FAIR TRADE FRIDAY(s) giveaway!

I've been reading the book I blogged two posts ago, In Her Hands. The pages filled with colorful photos and stories of craftswomen around the world inspires me, and truthfully, it saddens me also. I simply cannot imagine the hardships that women in developing countries face every day of their lives.

For the last few years I have grown increasingly interested in the native crafts of women as a vehicle for social transformation. When women are supported in their creative efforts, their families, villages, and ultimately the world benefits. In large part, women who can support or help support themselves through traditional crafting handiwork, or by learning new crafting handiwork, use their money to feed, clothe, and send their children to school. They are also less likely to be abused by their spouses.

My creative blogging journey has truly been leading me along these past two years... (I am so grateful for this brave new world of bloggers :)) This blog has functioned as a journal for me to see where I've been, and maybe, where I'm heading... It's been two years of wandering in the forest here for me, trying to find my way back to creative (paid) work after ten years off to raise our four children. I haven't known where I'm going at all, but deep inside I've known there's a business I want to build and my husband wants to help build with me-- we've both felt this for along time, but the time and the business has never been clear till now. I've figured out in the last few months too, that it's a business about and for children and women. And we've figured out that it's about helping others in developing countries, and employing fair trade practices.

So with all that being said, we're learning and studying, and really, just putting one foot in front of the other right now as we make our way along a path that isn't charted, but at least for now, shows us a destination on the horizon.

And in the meantime, while we're learning, I thought I'd share a giveaway here on Fridays...

Fair Trade Friday sounds like a good name-- and every last Friday of the month, we'll do a giveaway from a Fair Trade company. Cool stuff made by equally cool women, who really need a break.

So girlfriends, here's your chance to win a new purse courtesy of Global Girlfriend. It's just one of loads of wonderful items there for sale-- go look, you'll see!

I'll leave this post up till next Tuesday, March 30th at 6:00 pm. MST, and I'll announce the winner later that evening. Oh, and I'll leave it up to you on the color. So leave a comment and tell me what color of the purses at the top of the post you would like if you win, and then I'll order that color for the winner!

This is going to be fun, grab your purses-- we're going on a journey! And tell your girlfriends there's a swell giveaway over here, girlfriend ;)  Love, Kelly

**********

P.S. Here's a good definition of Fair Trade I just found:

Simply put.... fair trade is a system that empowers disadvantaged producers by creating economies and new markets in otherwise poor developing countries. Fair trade occurs with payment of a fair price, technical assistance, social programming, environmental protection, while respecting the traditional customs of the artisans.

Comments

[Deb]

What an exciting adventure you are embarking on Kelly ~ combining your vision and creative talent! I know it will be a great success. Your "Fair Trade Friday" giveaway is so generous & thoughtful - so you!
{if I am lucky enough to win I would choose the blue tote bag} Thanks Kelly ♥

[Maria]

What a great idea/path, Kelly! I'm excited for you. I have Tweeted and FB-ed this post for you. And, yes, I'd love the blue one if I'm lucky to win!! Yes, yes, yes. They are lovely, all of them.

[Maria]

I got excited comments on FB about the Fair Trade Women's site already. :)

[Charmaine Taylor]

Wow, this is a great thing you're doing. For Christmas I ordered bracelets for all of the women in my family from Beads For Life. I'm also a frequent shopper at Ten Thousand Villages. Good work! If I win I would like the blue bag. Thank you for the giveaway, and good luck with your work.

[Julie]

It's inspiring to hear you turning your creative endeavors into something to help others, Kelly!

I love the bags, especially the blue one since I tend to be a jeans kinda gal. Such a lovely give away! I'm hoping to get a new post on my blog Sunday (if I can catch my breath) and will be happy to pass on the info of your give-away---however I realize it may cut down on the odds of my winning! Maybe I shouldn't!

[dodi]

hi Kelly! I popped over here on the suggestion of Julie at A cup of Coffee, My Dog and Me (thanks for sharing this, Julie!)

I'm so glad I did too! What a wonderful post filled with information I was not aware of. This is definitely something that everyone should read!

I asked my daughter which pic she thought was best and she said "momma - choose blue! It matches your eyes"

So there you have it... ☺

[Gayle]

What a cool thing to do Kelly! I love the blue purse cuz it looks so denimy (is that a word?). I love shopping at the store Ten Thousand Villages in Sugarhouse - can always find something beautiful and unique there!

[Bonnie Tibbitts]

I really love the blue purse its beautiful can think of manu uses for the bag.

[bbmarie]

Blessings as you move toward your business dreams, I think the blue one is the one I would choose.

[meleen]

kelllllyyyy.....

this is so exciting!!!...i've been kinda busy, so i've been catching up on the past couple of posts....love the daisies and daffodils!!!!

happy spring!!!
meleen

[elma]

OH Kelly!!!! Love this giveaway I would love the blue one if I am sooooo lucky to win.

[carrie]

Good Luck, Kelly!! Was just at an arts festival over the weekend talking with a woman who was selling fair Trade items. Amazing concept! Hope you follow your dream!

[Sandra Peters]

Isn't blogging a good place to put one's thoughts? Who knows... it may actually inspire another! You have probably inspired more than you know through your meandering throughts on your blog. I love the blue purse!

[Traci]

oh kelly. how wonderful of you. i wish you nothing but the best on your new journey. you are such a special person and i am so glad that i can call you friend. {{hugs to you}}. i love the blue bag.

[C indy]

Blue! :D

-c