The villages that surround Mumbai, India, are the homes of thousands of families who struggle to make ends meet. Many try to make a living by working over 10 hours a day while making less than $1 for their work. Exploitation is a sad truth, affecting the poorest of the poor. Their lack of education, resources, access to credit and any leverage whatsoever leaves them vulnerable and at the mercy of factory owners (foreign or domestic). Often times, adults take their children out of school and force them to work so they can help the family survive. Women are mostly at risk, being in high demand for their domestic work.
Luckily, there exist organizations such as Diane’s Paperworks who aim to support the already gifted, but struggling communities of India. Through developing new innovative designs, raising the standard of quality, linking local artisans with the global marketplace, and advocating for sustainable development, Diane’s Paperworks has been able to become an organization with a conscience. They provide life changing help for young men, teaching them the skills of screen-printing on hand made paper, job training, housing, a basic literacy course, and future job placement. Beyond that, since most women have never been beyond a 5th grade education, Diane’s Paperworks works along side them to teach them math and reading skills. Women are also empowered by encouraging them to make decisions in the community.
Thanks to the empowerment that Diane’s Paperworks provides the artisans with, alongside SETU-The Bridge To Artisans’ efforts to bring these products to our retail partners, artisans are experiencing many changes in their lives. The sustainable income provides the artisans with enough money to invest in programs that improve the conditions of their villages, such as clean water and medical centers. Below you can see what products are made by these wonderful artisans.
World Cushions
These cushion covers are made of cotton in southern India. Artisans make the shape of 3 continents using batik art (wax printing). Comes as a set of 3 cushions, each...
Reflection Wall Art
This wall art has been made using the traditional art of batik wax printing. The image represents a woman looking at her reflection. The detail on this piece is amazingly...
Bamboo Tree Wall Art
This wall art has been made using the traditional art of batik wax printing. The image represents a bamboo tree. The detail on this piece is amazingly beautiful. The top...
Buddha Smiles Wall Hanging
This wall art has been made using the traditional art of batik wax printing. The image represents Buddha in a meditating position. The top is folded into a loop to...
Swirl Cotton Scarf
This is a 100% soft-feel cotton scarf, embellished through the traditional art of batik wax printing. The artwork on the scarf looks like different swirls, giving it an elegant look.
This...
Wave Cotton Scarf
This is a 100% soft-feel cotton scarf. The artwork on the scarf is made through the traditional art of batik wax printing, and looks like a series of waves on...
OM Batik Scarves
These scarves are handmade of 100% cotton. The scarves come in 2 color combinations: different tones of blue and yellow/burgundy. Each scarf has artwork done through the traditional art of...
Cotton Batik Stoles
These beautiful stoles are made with good quality, soft feel cotton. The traditional art used here is “Batik”, where the fabric is treated with wax and then dipped into different...
Africa Peace Please Messenger Bags
These handmade messenger bags come with both an olive-green and grey-blue colored flap both with an off-white back. Stamped over the east coast of Africa is a peace sign that...
Safari Cushion Covers
Set of 3 18"x18" cushion covers are batik dyed in blue, olive, and rust colors. Images of a giraffe, zebra, and tiger are on the front while the matching animal...
Waves Scarf
Lightweight and flowing, this rich, navy colored scarf has a beautiful "waves" pattern spread across it. This scarf is made using a batik technique.
* Made of cotton
* 20" x...
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