Harper Valley

Red, White & Blue from Bajalia

 

...from Bajalia Trading Company

Dress up this 4th of July with some of their beautiful red, white and blue items. Celebrate by wearing America's colors while supporting those without the same freedoms and luxuries that we are graced with here in the United States.

RED

This Scalloped Red Brooch is handmade by the women in the West Indian delta region, which has been famous for lace-making for more than 100 years. These women use their crochet skills to improve their lives and provide food and care for their families.  Price: $10.00

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WHITE

 

Bajalia tries to preserve the purity and dignity of the ethnic crafts by supporting the handicraft techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. These are key to each artisan's individual heritage.

Warli painting is one such technique. Spark conversation with this ancient Indian form of art. Made by artisans struggling to survive. Each vase is hand crafted and painted and combines simple geometric designs and ethnic art. Use as part of your centerpiece or set in a special place. Every whimsical set of 3 will make you and your guests smile.   Price: $30.00

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BLUE

 
These turquoise hoop earrings add a simple splash of color to any outfit. Made by incredibly brave women fighting for a new life. Each set of these earrings are created by those who were lured into the sex industry by deceit and then held there by shame. Bajalia partners with groups throughout Asia to help provide shelters, medical care and avenues of escape to these women trapped in this spiral of abuse.  Price: $14.00

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Help those around the world who aren't as lucky as you and I this 4th. Wear your red, white and blue and share the stories of those behind them.  If you haven't had a chance already, check out Bajalia's website and the beautiful new products that have been added.  www.bajalia.com

Step Into Africa

 

This weekend, I had the privilege of experiencing a glimpse into the life of a young woman living in Africa..and living with AIDS.  I took the journey of Olivia, a young person directly affected by AIDS.  I listened to her story and "became" her by walking through her world.  

Sound intersting?  If you'd like to learn more about AIDS in Africa, then I encourage you to participate in Step Into Africa, hosted by Discovery Church.  This interactive, walk-through experience is full of stories, photographs, music, narration, and a clear call to action.  It's free and it's open all week with great hours!  Be sure to reserve your free tickets by visiting World Vision.

Step Into Africa is not recommended for children under 12, but if you have younger ones who'd like to participate, then come anywhere from 3:00-6:30pm for Family Friendly Hours.  Your child can walk through the experience with a narrator who will give them an age appropriate message. Following the experience, they can participate in a voluntary brief activity.  

Event Hours:
Saturday, May 16 = 11:am-9:00pm
Sunday, May 17 = 8:30am-10:30pm
Monday, May 18 = 12:00pm-8:00pm
Tuesday, May 19 = 11:00am-9:00pm
Wednesday, May 20 = 11:00am-9:00pm
Thursday, May 21 = 11:00am-9:00pm
Friday, May 22 = 8:00am-5:00pm

  

 

  

Valentine's Flowers That Last

 

These beautiful flower broaches were designed by Bajalia Trading Company and hand made by the women of Godavari, who live in the small town of Narsapur, India.  Most of the rural and urban women in this area belong to poor communities, and seek a livelihood by lace making.  Over 100 years ago, an Irish missionary introduced a lace-making technique to the women.  This community has been famous for it's lace ever since!

Click here to find Valentine's flowers that last, and more gifts that will make a lasting impression on someone's life.  Flower Broaches are only $10.00 each.  Such a deal!

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.

 

Bajalia: Finishing Well Sale

Most of y'all know that I'm a big fan and advocate for the work of Bajalia Trading Company.  They've grown by leaps and bounds in just a few short years.  I just read their latest newsletter and learned that they surpassed the million dollar mark in sales!  They have aggressive plans to double their growth next year, and in order to pass the two million dollar mark...they need our help!  They're seeking $125,000 to finish the year well.  Meeting this shortfall in operating expenses will help next year's starting numbers. 

In order to meet this goal, Bajalia is offering an online Finishing Well Sale.  From now through January 20th, you can receive 50% off your entire online purchase!!  Click here to start shopping and take advantage of this fabulous savings.  At checkout, use the coupon code - Finishing Well.

Bajalia Trading Company is a 501c3 and all donations are Tax Deductible.

Chinese Christmas Tree

While in China last year, I had the opportunity to stock up on some wonderfully whimsical Christmas ornaments.  So for the past two years, I've created a Chinese Christmas Tree by filling up my three-foot Colorado pine with these unique finds.  I love gazing at the tree and reminiscing about my life-changing trip to China.  Mostly, I'm reminded of the people who crafted these ornaments by hand.  Such sweet and humble people!  If you'd like to stock up on some of these hand-made ornaments or other Christmas items, check out the two websites below.  Might as well get a head start on the 2009 holiday season!

Hearts & Hands

Threads of Yunnan  

 

 

Cuffs link us to India

 

A little hope goes a long way.

 

This hammered henna brass cuff bracelet normally retails for over $20.00, but Bajalia Trading Company is offering this to their customers for a great price --$16.00.

The sale of these bracelets support whole families in India, allowing the youngest siblings to complete their education. In 2008, with increased orders and earnings from these bracelets, families were finally able to bring fresh water straight into their home.

Because this India producer group provides business advice and grants to purchase equipment to increase productivity and reduce cost of production, family businesses are thriving in India. Simple measures are allowing destitute families to have a future. Future generations are being impacted by the opportunities  of sustainable incomes and education.

To order: click Hammered Henna Brass Cuff  

Use coupon code FREE SHIPPING to get this order in time for Christmas. 

Offer Expires: December 15th

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

 

Are you looking for unique and special Christmas gifts this year?  Look no more, my friends!  Check out Bajalia Trading Company @ www.bajalia.com.  I traveled to China with Bajalia last year and had the privilege of meeting many of the folks who make these products.  They are the sweetest and most humble people!  Bajalia partners with artisans around the globe from places like India, Morocco, China, Africa and Afghanistan.  They offer them business and marketing skills, then take their products to the US market for sale.  Many of the artisans that Bajalia painters with have experienced super difficult lives, but because of Bajalia, they have the opportunity to create a new legacy for their families. 

 

And....calling all teachers!  Ever get tired of seeing those school fundraiser catalogs full of overpriced wrapping paper and cookie dough?  Bajalia recently joined forces with Great American Opportunities, a well-known school fundraising company.  Check out the flyer Download HelpingHands and contact helpinghands@gafundraising.com if your school might be interested.

 

 

Every purchase through Bajalia is another turning point in someone's formerly hopeless life.  I know this for sure because I saw them in action.  I'm heading up to GA for Thanksgiving, but I'll try to post while I'm there.  See y'all soon!