The Andean Collection continually seeks out new artisans to work with, and we are embarking on an exciting new initiative with artisans in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where a lack of basic tools is a major obstacle for efficient production and economic success.
Currently, to put holes in the seeds to use as beads, the women have to drill a hole by hand into each and every tiny seed. The lucky few have a hand drill, while others have nothing more than a drill bit melted into the end of an old toothbrush handle.
So to help these new groups get the small power drills and other invaluable tools they needed, the Andean Collection Ecuador staff volunteered their time to organize a fundraiser sample sale in a popular Quito artisan market. With 100% of the proceeds going towards buying tools for the incredibly skilled but highly impoverished, indigenous artisans in the Amazon, the fundraiser was a great success, and we were able to raise 2/3 of our goal. We would love for you to be part of our effort to help these incredible women. To learn more about what you can do, visit our ‘Get Involved’ page.
The indigenous population Andean Collection is partnering with has passed on their artisanal skills for many generations and all of the natural materials they use are harvested from their own ‘chacras’ (traditional farming plots which follow permaculture principles). Being looking forward to seeing some of their beautiful designs in upcoming AC lines!
Photos by Sandra Ten Zijthoff
