Fair Trade Artisan of the Month: Art Camp

Fair Trade Artisan of the Month: Art Camp

This month the head honcho at Isle of Enchantments (namely, this little Pixie right here *Isleen points to herself, then waves to the readers*) is starting something that has been on the "To-Do" list for a while. What's that? Well, if you read the title of this post, I'm sure you've figured it out! If you haven't I shall hold you in suspense no longer: I'm starting a little feature called the Fair Trade Artisan of the Month.

So, what's it all about? Each month there will be a post on this here little Blog of Awesomeness all about the amazingly talented folks that hand craft the items found in our Fair Trade Marketplace.

You'll find out:

• Who the Organization is.
• Where they are located.
• How they make a real impact on the lives of the artisans.
• What it is they make.

I think it's a nice way to, not only educate yourself a little more about the world of Fair Trade, but to also give you some insight as to how simple it is for you, as a consumer to make an impact on someone you'll most likely never meet....just by buying something you love.  Ok, on with the Show!

Art Camp (Artesanas Campesinas), located in Tecalpulco, Mexico is a rural womens' artisan co-op founding in 1991/1992. Mexico has long been known for it's fine craftsmanship of abalone & silver jewelry. However, the huge influx of jewelry that entered the U.S. market in the early 90's (from nations such as China & Thailand) caused a catastrophic drop in demand for Mexican hand crafted goods.

The economic climate, especially in the rural areas of Mexico, was bleak. The women of Tecalpulco responded by joining together to try to revive the once great handcraft industry, and Art Camp was born.

These remarkable women do not simply "make jewelry". These women have developed
original model making capability, Centrifugal Rubber Mold Casting technology, and
artfully mastered color matching and crystal resin making. They have given their daughters the task of learning HTML code, as well as Office software such as Excel and Quiken.

They do all of this while continuing to nurture & educate their children, and carrying out their civic responsibilities as active members of their village community.

Through their amazing artistic talents and unending resolve, the women of Art Camp provide spectacular quality goods in exchange for Fair prices from companies buying their goods. They have been able to help themselves, their families, and their community rise above economic hardship.

Now that you've learned how amazing these women are, check out some of their handy work below. And keep watching, because we are adding more of their products SOON!