Christy's Handcrafts and Fair Trade Dolls
Christy's Handcrafts was launched just months ago, by a stay-at-home mom looking to create a livelihood that meshed with her ideals and lifestyle. A firm proponent of learning through real world experience, Christy Koppisch not only wanted to make a successful business enterprise, she also wanted to find a way to engage her six year old boy's expressive energy. Combining the notion of sparking children's natural creative inclinations with a learn-by-doing approach, Koppisch started her web business selling beginner handcrafting kits and supplies. The basket-weaving, paper-making, knitting and other handcraft arts all provide meditative, expressive activities for children, while teaching them larger lessons about the global craft community. Christy's Handcrafts also offers Fair Trade products created by indigenous cultures worldwide, from children's clothing to dolls, puppets and toys, which help bring needed resources and sustainable income to mothers and artisans abroad, teaching children firsthand how our dollars can affect people across the globe.
“Each shipment of inventory that arrives becomes a journey into a distant land,” Koppisch explains. “…As we unearth the treasures made by far away people, our hands grasp that which their hands have made and we feel richly connected. My son runs to his globe as we search for each treasure's country of origin.”
As the company evolved, Koppisch recognized the potential for local community-building workshops and has recently expanded to offer courses and monthly workshops for children in the San Diego area. Check www.ChristysHandcrafts.com often for event listings and unique products. -JD
A Valentine's Gift with Heart
The Peace Alliance Bracelets
If you haven't already heard about The Peace Alliance, it's time to pay heed to this monumental campaign to establish a much-needed U.S. Department of Peace. The alliance is a nonpartisan organization advocating for legislation to better support a culture of peace. The proposed department will use policies and resources to reduce child and domestic abuse, gang violence, and provide nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflict. Run by citizen organizers in all 50 states, the group evolved from an organization founded by Marianne Williamson, and through the help of thousands of activists, has been transformed from a beautiful concept into a political reality. Because the organization is a non-profit, they started a web store dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the campaign. One of the latest ways to show your support is to sport their jewelry line. The web store offers a necklace made with traditional Buddhist meditation beads, as well as affordable metal cuff bracelets for men and women. The bracelets are available in five different designs, each with different inscriptions. The Compassion Bracelet features virtues of compassion––justice, peace, freedom, hope. The Courage design boasts words of courage and foundations for building character. My personal favorite, the Multilingual Love and Peace Bracelets each feature the words “love” and “peace” in a handful of different languages, reminding us all how powerful a Department of Peace can be in creating a better future. Perfect for a Valentine's gift with meaning, or just a treat for yourself that won't leave you with shopper's guilt. Go to www.shopforpeace.net to see additional products such as buttons, shirts, bumper stickers and posters, and check www.thepeacealliance.org for campaign and volunteer information. -JD