One of the wonderful benefits of travel is learning about other cultures. The histories and traditions of other places is fascinating to me, especially the art and craft. Each region of the globe has its own rich artistic tradition, but in many places it’s fading fast. How often do you think about where our goods come from? Who made them? It was eye-opening to watch this woman in Burano, Italy hand-tie lace, the traditional craft for the women of this island, while the men were out to sea fishing.
I came away from my experience of living and traveling abroad with a strong belief in supporting artisans around the world, helping them to use their art and craft to earn a living. That’s why I support Nest with a portion of the proceeds from all of my online courses. This wonderful organization seeks to “celebrate craftsmanship as a powerful way to promote prosperity and stability throughout the world,” as written in their recently-released 2011 Annual Report. Nest provides in-depth training and business development for artisans in developing economies, and partners with companies to create sustainable markets for the goods. It’s a win-win for all involved. I encourage you to learn more by visiting their website here.
For all of those who have participated in my courses over the last year, I would like to thank you for your support, which allows me to continue to support Nest. Together we have done a little bit to empower many women around the world who earn their living through traditional art and craft. Thank you!
Kat – how wonderful to read about your continuing support for Nest. And to thank you again for being the connecting point for me to this wonderful organization.
I continue to violunteer for them as a graphic designer – in fact, I designed the 2011 Annual Report that you refer to in your post! Things come full circle!
Working with Rebecca and the Nest staff has been an amazing privelege and opportunity for me. So here we are together, doing our part to empower fellow artisans around the world – how cool is that?
Wonderful job on the annual report design Brenda! I really enjoyed reading it, and now knowing the “full circle” nature of your connection with it makes me even more excited. I love this connection we have both found with Nest.
It is wonderful to learn another aspect of your altruistic nature, Kat.
We here at Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines help the local loom weavers and handicraft artisans, albeit at this point by regularly patronizing their works before seeking outside sources.
I will make them aware of Nest.
Thank you for sharing.
How wonderful to have the local support for artisans on the island that you do! I’m glad that I was able to make you aware of Nest.
it’s so lovely that you support that organization kat. when i was in vietnam several years ago i was fascinated by the women weaving and dyeing the hemp plants and turning them into beautiful textiles. something you don’t see every day on the streets here in the U.S.!
How awesome! What a great opportunity to see those artisans in Vietnam. You are right, we don’t see anything like this on the streets in the US. 🙂
I was not aware of NEST until now Kat. Thanks for enlightening me. I will do some research and see if I can find a way to contribute to such a worthy cause.
Thank you for the update on NEST. You are so generous to donate part of your proceeds to support these women, Kat. It is such a worthy cause.