Karama Favorite Things

My Karama Collection EParty is still on through Tuesday so today I thought I'd share a few of the things that I have my eye on. So check it out and head over to KaramaCollection.com and use the code JKPARTY16 to get 15% off!

Loving their beautiful leather goods, like the wristlet, and the backpack! All are made with luxurious Ethiopian leather by artisans in Addis Ababa.

If you're looking for an adorable gift for a kid, check out these owls! I think they are especially fun to give to a child and tell them that it had come all the way from Tanzania and share with them a little about fair trade.

I actually got to see how the owls were made in Tanzania in 2013! Most of the artisans who make them are deaf or disabled. Usually people with a disability in Africa are left to beg because they aren't able to find work. It was amazing to see how through having work they were given dignity and a sense of community. I'd met a deaf man in another part of Africa a few years before who was so isolated, no one else in his village knew sign language and he was thrilled that I knew enough sign language to tell him my name. Remembering that experience it was even more amazing to see an entire community of people who could communicate with each other!

I bought a few pairs of these brass circle earrings for Christmas gifts this year. These are made by artisans in Kibera, Kenya, the largest urban slum in Africa. They also make beautiful necklaces, bracelets, etc.