:35.858-05:00Making the transition<div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve been hard at work repositioning Crossroads Trade as an all-web business. We have a completely redesigned, searchable <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">web site</a>, with new offerings added constantly. We also have a growing presence on EBay’s <a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/crossroadstrade/seller/list">World of Good</a>. Our site there is also searchable, and you can add our entries to your RSS feed.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/crossroadstradefairtrade">Facebook</a> page is all new, too. Here you’ll find news of our products and buying trips, and thoughts on and analysis of the complex world of fair-trade commerce. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Look for <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.blogspot.com/">this blog</a> and our <a href="http://twitter.com/crossroadstrade">Twitter feed</a> to become more active. We want you to have several ports of access to our fairly traded ethnic arts of the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">-- Lisa Deeley Smith</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-15546221326783357312010-12-05T20:01:00.000-05:002010-12-05T20:01:55.573-05:00Extra Discount Coupon for In-Store Purchases!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVYSaJfjW35NSnldQ5DcCMefgihkWs48-KL5UBp9JNFri6SYf-Ah8X8wGt4S4Mgjzl3gT4wLFlRgWrfkykJSb0zgWImDCZL73wXV_yTTZsC6evXNzc4NKDxzcdpnFW-c-CeaYCm-OZC8/s1600/Dec+6-9+Coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVYSaJfjW35NSnldQ5DcCMefgihkWs48-KL5UBp9JNFri6SYf-Ah8X8wGt4S4Mgjzl3gT4wLFlRgWrfkykJSb0zgWImDCZL73wXV_yTTZsC6evXNzc4NKDxzcdpnFW-c-CeaYCm-OZC8/s320/Dec+6-9+Coupon.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-91924907410469886522010-12-05T19:57:00.000-05:002010-12-05T19:57:30.567-05:00Big News from Crossroads TradeDear Fair Trade Friends,<br />
<br />
I'm writing to let you know about a mighty change at Crossroads Trade. After Christmas, we will be changing from a brick-and-mortar store to an on-line business! Our reconstructed website goes on-line next week.<br />
<br />
We've had a storefront for eleven years, and a website for ten, both long enough for a generational turnover in shoppers. The baby boomers are beginning to downsize. Post-boomer shoppers buy very differently, namely, on-line. Our audience for our collector pieces is international, rather than local. They, too, buy on line.<br />
<br />
I am very excited. I'll be able to spend more time scouting for new products and artisans, my favorite activity. I'm also looking forward to some special projects related to fair trade. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
I will miss our customers very much. It's been especially fun to watch the kid-customers grow up. Please keep in touch, via our e-mail list, Facebook and Twitter, blog and website. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.<br />
<br />
For a fair trade future,<br />
<br />
Kate Harris<br />
Crossroads TradeCrossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-4020986866761704132010-04-07T18:10:00.000-04:002010-04-07T18:10:48.455-04:00World Fair Trade Day May 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwAL2F324bvwND8sWwHNMaoUciUykHPcmoUohAZUUfLmlxtkYiek4BqhkCNhW0CcH30hlJTAL0RXZbfzo76DWBFDH-EQz7rd-_rnw3BsJRiy2RoWdlmhJ7Qf8jxplwkWjsobnHipkpQ/s1600/zim+beaded+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwAL2F324bvwND8sWwHNMaoUciUykHPcmoUohAZUUfLmlxtkYiek4BqhkCNhW0CcH30hlJTAL0RXZbfzo76DWBFDH-EQz7rd-_rnw3BsJRiy2RoWdlmhJ7Qf8jxplwkWjsobnHipkpQ/s320/zim+beaded+chicken.jpg" /></a></div>Our plan so far includes an in-store demonstration by Zimbabwe wire artist Bernard of his craft. Watch for details! <br />
<br />
If you have an interest in social entrepreneurship, human trafficking, sustaining ecosystems, preserving ethnic craft traditions, and chocolate, you'll want to participate in our World Fair Trade Day events.Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-63554336743350768892010-02-04T12:59:00.000-05:002010-02-04T12:59:55.294-05:00The Heart of Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf9ODauNgGW4j7i3-xRUCRKKTLEhsoLPIXVNc4XLznnnDx4Na6CIXUu7h0oyWTC5gexVI3rCl1MwgM_chjnkOq1IKZt_hyAiiQkAKxgN5yeAEDQizEEOsExRCqBMZ66s4xg6Y67ko55M/s1600-h/Kenyan+hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf9ODauNgGW4j7i3-xRUCRKKTLEhsoLPIXVNc4XLznnnDx4Na6CIXUu7h0oyWTC5gexVI3rCl1MwgM_chjnkOq1IKZt_hyAiiQkAKxgN5yeAEDQizEEOsExRCqBMZ66s4xg6Y67ko55M/s320/Kenyan+hearts.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The heart of Valentine's Day is this: "you are special to me -- am I special to you?" We have many, many ways to say that.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://crossroadstrade.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-valentines-day-fair-trade-chocolate.html">Chocolate </a>we have discussed earlier --our fair-trade chocolate shows how you care for the people of the earth, and the earth, as well as the recipient. <br />
<br />
Our jewelry does that also. Our elegant, shimmery, beaded red necklaces from Nepal are made by women who are earning school fees for their daughters. Our South African recycled copper and brass heart bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, are made by women and men in a safe, clean workshop. Amber hearts from Poland, in pendants, earrings, and rings, provide economic benefit to people whose country has undergone a huge transition in recent years.<br />
<br />
And all the jewelry is gorgeous!<br />
<br />
Not shopping for jewelry? You can say a lot at Crossroads with a modest budget. Our art cards, all suitable for framing, are blank so you can pen a suitable sentiment. Our colorful Kenyan hearts are just $3.75, but they hold a lot of emotion.<br />
<br />
Liz, our henna artist in residence, will offer free, heart henna tattoos on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13. Do stop by.Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-78805253746467669492010-02-03T11:40:00.001-05:002010-02-03T11:41:25.365-05:00For Valentine's Day: Fair-Trade Chocolate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxNKKP2jxKHu7Sva5Opl1Uvcd1hMonv4sNybdzcWu7L2-Yc_6wsboHyDjTMgQyJO-6o3gnBcsOsEqfnIhVeH2kRkIV8LEKMMyj6_Jcd-YYWicVi_xfePTcP0mXEHazbjBfxe7mFhkxi4/s1600-h/extra-dark+chocolate+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxNKKP2jxKHu7Sva5Opl1Uvcd1hMonv4sNybdzcWu7L2-Yc_6wsboHyDjTMgQyJO-6o3gnBcsOsEqfnIhVeH2kRkIV8LEKMMyj6_Jcd-YYWicVi_xfePTcP0mXEHazbjBfxe7mFhkxi4/s200/extra-dark+chocolate+bar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Chocolate is a $13 billion business in the United States, yet consumers seldom know its real cost; 284,000 children work in as slaves or indentured servants in West African cocoa plantations.Historically, cocoa farmers have no control over the price they are paid for their crop. Prices fluctuates dramatically. With no floorprice and an unstable market, cocoa farmers' only opportunity tomake ends meet has been exploitation of children, the world's most vulnerable workforce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDJ4aq0kWTFadGRV3BcYyFrvQMqg-fBtMKHahtvJClRTTnUxnPYxvaq1jSi5SazNx8i1PTvU3_PgZaADs7CT41jQ1zsNEL0Vq7iqmYjGq6WUXaK2or7Pyehh9Au5tsh5-9UHQL8P7-3Y/s1600-h/Chocolate+brazil+nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDJ4aq0kWTFadGRV3BcYyFrvQMqg-fBtMKHahtvJClRTTnUxnPYxvaq1jSi5SazNx8i1PTvU3_PgZaADs7CT41jQ1zsNEL0Vq7iqmYjGq6WUXaK2or7Pyehh9Au5tsh5-9UHQL8P7-3Y/s200/Chocolate+brazil+nuts.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br />
Buying fair trade chocolate ensures that farmers are paid a fair wage for their crop. Fair trade companies guarantee a floor price for cocoa production, with additional guarantees if industry prices rise above the fair trade price. Children stay in school. They are not sold into servitude to work in cocoa fields.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvhLnE4vaxUif4pTkQTsj92RHvNP5adH93SvenxezDwxxHJsQ_ap1m_cIptxXb2uADLdbEh6LBDx39bnetbhXH7AJKDH0k5pZTYwKGL8VO9TzvYnMi8PhCVdQfRiCwZyyF3gEMxqhA8/s1600-h/chocolate+goldenberry,+coffee+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvhLnE4vaxUif4pTkQTsj92RHvNP5adH93SvenxezDwxxHJsQ_ap1m_cIptxXb2uADLdbEh6LBDx39bnetbhXH7AJKDH0k5pZTYwKGL8VO9TzvYnMi8PhCVdQfRiCwZyyF3gEMxqhA8/s200/chocolate+goldenberry,+coffee+beans.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
Your purchase of ethically sourced chocolate tells the chocolate industry that this matters to you. Check out our delicious chocolate treats today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-65772719965728223462010-01-31T09:37:00.000-05:002010-01-31T09:37:42.847-05:00No news yet from our Haitian suppliers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ1zgNvpsk0MzvFBzIgaJge5wB56WJzC60gQuOk_59WYCJLPK5jHGbEGezGar41ogmA4qoWFjDxs5pS_puiVmF9zmx9nJGISbjwPqG70xcA2SrRmq6AEA6YL1-a_y7ApKTvWJK0omyjI/s1600-h/steel+drum+scrap+frog+haiti+%2412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ1zgNvpsk0MzvFBzIgaJge5wB56WJzC60gQuOk_59WYCJLPK5jHGbEGezGar41ogmA4qoWFjDxs5pS_puiVmF9zmx9nJGISbjwPqG70xcA2SrRmq6AEA6YL1-a_y7ApKTvWJK0omyjI/s200/steel+drum+scrap+frog+haiti+%2412.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,fantasy; font-size: small;">Crossroads Trade has bought wonderful, whimsical wares from a Haitian cooperative for eight years. Based in Port-au-Prince, the co-op provides employment to 400 artisans. (Each wage-earner in Haiti supports an average of nine people).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,fantasy; font-size: small;">Over the years, the co-op has withstood embargoes, political turmoil and robberies. The artisans have regrouped every time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBrkUxfnaMIFylTSEFD7XbFr6cCRi6iDJzxhYhJndS4lt-5kHY1222VYpRI7XzpTdtV_sGbK60adnCBpenFFKHuyKDdoZHx21nnGNG7WRE1XwIeAeZs2OJBeGXFBaFGaGX_LUsC98Zww/s1600-h/steel+drum+scrap+gecko+haiti+%2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBrkUxfnaMIFylTSEFD7XbFr6cCRi6iDJzxhYhJndS4lt-5kHY1222VYpRI7XzpTdtV_sGbK60adnCBpenFFKHuyKDdoZHx21nnGNG7WRE1XwIeAeZs2OJBeGXFBaFGaGX_LUsC98Zww/s320/steel+drum+scrap+gecko+haiti+%2436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,fantasy; font-size: small;">We have not been able to reach the co-op since the earthquake. We do not know whether the co-op withstood the quake or how many artisans were killed or injured. We will let you know when we hear from them. We will make it a priority to place an order as soon as they regroup.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,fantasy; font-size: small;"> Pictured: steel-drum scrap frog, $12; steel-drum scrap gecko, $36; steel-drum rasta bus key hook, $28.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04XAJ4wjTAgkqgkKHkyQB3WsSUhc9TbNZV8IPzOC1FSufSL3_LqsOZZc4JzW5ZlrGF9Jbo4rQP_LXR3neqnyuklrmNzQUGfciVSNnywdqw3EaHkhp8ilQhV2Ttz1TlKMmeucAdo1nqtA/s1600-h/steel+drum+scrap+rasta+key+hook+haiti+%2428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04XAJ4wjTAgkqgkKHkyQB3WsSUhc9TbNZV8IPzOC1FSufSL3_LqsOZZc4JzW5ZlrGF9Jbo4rQP_LXR3neqnyuklrmNzQUGfciVSNnywdqw3EaHkhp8ilQhV2Ttz1TlKMmeucAdo1nqtA/s320/steel+drum+scrap+rasta+key+hook+haiti+%2428.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-65685777930533828002009-12-29T18:59:00.001-05:002009-12-29T19:00:25.428-05:00Happy New Year to all<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Thank you, loyal customers and fair-trade fans, for your support in 2009. Your purchases made a difference in the lives of many.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-SAmjoLwo5yyZcTblEwlgXPSxXVh7G0uo98EOZR6ojByQR9COeFcB1LRXMEU664xaYyVqHK6mdGwLaYGiwOB0ZbrAso91T5N5_VFXDDmeZlGIT5mgYl5fY7NKBFq011FajjVWWZuM4Y/s1600-h/lebanese+embroiderers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-SAmjoLwo5yyZcTblEwlgXPSxXVh7G0uo98EOZR6ojByQR9COeFcB1LRXMEU664xaYyVqHK6mdGwLaYGiwOB0ZbrAso91T5N5_VFXDDmeZlGIT5mgYl5fY7NKBFq011FajjVWWZuM4Y/s320/lebanese+embroiderers.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Lebanese embroiderers</span></span></b><br />
</div>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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS4Bmp3J9Fjj-hKWumxu-5pDrygSyzCGOBQDrXZiGrETiHwRpHZEHKUtr_BZwQ2I0CdgPsmD6sL564OYPvaA4KJF_NVmuIjTOxJ-n8VZO_ETIAFPRW__sQYax46EIjPjIVlaxojlZoWg/s1600-h/peruvian+weaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS4Bmp3J9Fjj-hKWumxu-5pDrygSyzCGOBQDrXZiGrETiHwRpHZEHKUtr_BZwQ2I0CdgPsmD6sL564OYPvaA4KJF_NVmuIjTOxJ-n8VZO_ETIAFPRW__sQYax46EIjPjIVlaxojlZoWg/s400/peruvian+weaver.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peruvian weaver</span></span></b><br />
</div>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.<br />
<br />
We welcome your ideas for products and your recommendations of fair-trade suppliers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cC-P-vUahYFzwKIIYYE4-ujiZU-EhSB_Ef9re55GJSd0ryal0nHAhehnyNPIS-aI0TS8QkhpTxr0mXUOzIbPVyZfrc-CjZriNLPf9I6zkuk2mPlOxAMV7LdGJVPt1pSQ9kIkehjg0Yk/s1600-h/kenyan+beaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cC-P-vUahYFzwKIIYYE4-ujiZU-EhSB_Ef9re55GJSd0ryal0nHAhehnyNPIS-aI0TS8QkhpTxr0mXUOzIbPVyZfrc-CjZriNLPf9I6zkuk2mPlOxAMV7LdGJVPt1pSQ9kIkehjg0Yk/s400/kenyan+beaders.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kenyan beaders</span></span></b> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
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 <a href="http://www.crossroadstrade.com/">website</a>, and our store on <a href="http://community.worldofgood.com/crossroadstrade">World of Good</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year to all.<br />
<br />
Kate Harris<br />
Crossroads TradeCrossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8707499901328044059.post-42328064255733350252009-12-05T13:22:00.006-05:002009-12-05T14:03:34.472-05:00Holiday news<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5wn2F0p4RkyKaEBhqAEMVrgeFd0VTqH_Kac9UbSmxDtLt7TJHCNExEsKfBpZXMoa2VRGro2OIO_6tTOWyGfRsTzKzpkmRiKbjbz_feXNJVjrhv81l7leU46sXzwo2hzWLimEwgbncEc/s1600-h/mtafoya+necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5wn2F0p4RkyKaEBhqAEMVrgeFd0VTqH_Kac9UbSmxDtLt7TJHCNExEsKfBpZXMoa2VRGro2OIO_6tTOWyGfRsTzKzpkmRiKbjbz_feXNJVjrhv81l7leU46sXzwo2hzWLimEwgbncEc/s320/mtafoya+necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411829023484632834" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Tahoma; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1627421319 -2147483648 8 0 66047 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-font-alt:Tahoma; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face {font-family:OpenSymbol; mso-font-alt:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@Arial Unicode MS"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@OpenSymbol"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:none; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} p.MsoCaption, li.MsoCaption, div.MsoCaption {margin-top:6.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:no-line-numbers; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-font-kerning:.5pt; font-style:italic;} p.MsoList, li.MsoList, div.MsoList {mso-style-parent:"Body Text"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:none; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} p.MsoBodyText, li.MsoBodyText, div.MsoBodyText {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:none; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.Bullets {mso-style-name:Bullets; mso-style-parent:""; mso-ascii-font-family:OpenSymbol; mso-fareast-font-family:OpenSymbol; mso-hansi-font-family:OpenSymbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} p.Heading, li.Heading, div.Heading {mso-style-name:Heading; mso-style-next:"Body Text"; margin-top:12.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:none; page-break-after:avoid; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:14.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} p.Index, li.Index, div.Index {mso-style-name:Index; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:no-line-numbers; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} p.BalloonText, li.BalloonText, div.BalloonText {mso-style-name:"Balloon Text"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:none; mso-hyphenate:none; font-size:8.0pt; font-family:Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"; mso-font-kerning:.5pt;} span.msoIns {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single; color:teal;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:56.7pt 56.7pt 56.7pt 56.7pt; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1; mso-list-template-ids:1;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.0in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.25in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.5in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.75in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:2.0in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:2.25in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:2.5in; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ascii-font-family:Symbol; mso-hansi-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:OpenSymbol;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:2; mso-list-template-ids:2;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.3in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.3in; text-indent:-.3in;} @list l1:level2 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.4in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.4in; text-indent:-.4in;} @list l1:level3 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.5in; text-indent:-.5in;} @list l1:level4 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.6in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.6in; text-indent:-.6in;} @list l1:level5 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.7in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.7in; text-indent:-.7in;} @list l1:level6 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.8in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.8in; text-indent:-.8in;} @list l1:level7 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:.9in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.9in; text-indent:-.9in;} @list l1:level8 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.0in; text-indent:-1.0in;} @list l1:level9 {mso-level-number-format:none; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:1.1in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.1in; text-indent:-1.1in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ever since October of last year, customers have come into the shop with anxious faces. “How are you doing?” they ask, worried that another unique business might be leaving Coolidge Corner.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">We’re hanging in there. We have an obligation to our suppliers. Children still need school fees and mothers and fathers still need to sell their work, even in the unsteady times. And the items we’ve found this year demonstrate that creativity and courage still thrive even when the financial news is grim.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We’ve begun to carry new American Indian artisans from the Zuni, Hopi and Santo Domingo tribes. Some of the signature artists we’ve found include <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230408083454&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123">Mary Tafoya, a Santo Domingo Pueblo</a>, whose work features cross-cut shells integrated into traditional mosaic work, and Ray Lalo, Hopi, maker of kachinas, who uses aguayo and paints them with pigments made from crushed rock, in a paint base of pine sap and honey. Also new is a Kenyan supplier, an organization of women <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenya-Recycled-Can-Earrings-Crossroads-Trade-Fair-Eco_W0QQitemZ230408092926QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a5647cfe">who finance their daughters' education through their sales.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenya-Recycled-Can-Earrings-Crossroads-Trade-Fair-Eco_W0QQitemZ230408092926QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a5647cfe"><br /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colombian artisans have found new ways to cut tagua nuts, cutting production time in half and decreasing the price of the popular jewelry. Innovation continues in the use of fibers. We have bamboo scarves from Guatemala. From India we have new varieties of papers, made from roots and old clothing.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We’re brimming w<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFHD78L4H3MSpVcJETtOB1X2kEaaDpAyCl6qKDDGLFdbywrYeW_f4IqHBANJJqISoOOke4YC-W6fasRMq7uuJbvi6BaVzROWJzjnSetd2e4fBZ6fMX8-G5gZsLATiP3EZwYbpuDZplXk/s1600-h/DSCN0077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFHD78L4H3MSpVcJETtOB1X2kEaaDpAyCl6qKDDGLFdbywrYeW_f4IqHBANJJqISoOOke4YC-W6fasRMq7uuJbvi6BaVzROWJzjnSetd2e4fBZ6fMX8-G5gZsLATiP3EZwYbpuDZplXk/s320/DSCN0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411820030286625426" border="0" /></a>ith <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/South-Africa-Shangaan-Textile-Fair-Trade-Embroidered_W0QQitemZ230379341987QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a3adc8a3">textiles from the Shangaan tribe</a> of South Africa’s Limpopo province. And we have gorgeous new scarves in rich, vibrant colors. Textures are outstanding, too, with artisans employing lots of new ways of crinkling, folding, and sewing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our jewelry selection continues to expand. Bracelets are the jewelry of the year. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230408087207&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123">New cloth bracelets</a> feature the hand embroidery of Santiago Atitlan, a Guatemalan village famed for its vibrant embroidered flowers and birds. We also have new beaded bracelets from India, Kenya, and South Africa, as well as shimmery beaded new necklaces. It was a wonderful year for finding new items made of recycled materials, such as <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230408092926&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123">our new earrings made of aluminum and brass cans</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Of course, we still carry many of the items Crossroads customers have come to expect. This is the time of year we set out our museum-quality selection of international nativities. New arrivals this year include lost-wax cast brass nativities from Ghana, sisal grass from Kenya, <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Armenian-Nativity-Handmade-Wood-Painted-Fair-Trade_W0QQitemZ230377164379QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a38c8e5b">painted wood from Armenia</a>, straw from Hungary, and ceramics from Peru.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Doll collectors will want to see the new arrivals from Tibet, in beautiful detailed tribal clothing, and the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230408302199&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123">wonderful felt snow lions</a>. Charming new Noah’s ark chivas, with giraffes sticking out the top, have arrived from Peru. We’ve got brightly carved wooden giraffes from Zimbab<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSGTFt5JZAd0bsh8oCl3vZ8-Ka5p9onlsv1xEsLpe_3u2PDfnpFcHjDCz7yhgDRf7YPUAraWIPucP9FQ1ngS_sTDkDF8O4ciJTSbGJZa944G7fLjDOadPnQ4fq0NLqetPk3GG4b69ZFw/s1600-h/dscn1484.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSGTFt5JZAd0bsh8oCl3vZ8-Ka5p9onlsv1xEsLpe_3u2PDfnpFcHjDCz7yhgDRf7YPUAraWIPucP9FQ1ngS_sTDkDF8O4ciJTSbGJZa944G7fLjDOadPnQ4fq0NLqetPk3GG4b69ZFw/s320/dscn1484.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411821133607164562" border="0" /></a>we, and a menagerie of <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230408090248&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123">animals made of shredded palm fiber from the Philippines</a>. The innovative use of recycled cans grows and grows – check out the vehicles, the earrings, the purses, the ornaments.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And we’ve got chocolate! Fairly traded, of course, from Equal Exchange. All our items are chosen with an eye to fair-trade practices and compensation. This way, parents are working with dignity and in safe conditions, earning enough so that children can eat, receive medical care, and go to school. We’re helping to provide financial stability in a world where it still can seem very rocky. And we know you’ll find delightful items here at Crossroads Trade to share with friends, relatives, and colleagues, bringing hope and joy this holiday season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Crossroads Tradehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699148414008858013noreply@blogger.com0