ORIGINAL WOMEN

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Celebrate-Father-s-Day-.html?soid=1102000773876&aid=A6s_s-EmCYU

2011-06-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Celebrate-Father-s-Day-.html?soid=1102000773876&aid=A6s_s-EmCYU

LOVE

2011-02-11T13:00:00.000-05:00


Guatemala Ceramic Heart

Maybe it is the cold winter, maybe it is the news or maybe it is because Valentine's Day is just a few days away. Whatever the reason, we've been meditating about LOVE lately.

Just thinking about LOVE - all sorts of LOVE: romantic, love of family, friends, country, animals, the earth, objects .... -- warms our hearts and makes us smile.

And that leads us to our hearts:

Beautiful to look at and hold.
Hand-crafted from recycled materials and/or in ways that cherish the earth.
Fun.
Scrumptious.
Inspiring.
Heartwarming.

It is always a good time to share your LOVE and your heart!

THE GIRL EFFECT 2

2011-01-26T16:05:00.012-05:00

W thought the Girl Effect was a powerful video.

Here is the "sequel".

Which one touches you more?

We are continuing our partnership with CARE this year .... Stay tuned for more events.

LAUREL LOVES HER ECO-SHOPPING BAGS

2011-01-21T15:45:00.025-05:00

Eco-shopper

Last night, we braved the cold and went to a story telling evening with friends Laurel and Annie. Laurel is a renowned anthropologist, world traveler and ardent book lover. Having arrived early, Laurel found treasure tomes in the used bookstore. And thick, heavy tomes they were!

While we admired her keen eye for beautiful books, she reached into her small hand bag and pulled out an Original Women hand block printed Indian eco-shopper. In the 3 seconds it took for the bag to fully unroll, she spontaneously started to list of all the reasons why she LOVES these bags. As the list lengthened and her enthusiasm mounted, her pace quickened and her eyes brightened, she illustrated her reasons with great tips on how she uses them.

We wish we had videoed the wonderful riff. So we've tried to capture the information, since we don't have her smile inducing delivery on video :

They LOOK GREAT. No, they look really really great. I love the different patterns. I love that they are cotton. They look so much better than the nylon or recycled plastic bags.
They are STURDY, hold a lot and heavy objects. They look deceptively small. I carry books all the time and these hold them really well. They are STRONG.
They are LIGHT. I always have one with me. Look it was in this little bag ....
They ROLL UP and can be carried everywhere. When I travel, I pack them in my carry on. After all the security checks, I pull it out, put in all the things I need on the long flights (or short) and don't have to reach into those over stuffed overhead bins.
Since they are so light and EASY TO PACK, they are GREAT GIFTS to bring when traveling. Especially long distances requiring many flights.They've gone to Europe and Asia with me.
MEN LIKE THEM !! My friends' husbands have appropriated their eco-shoppers AND USE THEM ALL THE TIME. Annie (a world traveler herself!!) piped in, yes, yes, my friends in Europe -- the men keep on taking them and using them. Every time I go, I have to bring more, just for the men!
The woman at my local grocery store wouldn't let me leave without writing the web address for Original Women to buy one. And I never use any other bags when buying groceries. This bag is always with me.
They are EASY TO CLEAN. They can be washed in the washing machine. I rotate two. And look I've had them for a few years now and look, look how good it looks!

What really warmed our "green" heart, is that these eco-shopping bags have become an integral part of Laurel's life. While we loved the other storytelling event, Laurel wins the prize!

The next time Laurel travels to do field work in Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam or the grocery store, we hope she'll send us a photo of the bags in action!

Share your story or photo with us. We could use lots of heat warming this cold winter ....

HAITI One Year Later

2011-01-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Haiti hand carved river stone hearts

One year ago we were shocked by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

CARE has just created a web page with an update on the situation -- one million people need permanent homes, buildings are in ruins and the cholera outbreak could become an epidemic.

CARE's work has been community based, and inclusive:

" A year later, Haiti’s people still have tremendous needs; but an often overlooked need of the Haitian people (is) meaningful participation in the rebuilding of their own country. CARE’s staff, which is more than 95 percent Haitian, remains committed to giving all community members a strong voice in the recovery process, taking special care to assure the perspectives of women and girls are heard."

This approach resonates with us.

And we continue to support CARE and HAITI.

While alone we cannot address the massive rubble clearing, reconstruction, and job creation needed on a large scale as described in Oxfam's recent report, we support reconstruction and rebuilding of artisan livelihoods. Heart by heart, we contribute to the artisan's efforts to sustain themselves.

From today through January 31, we will donate $3.00 from the sale of each of our carved Haiti Hearts to CARE and the HAND/Eye fund for artisans.

Won't you join us in our heartfelt help for Haiti?

New beginnings

2010-12-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

Vida Bags

The New Year is fast approaching, days will be getting longer and as we review the past year our thoughts are turning to new beginnings and the birth of the New Year.

In 2010, we strengthened our partnership with CARE. And the more we learn about CARE's key program areas, the more we support their efforts to address some of the most basic problems ... like Maternal Health.

Here are some facts:

Every minute a woman dies during pregnancy and childbirth.
99 percent of these deaths occur in the developing world and 80 percent are preventable.
Maternal mortality rates have not improved for 20 years.
Over half a million women die each year, 400 in the US alone, leaving more than a million children motherless and vulnerable.
Pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death and disability for women in developing countries.

And we are so inspired by the action Katherine Schwarzenegger has taken to support CARE and the White Ribbon Alliance in addressing this issue:

After attending a meeting between her mother, Maria Shriver and activist, Sarah Brown, Katherine Schwarzenegger was inspired to help address the issue of Maternal Mortality. Having had no prior knowledge of the overwhelming number of mothers and children that die of pregnancy and birth-related causes around the world, Katherine researched the devastating statistics – every minute one woman dies in childbirth and every year over 1 million children are left motherless.

Katherine decided to take action and the VIDA bag was born. VIDA means life in Spanish and the logo on the bag represents a mother (big heart) and a child (small heart). Sales of the bag benefit CARE and the White Ribbon Alliance, organizations that work to raise awareness of and address the problem of Maternal Mortality. And the bags were crafted in India by women survivors of abuse and homelessness.

Join us in following Katherine Schwarzenegger’s inspiring lead and help save the lives of Mothers worldwide by purchasing a VIDA bag.

Join us for a Holiday Celebration. December 13, 2010.

2010-12-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

Join us for a festive evening -- drinks, nibbles and shopping! Featuring a new, unique collection of hand crafted creations ... wearable, functional and decorative.

when:     Monday, December 13, 2010, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
where:     Society of Illustrators 128 East 63rd Street (map)

This holiday season, Original Women is offering gifts in all price ranges that make the world more beautiful. We've traveled the globe to bring you new artistry from Chile, Argentina, Honduras, Burkina Faso, Congo, Haiti, Laos and India. Everyone on your list will be inspired by the artistry that improves lives, families and communities.

Can't wait or can't make it to our event?
Shop online and get a 10% discount!

Coupon Code: "HOLIDAYS!"
Valid for 10% off through 12.25.2010

Join us, celebrate and spread the joy!

Become a fan of Original Women on Facebook. We will be featuring special holiday offers and gifts, just for Fans!

The Women's Conference

2010-12-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

In late October we partnered with CARE at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, CA. Their mission "We empower women to be architects of change."

It was truly inspiring to hear the speakers and meet some of them.

And also to meet the women and men who attended the conference. From the speakers to the woman who recognized us from the More Reinvention Convention in NYC the week before to the women who learned about CARE and Original Women for the first time -- all made our trip to California an outstanding experience.

And the connections keep growing.
We just received and email from someone purchasing holiday gifts on our site.
She said: "... I met you at the Women's Conference... you have a wonderful organization!"

Thanks for the feedback!
It inspires us to keep going and to be the architects of an even more wonderful future.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND SAVE ALL WEEKEND

2010-11-24T13:49:00.003-05:00

Shop Original Women online from BLACK FRIDAY- November 26, on SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 27 through CYBER MONDAY- NOV. 30, 2010.

Use coupon code SBS11.27.10 for 10% off your purchase.
Valid November 26th through November 30th.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-24T13:34:00.005-05:00

We are thankful for ARTISANS AND ARTISTRY and all the rich and diverse beauty in the world that human hands create.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

2010-11-24T13:12:00.006-05:00

Saturday, November 17 is SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, a day to support small businesses.

When we founded Original Women, we wanted to support small businesses around the world owned or run or that primarily employ women -- businesses where women have economic and creative opportunities to use their skills and geritage to improve their lives, families and communities.

One example is Lila in South Africa.

Lila, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the play of universal creativity', was started by designer Manya as a small textile handcraft project in South Africa working with disadvantaged women. Lila enables the team of dedicated crafters to change their lives while developing skills. "At Lila creativity finds expression through many hands; customers who love and appreciate our products and the heartfelt diligence and willingness of our crafters."

So if you become swept up in the shopping excitement this weekend, we hope you will support Original Women and in doing so you helping to sustain small businesses like Lila, all around the world.

We think that is worth getting excited about!

SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 13, 2010

2010-11-23T15:38:00.004-05:00

SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 13, 2010

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION IN NYC

CLICK HERE for our email announcement

Celebrating Atistry @ FIFA

2010-06-22T11:36:00.002-04:00

While many eyes are focused on the fields of play, others are reveling in the incredible artistry of South African women. ATASA Trust is hosting an exhibition of artisans' work. Stop by 54 Jeppe St, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Johannesburg to see the artistry of Ndebele artists, Lesotho handcrafts, fabulous beadwork and wooden products from the Wild Coast, Pondoland and work from northern KwaZulu Natal. Craft and art shown is predominantly made by women.

We are particularly fond of the traditional beaded necklaces. And if, like us , you are following the football from afar and can't get to the exhibition, do stop by our gallery for our selection of South African artistry.

Conscious consumption

2010-06-04T14:54:00.002-04:00

A while back, we read a blog post by Seth Godin, where he commented on conspicuous consumption. He notes (emphasis is mine)

"Rich people will always indulge the desire to stand out, but I wonder if there's a new version:

Spending on and investing in time, not stuff.

And it's not so wasteful, this focus on craftsmen.

The new trend in spending money is to buy things that are painstakingly hand built instead of efficiently mass produced. It might not be a better price than what you could buy at Target, but the very fact that you can pay for an artisan to create it, an artist to design it, a talented worker to bring it to life--that act makes a powerful statement about what you can afford and what's important to you. Instead of a bigger house, it's a house that's built from scratch by craftsmen. Instead of a bigger steak, it's a handmade dish of local poached vegetables."

Thanks for expressing what is important to us. For us artistry is not a way to impress or show off; we believe in the inherent value of something hand crafted. It is conscious, thoughtful consumption.

Original Women celebrates the artistry of human nature -- all the creativity, thought, skill, effort, imagination, time and heart that goes into handcrafted creations. Artistry changes lives and communities, connects people and expresses the cultural richness of our planet.

MORE HARMONIOUS, HAPPY AND BEAUTIFUL

2010-04-02T15:42:00.002-04:00

We met Shaune at the MORE Reinvention Convention in Washington D.C.

Shaune is a very talented professional makeup artist and has a wonderful perspective on beauty. She did the makeup for the speakers and presenters at the event. They all looked terrific. (I'm hoping she'll do our makeup next time we meet ...)

And she has a great blog, Blended Beaute filled with interesting tips, comments and thoughts and fablous visuals!

Shaune returned home and bought another recycled billboard bag.

She just emailed us:
"I just received the cosmetic bag and it is too cuuuuuuuuuuuute!!! OMG! Talk about one of kind and gorgeous. I can't wait to feature it on the blog since it's Earth Month too .... You all are truly my latest favorite online stop. I look forward to trying more unique pieces from your company."

THANKS Shaune!
We strive to make the world more harmonious, happy and beautiful! We know you do too!
And your enthusiasm and beauty keep us all Celebrating the Artistry of Human Nature!

ARTISTRY OF FABRIC: LEGACY IN CLOTH

2010-03-29T12:12:00.011-04:00

Recently we met Sandra Niessen, a freelance anthropologist who just published a book on the Batak textiles of Indonesia. At 568 pages and the culmination of 30 years of work, all we can say is WOW! Of course I carried the very heavy book with me all day long and spent hours into the dawn reading and studying the beautiful images.

Our conversation was wide ranging and generated so many ideas of ways to collaborate. Our most ambitious: plan a conference on preserving living weaving traditions. So all my weaving friends in India, Guatemala, Peru, Laos and Borneo: Save some room on your calendar for 2011!

And with all the reinvention we've been thinking about, we talked about how traditional weavers can keep their art alive and evolving ...
Any thoughts?

Earthquakes and REinvention

2010-03-05T08:51:00.007-05:00

Earthquakes are shaking our planet and people in two countries are faced with literally rebuilding their foundations.

We are getting ready to go Washington DC to participate with CARE in the expo @ the More Magazine Reinvention Convention. There, women will gain new perspectives and be inspired to re-invent some aspect of their lives -- health, finances, career, family ....

Which is why we've been thinking a lot about REINVENTION again.

It requires us to look at aspects of our lives and our world that seem reliable and solid in a new way. The ground can literally disappear from under our feet.

It takes courage, flexibility and sometimes tenacity and resiliency.
It takes dedication and it is much easier with optimism and a sense of humor.

Reinvention is an ever-ongoing process.
Maybe it happens daily, in small ways.
Maybe it is evolution?

Maybe that is why when we look at the artistry of many of our artisans we are deeply inpsired. They create beauty out of discards, remnants and leftovers. And in each piece, we see the transformation. Their artistry presents us with a new of seeing.

And that is a beautiful gift that helps us to reinvent our world.

POWER OF THE PURSE

2010-01-19T17:26:00.007-05:00

THE POWER OF THE PURSE

I just went to a delightful and insightful presentation by David Wolfe, Creative Director of the The Donegar Group.

He quoted some amazing statistics:

Women in the US, aged over 50 make or control over $19 Trillion (just how many zeros is that???) and spent over $19 Billion on apparel in one year!

So this year, let's get those insightful, caring and dedicated over 50 year olds to spend and direct a bigger portion of that Purse Power towards artisans and sustainable, artisan products that make the world more Happy, Harmonious and Beautiful!

HAITI - ANOTHER LINK

2010-01-15T13:54:00.003-05:00

WATCH THIS. ANOTHER LINK TO CARE.

HAITI

2010-01-14T19:19:00.006-05:00

We are so saddened by the news of the earthquake in Haiti. This country, the poorest in the western hemisphere, has been struggling to get a firm footing. Now the ground has literally been pulled out from under their feet and survival is the immediate concern. As we have seen from the all the haunting images of the destruction and human suffering - water, food, medical care and sanitation are critical needs that will help the survivors and prevent the situation from deteriorating.

We are helping by donating to CARE and so can you. Just go to: CARE.org and click on the Donate Now button.

They have been in Haiti since 1954, have a team of over 130 people there and are expert in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

We've been following updates on their website and on their fan page.

A number of our friends in the crafts/design field have worked with organizations in Haiti. We will be posting additional links to those organizations that will help with income generation as the immediate crisis subsides ...

STAY WARM

2010-01-10T15:39:00.001-05:00

The New Year has started with a deep freeze blanketing the US and we've just seen this wonderful article in the WSJ about one of favorite groups, Kala Raksha.

In fact, Original Women launched our first in-person Celebration with Kala Raksha.

The design school for working, traditional artisans is having a real, positive impact: preserving traditions in a way that allows them to evolve and artisans to innovate,
artisans are proud of their skills and talents, and communities are earning more income!

One of our favorite Kala Raksha products are these beautiful and warm shawls. Based on traditional Rabari wedding veils, they are resist dyed on a ground of finely woven wool (which is made by another artisan group in another part of India). The vibrant embroidery is enhanced with mirror work, all very skillfully and artfully positioned on the shawl.

Click HERE to view and purchase ....

OUR WARMEST WISHES TO YOU

2009-12-18T13:33:00.003-05:00

Our warmest wishes to you for a Happy Holiday Season
and a New Year filled with Peace, Joy and Artistry.

May 2010 be filled with Celebrations of Artistry that make
the world more Happy, Harmonious and Beautiful!

Anelle & Gwendy
Co-Founders

CHANGE IS GOOD

2009-12-14T12:08:00.000-05:00

This year has been a year of change and challenge. And sometimes, changes which seem to be endings are really beginnings.

Recently, one of our favorite magazines - Domino -- closed. No more leafing through glossy pages filled with great, doable and real decorating ideas.

But now, Michelle Adams (formerly an editor at Domino) has co-founded LONNY (www.lonnymag.com), an online lifestyle magazine filled with a passion for beauty in the home, in fashion and in life!. A harbinger of the future of magazines, LONNY is like reading a magazine the old fashioned way, except it is on the web! And more personal, interactive and connective with links just a click away ...

Take their holiday gift guide for threefold gifts that benefit the creator, the recipient and you! The Original Women white cutwork cotton and silk shawl is featured.

So check out the just published second issue of Lonny. We are sure you will agree with us, that out of a change, Lonny is a great new beginning of a new way of "printing" magazines! We look forward to MANY more issues and wish LONNY great success.

STILL TIME TO SHOP ONLINE- WITH A DISCOUNT

2009-12-09T17:05:00.004-05:00

There is still time to shop Original Women for the holidays, now with a discount just for FRIENDS AND FANS.

Shop online: https://shop.original-women.com/

Enter coupon code: THANKYOU09 at checkout

Save 15% on purchases!

Save and the artistry that improves lives, families and communities.
Inspire all those on your list.
Spread the Joy
AND
Celebrate!

THE ARTISTRY OF CONNECTING

2009-12-05T12:01:00.004-05:00

We went to Tufts yesterday to participate in their inaugural OneWorld event.
It was great fun. And we are so impressed by the students and their interest in and passion for making the world a better place. Neema (pictured above with her amazing mother who was visiting from Africa) and the rest of the entire executive committee pulled together a festive day to celebrate sustainable development. Delicious food, crafts, representatives from nonprofits, and live performances all contributed to a very rich experience. I've never seen students so happy and involved, especially with end of term exams and papers so close ....

On Sunday, we go to Princeton for their third Emerge! festival.

And we learned that some of the student organizers of the two festivals are connected and sharing this wonderful experience.

And we found a new artisan group too!

Women weavers in Morocco. We will be featuring some of their beautiful rugs at the December 7 Original Women event in our Heritage Gallery!

ONE WEEK TO GO

2009-11-30T11:44:00.002-05:00

One week to go till our Holiday Celebration -- MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2009

JOIN US: IN PERSON

Date:	Monday, December 7, 2009
Time:	6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where:	Society of Illustrators 128 East 63rd Street (between Lex. and Park Ave.)
	A festive evening of shopping featuring Original Women's unique collection of hand crafted creations - wearable, decorative and functional. 10% of sales will be donated to support CARE

JOIN US: ONLINE

https://shop.original-women.com/

WE ARE THANKFUL

2009-11-25T09:22:00.004-05:00

This Thanksgiving, as we sit down to dinner, our table will be filled with food and artistry -- Luscious pumpkin soup in La Chamba bowls, artisanal breads in a Tonga basket, a felt leaf-edged runner in the center of the table, and a warm glow from a sprinkling of soapstone tea lights. We are thankful for the beauty, heritage, culture, and knowledge that artistry embodies.

We are truly inspired by the women artisans who create objects and real, lasting change in their communities and the world.

We are Thankful to all our FANS and FRIENDS and supporters for helping us help make the artisans and their artistry sustainable!

And as a way of saying THANKS, shop online this THANKSGIVING weekend, use code THANKSWE at checkout and receive a 10% discount on all full priced artistry.
This offer expires on Sunday, November 29, 2009. Quantities are limited.

CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY OF GIVING: MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2009

2009-11-12T12:18:00.001-05:00

CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY OF GIVING.

This year we have faced challenges and we want to Celebrate the holidays in a thoughtful, caring way.

Now more than ever, make your holiday gifts even more meaningful.

Original Women is partnering with CARE at our holiday event:
Come. Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd Street, NYC
Shop. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Spread the joy!

Each gift you purchase gives back to Care AND the women artisans.

Isn't that a great multiplier effect?

PICK YOUR FAVOIRTE PRODUCT AND BE FEATURED!

2009-11-06T08:01:00.020-05:00

Calling all ORIGINAL WOMEN fans and friends:

Go to our website. (https://shop.original-women.com/)

Pick your current favorite product.

Tell us why you like it. (email: info@original-women.com)

We will feature the winning products (AND YOU!) on our website.

Email us by November 15, 2009.

Can't wait to hear from you.

Trash into Jewelry!

2009-10-30T18:22:00.000-04:00

Trash into Jewelry! Recycled flip flops, now super fun necklaces from an organization that is providing sustainable employment and cleaning up the environment!

We've just added them to our website.

Check out the necklaces.

We've been mentioned as a shopping resource at the end of a great article about the group on HandEye magazine's website!

Would you like recycle flip flop animals too?

INSPIRATION: GET SOME ON OCTOBER 24, 2009.

2009-10-16T11:13:00.000-04:00

Inspiration seems to be on our mind lately. Actually for a while.
It sustains us -- to dig deeper, reach higher and do more.

Another woman who inspires us is Analisa Balares. -- Smart, energetic, passionate and creative.

She is the driving force behind Womensphere. Their mission: Unleashing potential, creating opportunity, inspiring talent, transforming the world. They bring together leaders - women, men, organizations – to collaborate on solving some of the most important global and local issues of our time.

Want more?
Join the Original Women delegation at the Womensphere Global Summit.
Register here: http://globalsummitcommunity.eventbrite.com/ for a preferred community rate.

Come as part of our delegation and we'll inspire you with a piece of Original Women
artistry. Email us: info@original-women.com.

INSPIRATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL REINVENTION

2009-10-14T11:06:00.000-04:00

The MORE Magazine Reinvention convention was a success by all measures.

The speakers were all so inspiring!

We were fortunate to spend some time with Sheila C. Johnson, one of the speakers and an amazing businesswoman, philanthropist and CARE Ambassador. Here she is, adorned in a Guatemala scarf and necklace from Original Women.

"If we're going to improve the lives of women around the world — and I believe we must — then we have to stretch beyond ourselves. We have to challenge ourselves and we have to challenge others. That's what the 'I Am Powerful' movement is all about. I'm honored to be a part of it."
—Sheila C. Johnson

We couldn't have a more beautiful model to inspire us to reach further and higher.

HELP A VILLAGE IN MALAWI

2009-10-06T12:12:00.000-04:00

Our friend Carline Burwell asked us to help raise money for a village in a CARE program funded by General Mills.
This would be great to do with your friends and children:

You sign up, (ok, the most annoying part, but it is only six fields and for a great cause...) answer up to three learning questions and $1 per question is donated to the village.
You can come back every day until the $15,000 for that village is reached ...

Join Caroline and OW in raising money for Kaisi village.

It goes to help keep girls in school by addressing the issues and pressures girl face in their communities.

Three questions a day and a small donation that will be matched - will make a real difference!

For more info: joinmyvillage

REINVENTION CONVENTION - SUPPORT CARE -10/10 Offer

2009-10-04T19:29:00.000-04:00

In honor of our partnering with CARE at the MORE Magazine Reinvention Convention.

Since many of you can't make it to this wonderful event, we have a way for you to participate:

Just for our blog readers, friends and Fans on Facebook, our 10/10 offer.

Shop online.

Get a 10% discount off all regularly priced items AND 10% of ALL sales will be donated to CARE!

Use code: CARE at checkout. Offer expires midnight 10.06.09.

See you in person or online tomorrow.

MORE MAGAZINE REINVENTION CONVENTION partnering with CARE

2009-10-04T19:17:00.000-04:00

Today, we set up for the Reinvention Convention.
The list of speakers is very impressive.
We are excited to meet the 600 women who will be attending.
And of course, our sales help support CARE.

We are featuring products made from recycled, re-purposed and re-imagined materials made by women who are re-inventing their lives by creating their artistry. Here from Kenya, are fun necklaces made from recycled flip flops. These products clean up the environment and sustain families and communities.

WELCOME TO GUATEMALA

2009-10-03T09:59:00.000-04:00

Arrive in Guatemala after a completely full, yet remarkably good Continental Airlines flight.

The airport in Guatemala City is beautiful, new and almost completed. Everyone was very, very nice.

I was immediatley struck by the juxtaposition of the traditional and the new. And how the acncient culture is everywhere in daily life.

Even in the faces.

Here is Chris who met me at the airport. He told me his life story on the hour ride to Antigua. As a student, he fled the rampant violence and walked through Mexico to the US, where he was granted asylum. With no money!

TECHNOLOGY OR NOT.

2009-10-03T09:22:00.000-04:00

Well, you get ready for a trip. You make lists and more lists. You carefully plan and pack and get batteries and cords and wall plugs and all the other things to keep the technology humming.
And then you reach your destination, only to find that your access to the internet is limited to certain hours and those don't match your hectic schedule. Unless you pay the equivalent of the GDP of five countries.

So, we made the decision to unplug and BE in Guatemala and EXPERIENCE the wonderful country.

Now that we are back, we are re-connecting!

TO GUATEMALA

2009-09-25T10:09:00.000-04:00

We are off to Guatemala to meet many artisans and artisan groups.

We are especially excited to see the women weavers.

Stay tuned for more info as we begin our Guatemala Adventure.

EMPOWERING WOMEN IS A CRITICAL PART OF THE EQUATION

2009-09-25T07:19:00.000-04:00

The Clinton Global Initiative has been meeting and we just read this quote. Of course, we have heard those same statistics earlier in the week at the Womensphere Forum.
But no matter how many time we hear them, they resonate and motivate.

"Women perform 66 percent of the world's work, and produce 50 percent of the food, yet earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the property," President Bill Clinton said. "Whether the issue is improving education in the developing world, or fighting global climate change, or addressing nearly any other challenge we face, empowering women is a critical part of the equation."

THE GIRL EFFECT

2009-09-23T06:55:00.000-04:00

We've seen this video 3 times in the past three days.

POWERFUL!

Spend the two minutes to watch it. It is worth it.

Share the video.

INVESTING IN EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE

2009-09-22T07:54:00.000-04:00

Today, infused with a new energy, we are even more connected to our passion to celebrate women's artistry. We are preparing for our next event with renewed dedication.

Last night we attended a Womensphere Forum: Investing and Empowering Women Worldwide.

Seven amazing and inspiring speakers.

Many "big" issues were discussed:
Women’s economic empowerment; investment in the education of women and girls; health care access for women; investment in women’s career success and leadership development around the world; and enabling women's visibility in media.

Our two biggest take-aways:
1. Inspiration.
Each of the speakers is passionate, dedicated and firmly believes that women are the key to making the world a better place.
2. Each of us can make a difference.
Find what matters to you, educate yourself on the issues and get involved.

Close you eyes and what do you see? How do you want to the world to be different?
Will you take an action toady?

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

2009-09-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Original Women Blog.

We will be posting once a week on subjects and issues close to our hearts -- of course women, women artisans and artistry. And eco-conscious living, sustainability, beauty, creativity, travel and the world.

Or at least that is what we think we will be writing about. Since we haven't done this before, we will see which subjects and pictures and video clips capture our interest and curiosity.

Two things we are sure of:
1. We want you to join us. Comment. Suggest topics. Tell us what you like and what more you want to see. Share your thoughts and experiences.
and
2. This is sure to be interesting and fun.

ORIGINAL WOMEN

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Celebrate-Father-s-Day-.html?soid=1102000773876&aid=A6s_s-EmCYU

LOVE

THE GIRL EFFECT 2

LAUREL LOVES HER ECO-SHOPPING BAGS

HAITI One Year Later

New beginnings

Join us for a Holiday Celebration. December 13, 2010.

The Women's Conference

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND SAVE ALL WEEKEND

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 13, 2010

Celebrating Atistry @ FIFA

Conscious consumption

MORE HARMONIOUS, HAPPY AND BEAUTIFUL

ARTISTRY OF FABRIC: LEGACY IN CLOTH

Earthquakes and REinvention

POWER OF THE PURSE

HAITI - ANOTHER LINK

HAITI

STAY WARM

OUR WARMEST WISHES TO YOU

CHANGE IS GOOD

STILL TIME TO SHOP ONLINE- WITH A DISCOUNT

THE ARTISTRY OF CONNECTING

ONE WEEK TO GO

WE ARE THANKFUL

CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY OF GIVING: MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2009

PICK YOUR FAVOIRTE PRODUCT AND BE FEATURED!

Calling all ORIGINAL WOMEN fans and friends:

Go to our website. (https://shop.original-women.com/)

Pick your current favorite product.

Tell us why you like it. (email: info@original-women.com)We will feature the winning products (AND YOU!) on our website.Email us by November 15, 2009.Can't wait to hear from you.

Trash into Jewelry!

Trash into Jewelry! Recycled flip flops, now super fun necklaces from an organization that is providing sustainable employment and cleaning up the environment!

We've just added them to our website.

Check out the necklaces.

We've been mentioned as a shopping resource at the end of a great article about the group on HandEye magazine's website!

Would you like recycle flip flop animals too?

INSPIRATION: GET SOME ON OCTOBER 24, 2009.

INSPIRATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL REINVENTION

HELP A VILLAGE IN MALAWI

REINVENTION CONVENTION - SUPPORT CARE -10/10 Offer

In honor of our partnering with CARE at the MORE Magazine Reinvention Convention.

Since many of you can't make it to this wonderful event, we have a way for you to participate:

Just for our blog readers, friends and Fans on Facebook, our 10/10 offer.

Shop online.

Get a 10% discount off all regularly priced items AND 10% of ALL sales will be donated to CARE!

Use code: CARE at checkout. Offer expires midnight 10.06.09.

See you in person or online tomorrow.

MORE MAGAZINE REINVENTION CONVENTION partnering with CARE

WELCOME TO GUATEMALA

TECHNOLOGY OR NOT.

TO GUATEMALA

EMPOWERING WOMEN IS A CRITICAL PART OF THE EQUATION

THE GIRL EFFECT

INVESTING IN EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

Tell us why you like it. (email: info@original-women.com)

We will feature the winning products (AND YOU!) on our website.

Email us by November 15, 2009.

Can't wait to hear from you.