Artisan Spotlight: Diaz Studio, plus 20% off colorful jewelry!

Lima, Peru: The Diaz Project started in mid-2006 when Mery-Luz decided to quit her job and fully engage in textile design. This decision allowed her to spend more time with her daughter (then two yrs old). Her home became her workshop where artisans work an 8-hour day, but based on her own experience as a mother, she realized her artisans were absent from home for long hours but needed the income to provide for their children, so she gave them the materials to work from home.  They meet weekly to work together and organize orders. This flexibility allows the women to perform their family duties while still bringing in an income. Mery-Luz believes a mother is an irreplaceable presence and is vital to the development of a child. This flexibility made the artisans happier and their work performance improved as did the quality. Special Designer Offer: Use code NL0810 to receive 20% off ALL of the colorful jewelry made at the Diaz Studio.  These lovely pieces are carefully assembled, crocheted, wrapped, and glued by hand from scrap and industry by-product like wood, threat, silk ribbon, and yarn.

Artisan Spotlight: Mend

Gulu, Uganda: In northern Uganda, thousands of girls have been kidnapped by a rebel army. After escaping an abusive life, these now grown women often return home as mothers. Unable to return to school because of their duties, they are left to fend for themselves. Many are trained to sew as part of their rehabilitation, and this- our latest and potentially greatest program to date- will further enable such women to MEND.

MEND has a sewing facility with 13 women, 1 Pattern/Fabric Cutter, 1 Technical Manager, and 1 Production Coordinator all based in Gulu, Uganda. All the women were former sex slaves, abducted very young & tortured for years by Joseph Kony's rebel army. Now they are all rehabilitated and have been given full time employment.

Mend is a new brand & handbag line by Revolutionaries at Invisible Children. Each Handbag has been individually created and sewn by a woman whose name is forever labeled within and will tell the story of the women who made it, and build into the healing and advancement of the war-affected areas of Uganda.

Special Designer Offer: Use code NL0804 to receive 20% off all MEND'S messenger bags! Available in black or army green, these spacious and comfortable bags are a back-to-school essential.

Artisan Spotlight: Same Sky

Kigali, Rwanda: Same Sky is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women.  Founded in 2008, SAME SKY aims to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs and lead self sustaining lives.

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, women in Rwanda were subjected to sexual violence on a massive scale.  According to the International Criminal Tribunal, more than 250,000 women were raped and, of the survivors, approximately 70% were infected with HIV/AIDS.  In addition, they were left impoverished after their husbands, fathers, and brothers were murdered.   Same Sky was born with the goal of empowering these women to rebuild their lives and communities.

In Rwanda, Same Sky first partnered with Gahaya Links, a handicrafts organization founded in 2004 by sisters Janet Nkubana and Joy Ndunguste. The artisans making SAME SKY bracelets work in a collective and are free to discuss social issues of the day such as domestic violence, western medicine, and opening a bank account. SAME SKY also provides the women artisans with a daily stipend that covers transportation to and from work and a daily meal. Their wage is ten times the average wage made by women in sub-Saharan Africa. The income they earn ensures they can provide food, education, and healthcare for their entire family.

Special Designer Offer: Use code NL0728 to receive 20% off all of Same Sky's glass beaded bracelets!

Digs Artisan Spotlight: Avani

Kumaon Region, India: Avani is a voluntary organization working in the middle ranges of the Himalayas in Uttaranchai in northern India.  Established in 1997 as the Kumoan branch of the Social Work and Research Center, also known as the Barefoot College, Avani was formally registered in 1999 as an independent organization operating with these "barefoot" principles of community-based, sustainable development.

Avani aims at the creation of village-based livelihood opportunities utilizing appropriate technologies like solar energy for household lighting systems, rain water harvesting systems for drinking water, eco-friendly initiatives such as organic farming and environmental education, and the introduction of seri-culture for production of wild silk yarns and textiles.

All of Avani's scarves and wraps are handwoven from raw, wild silk in the Himalayan region of northern India and naturally dyed.  The subtle colors with flecks of frosted gold adds an effortless elegance to any ensemble.

Special Designer Offer:  Receive 20% off Avani's Wild Silk Scarf! Use CodeNL0513 at checkout!  Handmade from wild silk and natural dyes, this lighter than air scarf is perfect for cool summer evenings.

Digs Artisan Spotlight: Awayu

La Paz, Bolivia: The Bolivian Andes are home to men and women that live in perfect harmony with nature.  This region is the natural habitat of llamas and alpacas.  These native and generous animals are an important part of life for the native people of the Andes, who with great ancestral skill use the rich woolen fibers of these beautiful creatures to make their own clothing and premium products for the world. Using their inherited skills in weaving garments, the Association of Llama and Alpaca Breeder of the High Andes AIGACAA - decided to establish a modern Alpaca thread and tops industry: COPROCA.  The Llama and Alpaca Fiber Company "COPROCA" is a private enterprise whose main shareholders are 1,200 families who live in the Bolivian highlands.  Since 2005, COPROCA began manufacturing high added value Alpaca garments.  As of this initiative, COPROCA offers technical assistance and market research for over 350 craftsmen and craftswomen who reside in the city of El Alto, and several rural commuities in the highlands.  Later, they formed their own fashion company AWAYU Fashion which collaborates with fashion forward designers to bring us this collection.

Don't miss our huge Winter Sale on Awayu's handknit, all natural, and dye-free Alpaca Apparel and Ornaments!  Shop now while supplies last!

This weeks giveaway: Win 4 of our Small Margot Pins - the perfect way to add some "spring" to your step (and your wardrobe)!  Like DIGS on Facebook to find out how to enter!