It’s almost November, friends! That means that it’s time to start thinking about the Holidays! I don’t know about you, but Christmas music will be getting turned on in our house starting November 1st. We haven’t decorated yet, but I have a strong feeling we will be getting the box out very soon! We will definitely be posting some photos on Instagram and maybe even filming a Youtube Video of our cute little tiny house once we’ve got it all decorated, stay tuned for that!
If you’re thinking about adding some Ethical, Fair Trade, and Sustainable decor to your Christmas arsenal this year, look no further! I’m going to share 8 adorable Christmas decor items that you’re going to love!
All of our fair trade designs bring hope to the women and men who create them. It is our hope that the joy of this season will not only be celebrated within our families and friends, but shared with the world to bring peace to all. Each gift purchased brings hope to its creator.
Be sure to use my shopping links below each product so we can make an even bigger impact with the current promotions going on with Trades of Hope!
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Take a look at the digital version of the Fall Style Board here(click HERE to shop):
Block Print Nativity Set $38
A great set for kiddos to play with!!
This set of eight nativity figurines is intricately hand carved and whitewashed by Artisans in India. Each set includes baby Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, three kings, one shepherd, and one sheep. Made from rohida wood, these figurines are decorative replicas of the hand-carved stamps Artisans use when block printing, one of India’s most treasured Artisan traditions. Handcrafted in India by men like Hermant
Hermant’s Story of Hope:
Hemant is a master craftsman in India who learned traditional woodcarving from his father and dreams of passing his own Artisan skills on to the next generation. He loves the challenge of working on complicated designs and has been able to provide for his wife and two sons for nearly three decades through his work as an Artisan, including sending one of his sons to college. Hemant carefully selects the best type of wood for each design and then creates a pattern for the other Artisans he employs in his workshop at his home.
“Working with this Artisan community has given me an opportunity to understand the market and the value of work and sharing a good thing with my fellow Artisans.”
Capiz Starlight Ornaments $38
This elegant set of three handcrafted capiz shell ornaments begins at the bottom of the sea surrounding the Philippine Islands. Divers collect basketfuls of beautiful “windowpane” shells for Artisans like Emelyn, who cut each custom shape and bind them by into delicate gold-plated frames to create these star-inspired ornaments. Handcrafted by women in the Philippines, like Emelyn.
Emelyn’s Story of Hope:
After financial struggles forced Emelyn and her siblings to drop out of school during her first year of college, Emelyn went to work at a fast-food restaurant. At the restaurant, she met the granddaughter of a local businesswoman who taught women how to make jewelry and art from capiz shells. Amazed by the Artisans’ creativity, Emelyn eagerly learned each step of the production process. Now, this twenty-four-year-old is able to support her parents, send her younger brother back to school, and buy land to build her family a home. She even co-manages the workshop’s entire capiz production process, along with the owner’s granddaughter!
Mama & Baby Penguin Pair Ornaments $30
OMG. When I saw these I SWOONED. I’ve always been a lover of penguins, if you saw my stuffed animal collection as a kid you would see.
Each penguin is handcrafted in Nepal with a festive knit scarf to keep it warm and cozy. Handcrafted in Nepal by women like Amrita.
Amrita’s Story of Hope:
My aunt introduced me to this workshop. As an Artisan, I’m able to devote time toward both my studies and work. With this balance, it makes me feel like a responsible person toward society and my family. I’m earning my bachelor’s degree in social work. I’ve seen children not receiving appropriate care and nurture. I’ve seen children wandering around the streets and sometimes ending up in wrong places. I would like to help them in any way possible. I dream of opening an orphanage to serve their needs and provide them with an education.
I really appreciate my work. I’m able to contribute toward my family’s expenses. Moreover, I’ve been able to pay my own tuition fees. So, this work is very important to me.
Mini Stars of Haiti Ornaments $36
This set of four upcycled cereal box ornaments will be the shining mini stars of your holiday décor! Each ornament is hand-rolled by mothers in Haiti, where our mission to help mamas keep their babies began. Handcrafted in Haiti by women like Clivia.
Clivia’s Story of Hope
I come from a small family and was raised in one of the most dangerous areas in Port-au-Prince. I cannot imagine what life would be like without my work. I would have to depend on the help of others. I love when I hear there are new orders and that I’m able to come to work the next day! Now, life is really peaceful in our community. Trades of Hope and this Artisan community have helped by providing jobs.
I have my own family now, and we’ve moved to a safe area since I started working at this workshop. Now, I’m an independent woman and I’m able to help my mother. My dream is to have enough money to be able to build my own home!
Nordic Gnome Ornament Trio $32
This set of three whimsical Nordic gnomes will add some playful charm to your holiday décor with their fluffy beards and bellies! Each handcrafted wool felt gnome features his own unique and festive holiday hat. Handcrafted in Nepal by women like Kamala.
Kamala’s Story of Hope:
These ornaments help provide peace and comfort to socially marginalized women in Nepal like Kamala. In a culture that discriminates against women, Kamala and her Artisan community depend on earning income from purchases beyond their local markets. Every purchase helps Kamala provide food, clothing, education, and a safe home for her family.
Steel Nativity Ornament $22
Handcrafted from upcycled steel oil drums, this nativity inspired ornament is meticulously hand cut, hammered, and embellished by Artisans in Haiti. Finished with natural string and a hand-rolled cereal box bead, this ornament is the perfect gift of hope for everyone on your gift list! Handcrafted in Haiti by men like Claude.
Claude’s Story of Hope:
In the midst of extreme poverty, political unrest, and constant trials, our Artisan partners in Haiti are creating beauty from discarded materials like upcycled steel oil drums. Abandoned by his mother as a young boy, Claude became orphaned and alone when his father passed away. As a child, Claude worked alongside the Artisans in his village to provide for himself. As a teen, he sold handcrafted Noah’s Arks at local fairs. Now in his late 20’s, he is highly respected by the dozens of Artisans he oversees in his workshop.
Snowflake Coaster Set $28 & Trivet $22
As someone who owns the vintage trivet & loves it, I was thrilled to see these shapes added for Christmas! Hand-carved mango wood with whitewash finished edges make the Snowflake Trivet & Coasters from India the perfect accent pieces for your winter holiday table! Both handcrafted in India by women like Ekra.
Ekra’s Story of Hope:
Growing up in India, Ekra dreamed of graduating, but financial challenges forced her to drop out of school in the 8th grade. Without an education, her job opportunities were severely limited. As Ekra watched her older brothers follow in their father’s footsteps and become woodworkers, she became interested in their family’s business. She started helping with finishing and packaging.
Now she works alongside her brothers as an equal Artisan partner with the support of their Artisan community who recently made improvements to their family’s workshop by adding safety equipment and better lighting. Ekra is grateful for her work and for the financial support of her Artisan community, especially during the recent COVID-19 lockdown in India.
