Walking into winter months when  jackets and scarves become a necessity,  a bold pair of Fair Trade earrings is an easy way to maintain your personal style, uplift your spirit, and participate in the greater economic good. This season Global Exchange‘s  offering of Fair Trade earrings are fantastic! 

Global Exchange in Berkeley has so many beautiful earrings to choose from in  a variety of materials, styles and colors. Lucky me, shop manager, I get to share my favorite five with you!

Fair Trade Earring1. Hand made in India, these earrings are carved from bone.  In warm orange and festive fuchsia, they are light weight, chic and fun to pair with jeans and a big sweater or a little black dress ($14.50) Fun Fact: all Global Exchange earring hooks are either sterling silver or surgical steel.

 

 

Fair Trade Earring2.  Handmade in Guatemala from Geo cut semi- precious stones, cotton tassels, bronze metal leaves and brass chains, these unique earrings are a show stopper. We carry these exotic beauties in a blue and green color way,  they are a perfect way to spice things up ($32.50)

 

 

Fair Trade Earrings3. Handmade in India  these bold,  brushed, brass  earrings are not only a sustainable metal alternative to gold,  they are light weight with a big personality and can pair with just about anything ($18.50) Fun Fact: Brass will always shine to a brilliance.

 

 

Fair Trade Earring4. Handmade in Guatemala these elegant earrings are intricately woven in interesting patterns with rich colored, glass beads. These beads feel nice on your neck and the vibrant colors really pop. We carry these beauties in a variety of colors! ($32.50)

 

 

E 15. Hand made in India these mod earrings are made of cube shaped beads in silver, gold and gunmetal hoops that dance together when hanging from your ear. Their elegant  sparkle is perfect for New Years Eve! $16.50

 

 

 

E6**Bonus **I know, I said top 5 but I have to throw in some beautiful Balinese, 3 tear drop, semi-precious, Garnets in sterling silver! Perfect for the ballet,symphony or opera, these one of a kind treasures are deep in color and timeless treasures. ($85)

 

 

Whether its a gift for family, a friend or yourself, Global Exchange offers  earrings in all lengths, from edgy studs to elegant drops to swaying hoops, it was a challenge to choose only 5! You should come in, I just finished lighting our cloth lanterns, decorating our trees with ornaments and filling our jewelry cases!

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Trade clothing After the summer sun begins to fade, I am directed toward the cozy and fabulous fashions of fall. I am dedicated to the finesse of fall weather and clothing. Dark charcoal, heather gray and creamy whites mix with cobalt blue, turquoise teal and royal purple make up the rich color palette for this fall, fair trade season. Fall is burnt orange and hot pink sunsets, crimson leaves, ponchos with fringes, chunky cowl neck sweaters and warm wool hats, gloves and scarves. This fall I am so excited to welcome Indigenous Designs clothing into our Berkeley shop!

Ponchos, cardigans and raglan pullovers are just a few of the treasures we are proudly carrying. The Hooded Jacquard Cardigan, stands out with it’s geometric pattern and is knit with the most luxurious blend of super fine guage alpaca, organic cotton and soft tencel. This cardigan will help ease any summer blues.

lux tee

 

After last season the much awaited long EZ skirt has made a comeback in beautiful night shadow (purple) which perfectly pairs with the Luxury Long Sleeve Tee both made from 100% organic pima cotton jersey, so soft it melts in your hands.

 

 

 

Fair Trade clothingIf you are looking for beautifully designed, high quality clothes made from only the finest organic and natural fibers we have them here.

 

Fair Trade clothingRare to the fashion world and a progressive beacon, Indigenous Designs commits to producing quality clothes without compromising the environment and stays steadfast to the artisan cooperatives they work with by ensuring fair trade wages.

I catch myself daydreaming about sitting in front of a fire wearing my new hooded sweater, steam rising up from a cup of hot coffee, knowing, happily that my sweater was made honoring the hands who knit it and with respect to the planet around it.

I invite you to come in and share the joy of fall. Come in see the new design of the Berkeley shop, try on our fall clothing and become inspired for your holiday shopping.

 

Fair Trade clothing

Holy Land PestoQ: What has a robust aroma, flavors evocative of fresh fruit, a peppery bite and a hint of bitterness?

A: Holy Land olive oil from Palestine, available at Global Exchange Fair Trade shop in Berkeley.

 

Tonight I am using Holy Land olive oil to make:

Holy Land 2014-3

  1. Delicious and versatile no-cook pesto sauce for pasta
  2. Baby heirloom tomato salad drizzled with olive oil
  3. Kale, feta and carrot salad drizzled with olive oil

The flavor of this olive oil is enough to dress salads alone but I added a dash of salt, pepper, and lemon.

Pesto Ingredients:

1/4 cup walnuts

Holy Land Pesto

2 cups packed chopped basil

1/2 cup grated hard Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons HOLYLAND extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method: Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. I am adding this pesto to hot noodles but it can also be paired with steamed vegetables, used as a spread on sandwiches or served as a simple and healthy dip with raw veggies or pita chips.

Holy Land Pesto

Holy Land is proud to be the first to import Palestinian olive oil into the U.S. and their mission is to create and sustain a permanent market for Palestinian farmers. Your purchase of Holy Land is valued as an expression of support for the olive farmers. Reading about Palestinian olive trees, looking at beautiful pictures of Palestine and enjoying the rich taste of this olive oil makes me want to experience the harvest for myself, luckily I have a great connection.

Global Exchange invites you to travel to Palestine and Israel for a very special “Fair Olive Harvest” Reality Tour to learn how Fair Trade cooperatives are restoring hope and providing economic alternatives to a population under occupation.

Holy Land Pesto

Witness communities building economic alternatives by way of the Fair Trade model, experience and cultivate a greater appreciation of Palestinian traditions, food and people, and spend a day or two harvesting olives with a farm family. Participants will also discuss integral human rights issues with Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as observe first-hand the effects of occupation on the Palestinian economy, the land and life.

Become inspired to change the U.S.’s negative role in the conflict, and become a conduit for promoting solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities while learning the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S. 

Photography by Lauren Matley

Karas' of ElmwoodWe just received our summer shipment of hand, blockprinted table cloths from India so I invited Kara Hammond, the amazing General Manager of The Elmwood Café to come in and choose her favorite design. Afterwards Kara invited me to her café for my favorite hot drink!

“The Elmwood District” is a neighborhood in Berkeley where the Global Exchange Fair Trade shop has lived since 1991. Right across the street from us is The Elmwood Café which first opened its doors in 1921. The Elmwood Café serves locally sourced, seasonal goods from artisanal producers and wholeheartedly believes that “the simple things in life can be really fantastic when done well.”

Karas' of Elmwood

In addition to truly delicious food, every month The Elmwood Café funds a different community partner who works to create meaningful change. They call this:  One Community Program.

At the Global Exchange shop, we source our beautiful tablecloths from Natural Habitat.

Karas' of Elmwood

Natural Habitat is just one of our partners who creates meaningful change in peoples lives through fantastic, Fair Trade work. Natural Habitat‘s hand-woven tablecloths are made from only natural fibers, are as ecologically friendly as possible and all block printing is done by hand and by traditional production techniques.

Kara walked over on a bright sunny morning and looked through our variety of tablecloths. As we dove into the beautiful fabrics we talked about the intricacy of block print patterns, the softness of the cotton, richness of color and the heart, soul and hands behind each tablecloth.

Karas' of Elmwood

It took time, but Kara found her favorite design, Muskoka! Muskoka is a blend of chartreuse, indigo, white, and teal with a contemporary mod pattern.  Muskoka (like all our cloths) comes in 60×60 or 60×90 and don’t forget matching napkins!

Karas' of Elmwood

Carrying her new tablecloth with matching napkins, Kara and I walked across the street to The Elmwood Café. Kara knowingly, made me my usual–a delicious latte–and we continued our conversation.

I would love for you to see all of our new treasures! Come in to the shop, choose your favorite summer tablecloth and then let’s go to The Elmwood Café for a treat!

 

Photography by Lauren Matley

What happened to April showers? This year weather patterns in the Bay Area are certainly in flux. Just as I am getting used to this unusually dry, hot month of May, I am also transitioning from working at the San Francisco Fair Trade store, which closed its doors May 4th, to working full time at the Berkeley Fair Trade store.

This is my first season working at Global Exchange Fair Trade store in Berkeley  and I am experiencing the excitement and anticipation of students nearing the end of their school year or the end of their college life. Graduation is a major part of summer and graduation gifts are customary. What is better than to honor academic success than with a Fair Trade graduation gift?

Global Exchange Fair Trade shops have many graduation gifts to choose from. Let me help inspire the perfect gift for your graduate or teacher.Here are my top 5 graduation gifts under $25!

Fair Trade BirdsFlying Birds: $12.50 (Haiti) are made from recycled oil drums. These sweet birds symbolize freedom and make for a great end of the school year offering. Beautiful Haitian birds can live inside or outside adding hope to the wall on which they hang. They are light, pack flat, hang easy and come with either a stationary or 3D wing option.

 

 

Fair Trade Box

Treasure Boxes: $14.50 (India) are made from paper. These gems are new to our shop. They come in a variety of shapes and colors and are the perfect size to hold a special graduation treasure. Perhaps a inspirational quote or tickets to the Giants or A’s game or maybe some Fair Trade earrings for under $20! What would you put in this box? What is your favorite inspirational quote?

 

journal

Prosperity Hens: $22 (India) are 45″ in length, made with cotton, beads, and a finishing bell. What better to give a graduate than the gift of prosperity? Prosperity hens are perfect to hang in any dorm, home or classroom. We also carry the ornament size, 8″ in length.

 

 

journal realRecycled Journals: $18.50 (India) are made from 100% recycled cotton. The pages in this journal are blank, eggshell white, and are so smooth to write on. This gift serves as a travel journal or to note daily inspirations. Let us, at Global Exchange, wrap it up in one of our recycled newspaper bags and feel the goodness of humane economics and conscious consumption take over!

 

dop kitTravel/Cosmetic Bag: $16.50 (Bali) made from cotton. I am serious when I say this is the perfect travel bag. They come in a variety of colors and sizing and have a zipper pouch on the inside which is fully lined so they are easy to clean. This bag is wonderful to give to someone who will be traveling this summer.

 

 

Fair Trade Gift CardBONUS GIFT IDEA: Gift Cards! Yes, Global Exchange offers gift cards and a beautiful assortment of note cards to go with them. Global Exchange gift cards can be made in any amount and do not expire! They are easy to give and loved by all graduates and teachers.

 

 

Take a break from the sun, come in for a graduation gift and take home a free Fair Trade gift! Just mention Graduation!

May your transitions go smooth and wherever you go, go with your heart.

P.S. Hope to see you at the Berkeley store (2840 College Ave (at Russell), Berkeley, CA 94705) soon – we changed the shop and it looks fantastic!

Last month, Global Exchange Fair Trade Store Manager Kara Roguly traveled to India with Handmade Expressions to meet with the artisans who make our Fair Trade tote bags and other beautiful items sold at our stores and also delivered the messages you shared with the artisans as part of our #BagsAcrossBorders campaign. Read on as Kara shares her experiences.

Bags Across BordersOn a bus just outside the city of Barmer, I want to say the landscape changes but really the natural environment becomes visible. Looking out the window, the gross amount of city trash, most notably plastic bottles, disappears into soft tan colored Rajastani earth. I can see Tulsi and Neem trees; small in stature, their shade provides a surprising amount of relief from the desert sun. I see groupings of people and animals breaking from the heat in these sporadic shade pockets.

I am excited for today. Today is the reason that I am in India. Our long-time Fair Trade partner, Handmade Expressions invited Global Exchange to northwest India to meet with a community of artisans who specialize in traditional wood block-printing and the production of our Fair Trade Eco-Shopper bags.

Bags Across BordersToday I am going to give the map Global Exchange and our members created for this artisan community. The purpose of the map is to show  where Eco-Shoppers live after production and to bring the artisans YOUR messages of why you love your Eco-Shopper.

In a time of bigger, faster, and cheaper production we want to thank this block-printing community for valuing sustainable and holistic working environments, and know that there are conscious consumers who value and love this work. Global Exchange has gifted these handmade Eco-Shopper bags to our members in exchange for their support of our organization and their commitment to Fair Trade.  

While Fair Trade can sometimes feel like an abstract concept, we want to bring to life the connection between the artisan and the conscious carrier of these Fair Trade bags!

Bags Across BordersDriving into small village paths in a massive bus with the words TOURIST across the windshield, and 22 Americans de-boarding, never failed to bring all the locals out of their homes for a laugh and a long stare.

Walking into the court yard of the workshop we are greeted by a large tree and Ranaml Ji. Ranaml, the founder of the workshop, is wearing all white except for a black cap and gold hoop earrings.  To my right I see a water filtration system, which allows water to be reused 15 times; it is next to the indigo fermentation  process and far to my left is a huge rectangle thatched roof where women stitch. Overhead are laundry lines of wet block printed fabric hanging to dry that act as an air conditioner, it feels wonderful when the breeze passes through the wet cloth and blows cold air on you. Inside, I see Global Exchange Eco-Shoppers being block printed and hand sewn.

Bags Across BoardersOnce settled, I get a chance to speak with Ranaml Ji. He was born and raised in Barmer, India, after his father immigrated from Pakistan. Ranaml’s father taught him how to block print when he was in grade 6. He fell in love with the art, and pursued block printing not by force but with passion. Ranaml has four children, two daughters and two sons. One of his sons works with him, making theirs a four generation block printing family.

The community employees 20 full time artisans. I asked how many days a week is typical for work; he replied, “artists work everyday because we love what we do”. Block printing is traditionally a mans art form although younger women are starting to learn the trade, including one woman who prints at Ranaml’s workshop. In general, women apply the finishing and details to the work together under the thatched roof.

Bags Across Boarders

I asked Ranaml what his favorite colors to use are: “Indigo and red, even though I have been wearing all white for the past 15 years”. I also asked Ranaml if he has any words that he would like me to bring back?

“I want people to understand the value of natural dye and block printing.”

Living in an area with no agriculture, block printing is the #1 job for this community; because demand is down and prices are up, the sustainability of their future is concerning for Ranaml.

After lunch, I am walked through the entire process of block printing, from holding a indigo rock in my hand, to seeing our Eco-Shoppers straps being sewn on.

After I meeting the artisans, it’s time to present the map. I invite all artisans to come together outside. Men gather on one side, women on the other. The woman who is featured on the map, Seeta Ji, is here today!

Bags Across Boarders

With Handmade Expressions’s Rashmi translating, I’m able to present to Ranaml Ji, Seeta Ji, and all the artisans who make our Eco-Shopper your messages and photos about what you love about your Eco-Shopper!

Rashmi takes the time to read all the messages to the artisans, and I can see their smiles and feel how proud they are. This map connected the artisans to their work, outside of India, and to their conscious customers. The artisans could see who is wearing their bags, how they wear them, and what they love about them. The connection was a success, the energy was very high and I did not want to get back on that TOURIST bus.

Bags Across Borders

Before I left, Ranaml Ji invited me to block print my very own Eco-Shopper! It came out beautifully, but what can I say, I had a great teacher! I was also able to spend time and connect with one of the women artisans. Her name is Kamala, and I will share more about our time together in my next blog. 

“We are all in this together, and we are all doing good work together” was the mantra that kept coming up for me.

Thank you for participating in this campaign and thank you for shopping Fair Trade.

YES, your purchase is the action that gives opportunity to communities like this one to thrive. This artisan community, Handmade Expressions, SETU, and the group of Fair Trade American retailers were all connected through this powerful action of acknowledgement.

tote_button

TAKE ACTION

green sign sfThe harmful effects of modern day consumerism is not a secret, we see and feel the negative effects in communities around the world. At the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores our commitment to environmental standards that protect our local habitats and those of our artisan partners from India to Guatemala are central to our work everyday.

So we are proud to announce that the Global Exchange Fair Trade store in San Francisco has met the highest standards of the San Francisco Green Business Program, and we are now an officially Certified San Francisco Green Business!

We are a Green place to shop, and our Berkeley store is next!

 What Makes Us a Certified San Francisco Green Business:

  • We use all LED light bulbs

    LED lighting

    LED lighting

  • We use NO chemical cleaning agents: To clean we mix ¼ white vinegar with water
  • We recycle and compost everything we can
  • We re-use supplies: rubber bands, envelopes, paper etc.. (and so do a majority of our vendors)
  •  We buy 100% recycled paper, from printer to toilet paper
  • We are a host site for 3 organic Community Supported Agriculture farms
  • We are a non-profit, Human Rights Organization that fights for ecological justice
  • We sell recycled, up-cycled, re-purposed, handmade, and Fair Trade products

Our precious planet can only take so much abuse. So I’m happy to see consumers paying attention to the ecological impact of corporate industry and caring about the effect their purchasing decisions have on the world.  

 At Global Exchange we take environmental concerns seriously because we share them. We are here to promote ecological awareness, provide a positive consumer alternative and participate in building a healthy and clean future. The Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores are part of a growing number of retailers providing products that are both good for us and good for the environment. This is a good thing!

Check out these innovative Green products:recyceld mag multi

Looking to become a greener shopper? Here some some keys to green buying:

  • Research where products come from and what they are made of

    Tagua Earrings in Stunning Spring Time Turquoise

    Tagua Earrings in Stunning Spring Time Turquoise

  • Know who your money is supporting
  • Support the use of recycled or renewable raw materials
  • Buy clothing and products that are free of harmful chemicals and dyes
  • Buy quality products with lasting power
  • Use your purchase power to positively affect the system 
  • Buy local and Fair Trade
  • and of course, Shop at the Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores:)

The process to certify our store was straight forward, free and educational. I worked with a supportive Green Business Specialist from the SF Dept. of the Environment. I even applied what I learned from greening my work to greening my home.

Come in for a taste of Organic Fair Trade chocolate!

Come in for a taste of Organic Fair Trade chocolate!

If you want to know more about how this process unfolded, come visit me at the San Francisco Global Exchange Store. (And while you’re there, enjoy a free piece of delicious Fair Trade chocolate!)

I wish you health, happiness and prosperity.

P.S Pick up a copy and check us out in the Nov. issue of SF magazine (there’s a great shot of the recycled sari throws we carry!)

 

Kara Roguly

Kara Roguly

It is 6am on Sunday, I am in Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. A chorus of roosters, church bells and fireworks have become my alarm clock. I arrived in Guatemala six days ago, I leave from Antigua tomorrow.

I came to Guatemala to:

  1. Attend the New World Crafts Conference in Antigua;
  2. Work on product development with the producers who make Global Exchangestire bags;
  3. Meet with artisan groups where Global Exchange sources Guatemalan woven products.
IMG_0150

Fabric for aprons

During the first part of my trip, I met with the artisans who make hand woven aprons for Global Exchange, in Xetonox outside of Antigua.

Then I moved on to San Antonio, 20 minutes outside of Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, to meet with the family where Global Exchange sources scarves.

Here’s more about my visit with the artisans in San Antonio: 

Jennifer, an ex-pat from Canada, lives in Panajachel. She (like all ex-pats’s I have met on this trip) fell in love with the amazing grace and culture of the Mayan people while visiting almost 20 years ago.

Jennifer is Global Exchange’s connection to the artisans in San Antonio and my translator/guide for the day.

We met at her house. After breakfast we walked to the corner of the road and jumped in the back of a pick-up truck (pick-up trucks are used as taxi-buses around the lake) headed for San Antonio.

San Antonio + Lake Atitlan

San Antonio + Lake Atitlan

Jennifer knew which truck to get into by the way the women (in the back of the pick- up) were dressed. The majority of Mayan women in Guatemala wear traje, traditional indigenous clothing.The Mayan women from San Antonio wear bright indigo traje.

The truck dropped us off in front of  San Antonio’s church, the last stop from Panajachel. The village of San Antonio rests in the side of a mountain and runs down to the docks of Lago de Atitlan.

I see vibrant color. Indigo traje’s, emerald green foliage and dark silhouettes of three volcanos protecting the deep blue of the lake.

The village itself is small and has little infrastructure. Homes are close together and are primarily made of concrete walls and metal roofs. The village is grey accented with burnt orange  from rust.

Jennifer lead me down a small path off the main road, to meet Santos and his wife Candeleria.

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Thread prep before loom + Santos’ windows

 

Santos’ home/work space is different  from the other homes in San Antonio. He built his home with wood beams and glass.They have a panoramic view (of the lake) in their main work/live space. It is open and lovely.

IMG_0490

Miguel

 

The main room has two foot looms (which men and women weave on) and one beam that supports a back strap loom (only women weave with a back strap). They live simply and work hard.

 

I spoke with Santos and Candeleria (Jennifer translated) about the process of  weaving scarves. It goes like this.

IMG_0470

Rosario prepping thread for a back strap loom

1. Thread is bought by the pound then hand spooled into color blocked cones.

2. The cones are strategically organized by color to create a pattern for the foot loom prep. (women do the thread prep)

3. The organized cones are transferred to the foot loom prep (using a large square spool, the preparation is impressive and time consuming)

4. The prepped thread is then transferred to the foot loom, where Miguel begins to weave

IMG_0500

Cotton thread hand spooled onto a cone

 

When we arrive, Miguel, Rosario and Vivian are working on indigo scarves for Global Exchanges’ order.

Miguel is on the foot loom while the women are sewing final touches. Miguel (who is from San Antonio) is studying at a nearby university, and weaving enables him to pay for his education. Rosario (Candeleria’s sister) pays for her daughter’s education at the university thru weaving, and Vivian is studying eco-tourism at the university.

IMG_0494

Miguel weaving on foot loom

 

Global Exchange  (paying Santos and Candeleria upfront) sells the beautiful, hand woven scarves in San Francisco and Berkeley shops.

We offer their scarves in indigo blue, harvest orange, crimson magenta and sage green. I see and feel the fair trade of this collaboration and know the direct impact our purchase has on this family.

I spent time with the weavers. Taking pictures, asking questions and watching their artwork magically come to life.

Sometimes the translation went from english to spanish to kaqchikel and back. At 11am Rosario stopped weaving to start making tortillas for lunch, and it was time to go.

IMG_0501

Cones of thread, organized in a pattern

 

Jen and I walked down to the Lake and on our return up to wait for the next pick-up back to “Pana” (in front of the Catholic Church) my stomach began to twist,  so I bought a Sprite.

Perhaps it was the combination of foreign smells; car exhaust mixed with fragrant onions sitting in the sun, corn tortillas being made and wafts of sewage. Or guilt from thinking of how much I was looking forward to “getting back” to a hot shower.

Trying to calm my belly by slowly sipping carbonated sugar, I took a moment to reflect on the day. I thought about San Antonio’s simple way of life, the warmth of the people I met and the remarkable craft and cultural importance of Guatemalan weaving.

Looking out at the lake, over a sea of tin roofs tucked into a beautiful mountain of rich natural resources, I ask Jennifer what she sees, she replies “I see prosperity”.

I hope so.

IMG_0504

Jennifer on the truck ride back to Panajachel

This is my first time in Guatemala. It has been an eye-opening and life altering experience. Meeting the artisans has given real meaning to my definition of Fair Trade and a deeper connection and pride in my work.

I have many more photos and stories. Come into our shops, see these scarves for yourself  and I can tell you more about my trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indika bells at SF store

Bells at Global Exchange Store in San Francisco store.

 Global Exchange brings surprise treasures into my life. Most recently I had the privilege of being introduced to installation artist Tiffany Singh (Auckland, New Zealand).

About a year ago Tiffany contacted Global Exchange’s SF Store looking for 1000 Fair Trade Bells. We sell beautiful bells from India, in all sizes but she needed more bells than we have in stock; so I connected Tiffany with our bell source, Indika.

In June of this year Tiffany and her camera crew showed up at our SF store. I was fortunate to spend time with this wonderful artist, as she explained how she was going to incorporate the bells into her installation at the Montalvo Arts Centre in Saratoga CA.

Indika Bells

Bells of Mindfulness

The Bells of Mindfulness, proposes to deeply examine the idea of sacred spaces. Drawing on the Buddhist tradition of using temple bells as an aid for mindfulness, Tiffany suspended 1000 Indika bells and 1000 handmade paper cranes attached to brightly colored ribbons, color blocked, from a persimmon tree in Montalvo’s Italianate Garden, creating a tranquil space for rest and reflection. Sourcing the bells from rural artisans in western India, Singh hopes The Bells of Mindfulness will inspire conversations about the importance of better equity in international trade.

 

 The Bells of Mindfulness is a participatory sculpture. To participate:

  • Go to the persimmon tree in the Italianate garden in Montalvo Arts Center
  • Listen to the bells on the tree.
  • With intention choose your bell.
  • Take the bell to your sacred place.
  • Attach your bell.
  • Send us an audio recording, film clip, or image along with the location of the bell to bellsofmindfulness@gmail.com
  • Follow the journey of the bells at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bells_of_mindfulness/map/
  • Keep your eye out for bells. If you find one, marking someone’s sacred place, you may remove the bell and go back to step 3.

I had never been to the Montalvo Arts Center. It is a large walking meditation of beautiful paths incorporated in nature with witty, simple and beautiful installations scattered throughout.

I had to look for Tiffany’s persimmon tree, and I was so excited when I finally found the tree with colored string, colored paper cranes and bells hanging from it’s branches.

 I spent a couple hours under the tree, watching, ringing and listening to the bells. I took two fallen bells from the ground and gave one to my friend and the other is hanging in my kitchen, for now.

Seeing my bell reminds me that I value and strive to incorporate art and mindfulness in my daily life.

me and bells

Me looking at the bells.

Bells of Mindfulness   will be up thru October, I encourage you to spend a day at the Montalvo Arts Centre and

enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and art!

Mindfulness is the root of all methods that tame the mind. First it focuses the mind. Then it eases the mind. Finally it is the luminous nature, beyond thoughts.

 – Paul Rinpoche

bell in my home

My mindful bell at home.

mushmina

Butterfly Dress, Mushmina

I never know (weather-wise) what my San Francisco summer wardrobe will look like. As of now, I am pretty confident sunshine is in the forecast and summer dresses will be a staple. SF summer dresses mean when the sun goes down or when the fog rolls in, I can easily throw on a jacket or pants. I want dresses that I can wear from work to play and from day to night.I also need to know that my dresses are made ethically. Luckily, I have good Fair Trade connections!

As a connoisseur of local clothing and a Fair Trade advocate I decided to pair Global Exchange’s clothing with Saako jewelry from the local designer co-op Loft1513 for summer looks that not only feel good on but feel good to buy!photo

Here are my must have dresses!

        For the whimsical wearer and light of heart we have Mushmina’s Butterfly Dress: Perfect for all occasions. Easy to pair with a sweater, over pants, or over your bathing suit. How you would wear it?! Handmade in Morocco, Mushmina has a story worth reading about. “Designing Change” is their slogan and they are proving that high fashion can be ethical, affordable and empowering. The Butterfly Dress has an adjustable tie that creates a form fitted look in the front with a looser back silhouette. You have to come in and see for yourself! Soft fabric as well as elegant colors and patterns, make this an awesome summer go to piece. I paired this dress with a royal blue, jersey fabric Saako necklace.       

loft

Loft 1513

      Loft 1513 (a SF designer co-op) has Saako necklaces in beautiful colors and various styles. Check out Loft1513 just down the street from our SF store.

      For a structured look and for the 100% cotton lover ,Mata Traders’s Shanghai Shift Dress: Mata Traders has outdone themselves with rich colors and a flattering fit. Sweet details such as slight rouching down the torso, a camper shoulder with wood buttons and geometric patterns add flavor to the soft cotton.

mata

Shanghai Dress, Mata Traders

                                                                         Handmade, the artisans mix old fashioned processes (such as hand loom weaving and hand block printing) with fashion forward silhouettes. This dress falls above the knee and is easy to wear. These fabulous frocks are sewn by members of women’s cooperatives in India and Nepal.

      I love visually pairing these dresses with treasures from Loft1513. You must see these Saako necklaces in person.

      The soft jersey and weight of the necklace paired with the soft cotton of the Shanghai Dress together make a bold statement and feel great on your skin.

Nicole modeling the Shanghai Dress from Mata Traders

Global Exchange stores and Loft 1513 are perfect examples that when it comes to fashion, you do not have to sacrifice style for ethics. Clothing should be healthy for your body, your morals and the environment while showing off your personal style.

Looking for the Fair Trade label makes my shopping experience more rewarding and affirms my buying power. At Global Exchange Fair Trade stores, we provide an alternative (to corporate clothing) for the conscious shopper and fashion savvy. Fair Trade clothes are beautiful inside and out! Come in, treat yourself to a summer dress, let me take your picture, then stop by Loft1513 and say hello!

P.S Do you love Nicole’s bracelets? They are made in Mali from recycled plastic and of course you can get them in our stores!

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Check us out on Instagram for sweet Fair Trade fashion shots like the ones pictured in this post!