Handmade Expressions Fair Trade | Consumer Lookbook 2013-14

Handmade expressions 速 Fair Trade Wholesale Catalog

2013-2014

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Dear Friends and Partners, Welcome to our first annual catalog of sustainable, eco-friendly products! Inside you’ll find more than 100 new fair trade products that not only look good, but do good. These exclusive new designs are fresh, inspired and have moving stories about their origins and how they’re made.

Through these years, I’ve come to realize that we at Handmade Expressions are rebels in this industry.

We continue to focus on working with smaller and rural artisan communities, which makes our work much harder, but we also realize that they are the folks who need this connection to trade. We focus on one country so we can build deeper partnerships there. We continue to challenge the materials and processes we use in our products to make sure we are not harming our planet.

As we are growing bigger, our carbon footprint is becoming smaller.

We are rebels embracing a sustainability revolution.

It is a tough, yet an incredibly rewarding journey. The satisfaction of making positive impacts for producers and our environment, and growing a global base of ethical buyers and consumers, keeps us going and striving for more.

Thank you for joining our revolution!

Manish Gupta Founder and Chief Rebel P.S. We are the first fair trade wholesaler to publish a comprehensive sustainability report that analyzes our values, operations and initiatives to affect social and environmental change http://is.gd/HMEimpact.

“Handmade Expressions has excellent pr oduct s. We have worked wit h t hem since our business opened four years ago. I highly rec ommend t hem.”

- MARTHA EHLMAN, TENFOLD FAIR TR ADE COLLEC TION

Fair Trade Federation awarded our photo Fair Trade: It’s Only Natural Honorable Mention in its 2013 Photo Contest. This photo of a block-print artisan in Barmer, India, captures a step in the natural coloring process used to create vivid fabric designs for items.

CREDITS: Female Models: Kelly Coffman and Denise Downs. Male Model: Jason M. Syptak All new products were photographed by Hayden Spears at the following locations: Hotel St. Cecilia, Malverde and Zilker Botanical Garden.

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HERE YOU WILL FIND just a few of our most popular selling products. Each product we offer has its own unique story. This story may be one of social empowerment, positive environmental impact or innovative designs that come from collaboration, cultural influences, sustainable materials, craft skills and trends. Whatever the story may be, it is one that gives a lasting impression.

ACS 119

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JMER 147

JLWN 109

JLWN 108

JEB 688 | JEB 687

JEB 692 | JEB 689

JLWR 208

CRB 312

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JLW 05

JMB 157 ACS 115 JMB 156

ACS 120

JMR 163

VGS 112

SEBG 305

SEBG 310

SEBG 308

JEB 690

IRS 403

JLWN 107

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JMER 141

JM 136

JMB 132 JMB 153 JMB 130

11

JM 137

JM 138

SEBG 310

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JMER 146

JMER 163

JMB 153

JMB 164

VSB 221

JMB 132

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JMER 149

IRS 401

JMB 155

From Left to Rigth: JEB 694 | JEB 695 | JEB 693

JLWN 110

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CRB 311

CRB 309

JMER 148

ACS 118

IIB 103

THE BOHO COLLECTION Our new Boho bag collection has a beautiful story behind it that starts with the handloom fabric. Created by a small group of weaving artisans on handlooms, this truly is a special fabric made with care and love. But the story goes beyond the fabric. In order to convert that great fabric into this bag collection, Handmade Expressions leveraged our large network of artisan communities and brought together the best of seven different artisan groups to make these bags! Skilled crafters in stitching, leather making, metal accessories, riveting, tassels and block printing all contributed to the design and creation of these high-quality bags.

Fun and functional, Boho bags are a sustainability success story — generating income and opportunities for several hundred artisans throughout India.

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IIB 104

B.

IIB 102

C.

JMB 166

ECL 106

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All of the jewelry pieces you find in this catalog are lead-free, nickel-free and cadmium-free. We have exceeded consumer product safety regulations to ensure that these fashion pieces are safe for you and the artisans!

JLWN 110

JLWB 301

JLW 10

JLW 09

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JLWN 108

JLWB 303

JLWB 305

JLWN 109

WIRE DOT COLLECTION

JLW 11

Artisans glass

use beads

upcycled to

wire,

create

copper

bold

and

geometric

jewelry designs that are trendy, yet earthy. May patina over time to create natural antique effect, or polish to keep it sleek and shiny.

JLWB 302

LIVING OUR VALUES, MAKING AN IMPACT Women comprise 70 percent of the world’s poorest people and own only 1 percent of the titled land. They suffer not only from unequal access to education and training, but also from discrimination. In India the literacy rate for females is barely 50% and men are twice as likely to be employed. When greater income equality is achieved across gender lines, it helps decrease poverty over generations. Studies have indicated that for every dollar a woman earns, she invests 80 cents in her family.

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One of Handmade Expressions’ major initiatives is women’s empowerment and livelihood generation. Our partnership with an all-women’s cooperative in the rural desert region in western Rajasthan, India, is just one example of this. Women learn the art of hand appliqué from fellow village women and teach this art to others; we provide training and workshops to strengthen design, quality and their entrepreneurship skills.

This is a grassroots setup where these women artisans are distributed over 40 villages in the region, most without electricity, running water and roads.

Women come once a week to the cooperative office, submit their products, and collect more raw materials to work on in their homes. Profits from this art have helped bring to the region medical centers, solar electricity, evening schools for kids, and vocational colleges for women. Women have also begun participating in local political processes and girls have completed primary education and continue on to pursue higher education.

Handmade Expressions has an ongoing commitment to support this group of women artisans. Their handmade products (Cutwork Messenger Bags, p. 25; Kantha Pillows, p. 116) provide them economic empowerment, improved livelihoods for their families, and education for girls. Win-win-win!

IRS 401

WORLD NOVELTIES - SPINNING TOPS These non-toxic spin tops, smoothly painted with natural dyes will instantly remind you of a simpler, sweeter time.

Beautifully painted in vibrant colors with smooth wood carving details on bottom point. Great for display or play for both adults and children, home or office. Set of 3.

AEH 401

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AN ANCIENT CRAFT IN INDIA, BLOCK PRINTING IS A PAINSTAKING PROCESS OF LABOR-INTENSIVE STEPS THAT CAN PRODUCE THE MOST STUNNING AND UNIQUE ART MADE BY HANDS AND NATURE. BASIC TOOLS: WOODEN BLOCKS, FABRIC, NATURAL DYE

01:

CREATING WOOD BLOCKS Carvers cut into blocks of wood to create mirror image of the pattern to be imprinted. Each color gets its own block. Intricate designs can take several carvers up to three days to create a pattern! Blocks soak in oil for 2 weeks to soften the wood.

02:

FABRIC PREPARATION Raw, unbleached fabric is dipped into a mix of natural herbs and cow dung to make it absorbent for dyes. It is then washed and dried.

03:

DYE PREPARATION Natural dyes are extracted from plants and minerals such as flowers, roots, rocks and iron. The dyes are prepared as liquids and put in a tray with a sponge in which the block is dipped.

04:

BLOCK PRINTING Starting from one corner, artisan presses block with wet dye onto fabric.

The block is dipped again in dye and reapplied at precise spots for pattern continuation. When the pattern is complete, artisans toss sawdust on it to absorb additional dye.

05:

FINISH For natural dyes, the printed fabric is usually washed or boiled for the final color to come to surface. It’s fascinating to see how the color changes throughout the process!

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Herbs used to make natural dyes.

Saw dust being used to absorb excess dyes after printing.

Artisan pressing a block to imprint on fabric.

Artisan washing a fabric for final colors to settle.

“This is the type of company report we need as shoppers to really learn where our products are coming from and to understand the impacts of our choices.”

- MICHAEL SKILLICORN | BOARD DIRECTOR, FAIR TRADE FEDERATION

HANDMADE EXPRESSIONS® S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O RT

2012

LIVING OUR VALUES MAKING AN IMPACT

Handmade Expressions is the first fair trade wholesaler to publish a comprehensive sustainability report that analyzes our company’s values, operations and initiatives to affect social and environmental change. Living Our Values, Making an Impact includes several case studies that highlight projects and actions we took in 2012 to fulfill our mission as a socially responsible company committed to people, planet and artisan-crafted fair trade products.

“A model for us all in being able to share information in a clear and powerful format.”

-JOCELYN BORETA | FAIR TRADE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, GLOBAL EXCHANGE STORES

READ IT AT: HTTP://IS.GD/HMEIMPACT

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TWO TEAMS. ONE GOAL. Handmade Expressions is a global company, working on the ground with artisan groups in India as well as retailers and other customers in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Our India team, SETU (meaning “bridge” in Hindi), develops and maintains artisan producer relationships and handles packaging, exporting and artisan development. Handmade Expressions’ Austin team manages design, sales, and marketing.

This approach gives us the advantage of reduced product development and production lead times and costs and allows Handmade Expressions to understand the social, economic, and environmental challenges artisans face and provide support to our partners as needed.

TEAM AUSTIN

Team Austin pictured left: Left to right: Katharine, Alison, Aileen, Manish, Michelle, Tyler, Churra, Nathan, Jessica Seated: Matt and Ruchi

TEAM INDIA Team India pictured to the right: Back row (left to right): Kaushal, Suni, and Sachin Middle row (left to right): Archna, Neetu, Rashmi, Rani, and Neelam Seated (left to right): Laxmibai, Pushpa, Saadhna, Usha, Rambai, and Mamta

{ Home Decor } 31

MARKETING SUPPORT

We believe in partnerships - not only with the artisans that make our products, but also the retailers who sell them. We support our customers through personalized service as well as helpful information about our products, featured in the printed materials you see here.

For more information, please contact us: marketing@handmadeexpressions.net

Supporting both People and the Planet

Every chance we get.

Supporting both

People and the Planet.

Fair Trade makes a difference.

Fair Trade makes a difference.

This neclace was produced by a women’s collective in Northern India using upcycled materials.

Fair trade practices are preserving traditional artforms across the globe by supporting artisan collectives.

Distributed by Handmade Expressions, a member of Fair Trade Federation.

Distributed by Handmade Expressions, a member of Fair Trade Federation.

POSTERS - FAIR TRADE, SERIES 1

These 18" x 11 3/4" posters highlight different benefits of fair trade using bold messaging. One poster of your choice comes free with every $500 purchase.

POSTERS - CONSUMER LIFESTYLE, SERIES 3

These 18" x 11 3/4" posters highlight consumer interaction with fair trade products. One poster of your choice comes free with every $500 purchase.

FLYERS

Educate your customers and sales staff with these flyers that define Fair Trade and answer some frequently asked questions.

Item code: FLY 101 MOQ: 1 box (100 flyers) Price: $700

SHELF TALKERS

With every order, we provide self-standing mini posters, or shelf talkers(6” x 9”), that detail the artisan story for the most predominant product group(s) in your order.

POSTERS - FAIR TRADE, SERIES 2

These 18” x 11 3/4" posters highlight different benefits of fair trade using subtle messaging focused on the artisan environment. One poster of your choice comes free with every $500 purchase.

PRODUCT TAGS

All product tags contain specific information on the artisan group that made the product, and how each purchase makes a difference in their lives.

Handmade Expressions frequently uses the online community — a variety of social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, and our Fair Trade Blog — to build our business and communicate information about sustainability and fair trade. Please contact us about using these resources to promote events or specific types of retail activity supporting fair trade.

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT

Contact us at: marketing@handmadeexpressions.net. We certainly appreciate your “LIKE” support on Facebook (see Handmade Expressions Fair Trade), and invite you to follow us on Twitter (@fairtraders). Also, please visit our blog (and leave comments and suggestions) at www.handmadeexpressions.net/blogs/fair-trade.

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WHOLESALE ORDERING INFORMATION You may order online or place your order by phone, fax or email.

MINIMUM ORDER We have a $100 minimum order. There are also minimum quantities by item. In an effort to reduce plastic packaging, all products must be ordered in multiples of the minimum quantity.

PAYMENT INFORMATION We accept all major credit cards and checks. Checks should be made payable to Handmade Expressions. Please contact us if you would like any other payment arrangements.

LEAD TIMES Generally orders will be shipped out within 3-5 business days. If you have an urgent deadline, please make note of it when you place your order. You may also place orders in advance with staggered or future ship dates to suit your business needs.

SHIPPING INFORMATION All orders are shipped out from our warehouse in Austin, TX. Shipping charges are based on weight, size, and destination of the order. We ship UPS Ground for all domestic orders and use FedEx or USPS for international shipments. We may use another shipping option upon request, and use your shipping account if you specify on your order.

BACKORDER POLICY Handmade Expressions will ship all available items for your requested ship date and automatically put any unavailable products on back order. We will ship any backordered items that become available within six weeks in one combined shipment. Shipping charges for backordered items will not exceed 10% of the value of your backorder. Any remaining items which are still not available after 6 weeks will be automatically canceled and your original order will be closed out. At that time, if there are any items you would still like to receive from Handmade Expressions, please place a new order. Please be sure to state clearly on your order if you have specific backorder requests or policies, which are different than our stated policy.

RETURN POLICY We want you to be completely satisfied with our products. However, if you are dissatisfied with our product for any reason, you may make a return within 15 days of receipt of item(s). Products must be returned in their original condition with product tags and without retail price stickers. For returns related to damaged or defective items, please contact us within 15 days of receipt of the item(s). We will work with you in order to provide a replacement or refund/credit for the product.

CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM To show our appreciation of your continued business, we provide customers who reach $2,500 in collective orders during the calendar year with FREE GROUND SHIPPING for the rest of the year in the US (offer not vaild for Hawaii and Alaska). Note: custom orders are exempt from the loyalty program at this time. Please see our website for exact details.

TERRITORY PROTECTION We value our retail partners and understand that offering unique products is a key element to your success. Handmade Expressions offers “protection” for retail partners that carry a strong representation of our products in their store — meaning, we reserve the right to decline selling our products to stores within close proximity to an existing retail partner. Please let us know when you order if you have any specific concerns of conflicting retailers in your area.

AREA REPRESENTATIVES We do work with sales reps in certain territories across the US. If you are interested in working with one of our reps, to see if there is one in your area please contact: sales@handmadeexpressions.net.

MARKETING SUPPORT We provide marketing materials to our retail partners with their orders. See page 126 for more details. We also offer merchandising options and other media support. Contact: marketing@handmadeexpressions.net for more information.

CONSUMER POLICY Handmade Expressions is a wholesale-only company and we do not sell to individuals. If you are an individual interested in our products, please check our Retail Partner Locator on our website or contact us directly to find a store in your area.

HANDMADE EXPRESSIONS, CO. LTD. 3007 Longhorn Blvd. Unit 113, Austin, TX 78758 P: 512.535.5228 F:734.348.9904 W:www.handmadeexpressions.net E:sales@handmadeexpressions.net

Working in harmony with people and the planet.

www.handmadeexpressions.net