Kantha is a traditional form of embroidery that’s popular in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal. For hundreds of years, women in India and Bangladesh used kantha stitching to create something to keep them warm. Using a small, straight running stitch, they took old pieces of cloth and sewed them together to create blankets, throws, scarves and shawls. Now, a skill passed down from generation to generation, kantha refers to both the tradition of creating a beautiful and useful product out of discarded items, as well as the kantha craft itself, which features a signature running s ..read more

During Guatemala’s civil war, the village of Chontola lost more than 40 husbands, fathers and brothers to the military’s “scorched earth” campaign in 1982. Many women became widowed and had few ways to support their families. These women were overwhelmed with farming, childcare duties and extreme poverty. With nowhere else to turn, two Mayan Quiché women approached Diego Chicoj Ramos, a Methodist church pastor, and asked him and his wife, Juana, for help. Though their church had been burned to the ground and they had little to offer, they managed to secure seven pounds of thread. A small gr ..read more

This is Celestino. He was living with his wife and young daughter in Santa Barbara, Peru when political violence forced them to leave. “They killed my brother-in-law, a cousin and a nephew. Two other brothers-in-law went missing and another was put in jail. Three of my sisters are widows.” Celestino left Santa Barbara with his wife and daughter and moved to a village outside of Huancavelica, his hometown. There, he bought a rustic loom and taught himself how to weave. In 2001, he started working with Allpa, a fair trade organization that aims to improve the living standards of handicr ..read more

Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past year and make goals for the year ahead. Here are a few of our tips for making 2020 great. Make a realistic resolution Make sure your resolution for the New Year is realistic. Set yourself up for success by striving for a goal that is attainable. Once you have decided on a goal that is doable for yourself, make a plan to achieve that goal and write that plan down in a journal. Create an outline of how and when you’ll reach your goal and use that journal to keep yourself on track and accountable. This blue leath ..read more

Not sure what to get her for Christmas? This holiday season, give meaning. Every handcrafted gift from Ten Thousand Villages feeds families, provides healthcare, sends children to school, helps to build safe homes and empowers women. With every purchase, we fight poverty and improve the lives of makers and their families around the world. Whether she’s your wife, sister or mom, she’ll love unwrapping these unique gifts that give back on Christmas morning. Handcrafted Jewellery This Christmas, surprise her with a new necklace, bracelet or set of earrings. This sterling silver jewellery wa ..read more

Not sure what to get him for Christmas? This holiday season, give meaning. Every handcrafted gift from Ten Thousand Villages feeds families, provides healthcare, sends children to school, helps to build safe homes and empowers women. With every purchase, we fight poverty and improve the lives of makers and their families around the world. Whether he’s your husband, brother or dad, he’ll love unwrapping these unique gifts that give back on Christmas morning. Plaid Scarf If he’s a skier or snowboarder, he’ll love getting cozy knitwear for Christmas. This plaid chenille scarf was handwoven ..read more

Now that the snow is here (at least in Ontario!) and the holiday season has arrived, it’s time to start shopping for Christmas gifts. Are you struggling with what and how much to get your kids for Christmas? Then we suggest the five gift rule: Something they want Something they need Something to wear Something to read Something to do Something they want This is probably the toy that’s at the top of their Christmas wish list or maybe it’s a fun and new toy to surprise them with! Whether it’s a toy they want or a toy they didn’t even know they wanted, it’s sure to make them smile. This ado ..read more

The holiday season is finally here and we are so excited for Christmas! Here are some tips for giving your home a holiday makeover. Ornaments Before you start decorating your Christmas tree, decide whether you’re going to decorate with modern, playful or a mix of ornaments. If you’re going a more contemporary route, Elle Décor suggests “giving your tree a minimalist twist with geometric gold ornaments.” If you’re going for something more fun, House and Home says that “incorporating playful pieces are a sweet addition that’s sure to appeal to the kid in us all.” Stockings Stockings ..read more

Now that fall is in full swing, it’s time to put away your flip flops and get out your plaid. Fall is a big season for fashion. Here are our top four must-have accessories for autumn. Brown Crossbody Purse The start of the fall season is a great chance to switch up your everyday purse. Forbes says that “one of the most perfect bags for fall is a brown crossbody.” There’s no need to worry about matching your outfit to your purse with a neutral crossbody bag. Simply put your essentials in this purse, swing it over your shoulder and you’re ready for wherever the day takes you! Cozy Scarv ..read more

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited to spend time with our families and eat all the yummy food. And if it’s your turn to host a Thanksgiving dinner this year, why not set the table with beautiful, globally responsible, handcrafted pieces from around the world? With every Ten Thousand Villages purchase, makers are paid fairly for their work which helps them to take care of their families. This Thanksgiving, set the table for your family with items that help families all over the world. The Appetizers As guests are arriving to your Thanksgiving dinner, gr ..read more