Labour of Love and Art for Many...Gifts for You!

     While walking through the Global Designs exhibits at the Atlanta Gift Market in January, we were searching for unusual gift items to bring back with us to HajPaj Boutique.  We are just like you in that we don't have to opportunity to explore this vast globe ourselves and experience other cultures, so we kinda savor our time in the Global exhibits.  It is a time where we open ourselves up to the art and wonder of other countries as well as learn about the plight of others in countries that are so far from ours.  The product that caught our eye in January was the bright and colorful, yet versatile fabric from Nepal called felted wool.
     According to Global Goods Partners "felt is the oldest man-made textile known, predating knit and woven cloth.  In fact, archaeologists have found fragments of felt in Asia dating back to the Bronze Age".  Today, the art of felting is found in many Asian countries, especially in Nepal.  The Nepalese women have developed the craft not only to clothe themselves and their families, but more importantly to provide a much needed income for their families. The women of Nepal have long since been persecuted and abused by past political unrest, so the skilled manufacture of felted wool products provide them with security and refuge.

     Felted wool is produced by wetting layers of sheep's wool with soap and water and when the fibers are agitated they form a dense fabric.  And when high intensity dyes are added to the process, bright textiles are formed and can be stretched and sewn into many types of items.

     We chose BNB Crafts to form an alliance with in order to bring you the highest quality felted wool products from Nepal. They were established in 2001 "to create job opportunities for semi-skilled and skilled woman to help to increase their self-reliance and to improve their living standards" BNB Crafts is devoted to preserving and promoting Nepalese craftsmanship.
     Since social responsibility is foremost in our minds when dealing with global companies, we ask the hard questions when it comes to fair trade and, what we call "the giving back" aspect of their business. We were not disappointed with BNB Crafts when we learned that they are dedicated to sharing profits towards the education of Nepalese children, in particular to those that are dependents of the women working in the Nepal wool industry.

We have several styles and patterns of these brightly color handbags!

     Now that we have talked about the serious, but very important, aspects of felted wool let's talk about the beautiful, colorful, and useful side of this Nepal export.  We picked up some of the cutest wool children's gifts we had ever seen and we are positive you will agree!  We have just unpacked child-sized handbags, coin purses (that women have been buying for themselves), and hair accessories.

We stocked coin purses to match the handbags, but they can be used alone!

     These handbags and coin purses are of the highest quality craftsmanship.  They are lined in hand sewn satin in a complimentary color.  Ladies are loving these for themselves as a way to keep their own handbags organized!  You are only limited by your own imagination!

We love these sweet hair clips...perfect for any hair style!

     Please plan to stop in soon to check out these new products.  We are proud to carry them and proud to know that there are families on the other side of our globe that are fast at work producing them and helping to not only make beautiful items, but are confident in themselves for providing for their families at the same time.  How fabulous!  Call 336.940.5501 with any questions.  See you soon!