EVERY PRODUCT HAS A STORY
Ever wonder about the people of Crossroads Handcrafts? Learn more about the amazing stories from the the artisans and farmers behind some of Crossroads' most popular products! We work with artisans and vendors from all over the globe to bring fair trade products to you.
FAIR TRADE ON MAIN CUSTOM BAGS FROM FREESET GLOBAL
This product is more than just a stitched piece of fabric, it tells a story of freedom.
For hundreds of women who were trapped in India's sex trade it brings freedom from a life that robbed them of dignity and hope.
Freeset is in the business of restoring what has been stolen. Women are given the opportunity to choose a new job and regain control of their lives in a caring community. Making this product is part of a woman's journey to freedom. To her friends and neighbors among the thousands still trapped in prostitution, she is a symbol of hope.
For more information, visit Freeset Global.
HAITIAN METAL ART from BEYOND BORDERS
Beyond Borders was created in response to the beauty found even in the midst of hardships and challenges of every day life in Haiti. Using fair trade principles of fair wages, this piece helps provide that Haitian community real economic improvement and lives bettered through the creation and sharing of their beautiful art. Each beyond Borders item is handcrafted by a Haitian artist using recycled and up-cycled materials. The result is this unique and memorable gift with the highest quality craftsmanship. You'll love the art, and that you've contributed to the recovery from the earthquake in 2010.
Beyond Borders, an import company, works with 100 artists and offers retail stores and garden centers over 300 designs.
QUILLING CARD
Quilling Card, rooted in Vietnam, has been incredibly fortunate to assemble a team of women who have become passionate about the art of quilling. Last May, they opened the doors to their first factory in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. They were able to employ over 100 quillers, providing a stable, safe work environment with housing, healthcare, and food benefits. They are continually striving to create a community of women that love the craft and genuinely enjoy the creative outlet that quilling can provide, while simultaneously providing a living for themselves.
MAD MATS
Mad Mats from Mariachi Imports showcase what artisans from Thailand have done with recycled milk jugs, containers, packaging and other plastics that were land-fill bound. They have literally turned trash into treasure with these 100% carefree outdoor rugs that range from traditional patterns to bold geometrics in beautiful color schemes. The rugs don’t fade, stain, or trap moisture or mildew. Mariachi Imports adheres to the best fair trade and environmental practices. They treat the people who make their products, regardless of where they are in the world, as they themselves expect to be treated. Equally important, they strive to minimize their environmental footprint both through materials and production processes used.
BRIGHT ENDEAVORS
Bright Endeavors is an innovative social enterprise that transforms the lives of young moms by teaching them to craft premium soy candles through a paid job training program. Every candle is an opportunity for a young mom to move closer to her goals. 100% of the proceeds goes towards their mission.
GOBENA COFFEE
In the summer of 2007, Steve and Danae traveled to Ethiopia to adopt their little girl, Eva. There, they met Gobena, an elderly farmer who had found and rescued their baby girl when she was abandoned near his home. For more than four weeks, Gobena and his wife tried to care for Eva as best they could, but soon realized she needed more than they could offer. They carried her five miles to town where she was given food and shelter. This act of love inspired Steve and Danae to start Gobena Coffee where 100% of the net profits are given to Lifesong for Orphans.
DIVINE CHOCOLATE
Divine Chocolate is co-owned by the 85,000 farmer members of Kuapa Kokoo, the cooperative in Ghana that supplies the cocoa for each bar of Divine. As owners, they get a share in the profits, a say in the company, and a voice in the global marketplace.
MR. ELLIE POOH
In Sri Lanka, wild elephants are being killed because of agriculture. Humans are cutting down the forest to grow rice crops. When elephants eat these crops, they are shot and killed. Their mission is to put fairly traded paper-making and artisan jobs in these conflict areas. Their hope is that sustainable jobs will change the perceptions of Sri Lankan farmers.
