Have you started your holiday decorating yet? This season I encourage you to shop the
collection. The holidays are a time for giving, but most importantly, giving back. Whether you are looking for new decorative pieces to dress your holiday table or handcrafted gift ideas,
gifts that give hope
, are the best kind.
What if this season, you made a conscious decision to spend your dollars on gifts that give hope? Macy’s Heart of Haiti has been giving economic support to Haitian artisans ever since the devastating earthquake hit this economically fragile nation over five years ago. Shortly after the earthquake, Macy’s began carrying this product line featuring an array of beautiful handmade goods crafted by artisans in Haiti.
The country of Haiti is rich in the arts and despite
being the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, metal artisans, papier mache artisans, and skilled
crafts people are anxious to work and earn a living to support their families.
This beautiful
hand-forged recycled metal bowl
is pretty special. I decided to fill my bowl with holiday decorations and make it a table centerpiece this year. I want it to remind be to be grateful for everything I have and to remember the hard work (and heart) it takes the artisans in Haiti to create this work of art.
The
line of metal baskets is made in the town of Croix des Bouquets by
acclaimed metal artisans who have practiced this technique for years. The sales of these handcrafted
bowls allow the artisans to feed their families, send their children to school and better support their
extended families. Artisans forge these bowls out of recycled oil barrels, pounding out intricate designs.
Haiti has an estimated 400,000 artisans (out of a 10M
population) who rely solely on their handcrafted goods as a source
of income. No other sector of employment even approaches such
numbers.
Macy’s Heart of Haiti employs 550 artisans, providing economic support to their 4500 extended family
members and others.
Check out this
of how the Heart of Haiti metal artisan makes these gorgeous pieces and shop at
this season for gifts that give hope.
*This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.