Consortium Chulucanas:

I met this group while waiting to talk to another well known ceramic studio and never looked back. CC is a collective of artisans based in Chulucanas, Peru. As I examined their products I was impressed by their unique home decor products. They were also very interested in the Fair Trade movement. Now we are good friends. This group only uses the traditional Chulucans methods unlike other better known U.S. vendor selling Chulucanas pottery. I am working to develop their products for the North American market.

Background:

Present day Chulucanas, in northern Peru, was once the home of the Vicus people who were reknown for their ceramics. The Vicus often used negative painting techniques and geometric designs.
In the 1960s local artisans started to revive the Vicus technique of negative designs creation through placing the pottery in an oven of burning mango leaves. Slowly the region once again became reknown for its pottery.
In 2005 Chulucanas pottery was designated a Producto Bandera del Peru (‘Flag Product of Peru’)the only handicraft product to recieve such this designation.

The process starts by collecting the proper clay . It is then shaped using river stones and paddles- not prefabricated molds. It is then given its first fire. Once hardened the porttery is ready for its decoration. Resin is applied to the clay to produce a brilliant surface. Then a clay slip is used to implement the negative design elements where uncovered areas will darken. The pottery is then fired a second time in an oven of burning mango leaves producing the unique blacks and brown negative elements. This process may need to be repeated several times to achieve the desired results. The clay slip is removed after firing, wax is applied and the piece is polished. Completing this process without cracking the clay takes years of training.

Ceramicas Seminario

Pablo Seminario has been working out of his workshop in Urubamba for over 40 years. He played a major role in the revival of Peruvian ceramics. His technique is not the traditional designs of neighboring Pisac, nor of Chulucanas in Northern Peru. He has developed a unique and compelling vision combining traditional imagery and modern taste. His unique products never fail to bring in customers looking for that special gift or a ceramics home deco item that will be a conversation piece for their home.

Urubamaba is located in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru, and just south of Machu Picchu It is a magic place full of beauty and history, but also much poverty- despite all the tourist dollars. This was abundantly clear during the 2010 flooding that stranded thousands of people causing massive destruction and leaving the population without potable water for weeks.

Pablo’s workshop provides dignified work for many the Sacred Valley, allowing people to work in traditional arts. Pablo and his family remain in the same location they first entered in 1970. I encourage you to visit them should your travels ever take you to Peru. Otherwise it is my privilege to bring a little piece of the Sacred Valley to your home

Yanire Sabrina

Acacia Creations

Acacia Creations is a Kenyan based company developing unique recycled products. The company creates color jewelry made from recycled magazines and other materials. The company is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

Acacia is actually a very common tree found throughout Africa. It has a very distinct and eye-catching appearance. The acacia tree provides much-needed shade for people living on the hot Africa savannah.

The Leakey Collection

Philip Leakey is the third and youngest son of paleo-anthropologists Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey. He was a Member of Parliament in Kenya for 15 years, a Deputy Member of the Cabinet for 14 years and a Member of Cabinet for 1 year. Philip is known in Kenya for his dedication towards improving conditions for all Kenyan's with particular attention to the areas of business opportunity and the environment.

Using natural elements such as fallen wood, grass and porcelain, these renowned designers create unique products while protecting the environment and providing economic opportunity to the local communities. Zulugrass and Zuluwood beads, bracelets and necklaces are sold in stores worldwide. From high fashion jewelry to home interior design accessories, The Leakey Collection's natural elegance distinguishes this high end product line as one of the world's premier offerings.

The Andean Collection