Basket Seconds Sale at Darfur Peace & Development - Week's End

Second isn't always a bad thing. You have to learn & then you can move to first, right? Please consider buying some baskets. (They work well in work & play & kitchen spaces.) Please pass on this message. Thanks so much!

ciao-meow/GG's editor

From the DPDO website:

The May shipment of baskets contained a number of baskets that are less than perfect. The imperfections include dye bleeding from designs, loose weaves, broken weaves, and inexpert craftswomanship.

Our quality control standards have been fully implemented at Kassab camp, but we have some work to do with the weavers at our new center in Abu Shouk camp. Some women who are less skilled in the craft join the Center to earn regular income. These are women looking for a second chance and we do not turn them away.

Going forward, we are maintaining a high level of quality control. We encourage all the new weavers to learn from the masters in the group.We have a few hundred SECONDS. They represent a lot of work by women in desperate circumstances.

The baskets are serviceable and structurally sound – but not decorative in a “gifty” way. These SECONDS could be used for storage of supplies – crayons, pens, etc — in schools, community centers and homes.

We are selling the SECONDS at cost. This way we preserve the income lifeline of all the weavers.

Cost per item: $7-10. We will accept any reasonable offer for quantities over 25. Please contact Susan Burgess-Lent 202-393-8150

(French market by Eistenstaedt for LIFE/basket collage via DPDO photographs)

Autumn Approaches - Week's End

It's not here yet, but on the way - next week. We hope to begin posting more about Darfur Peace & Development Organization's latest activities & the basket collective very soon. Have a wonderful weekend. (photograph via bohemea tumblr)

ciao-meow/GG Central

Go Green with Darfur Baskets

Replace plastic bins and containers with these vibrant, eco-friendly baskets made of all-natural materials. It’s a win/win/win for the weavers of Darfur, you, & the planet. You can read here about their construction (it's very interesting). The baskets are sold through retailers & you will find the growing list, here.

Many of our friends & readers have asked about Sudan (both Darfur & in the South). Things are not good, not good at all, friends. (There's lots of news, check with the BBC or any of the links in the right sidebar closer to the bottom of the page.)

But you know what? No matter how things are in Darfur, these women have mouths to feed like everyone else. It's just that simple.

We also wanted to say that these are very sturdy baskets. GG's editor has sat--accidentally--on some. This is not a recommendation to throw yourself on baskets. Just letting you know that if that didn't destroy them, we don't know what will!

ciao-salaam-meow/GG Central

[photographs by Susan Burgess-Lent/DPDO/all rights reserved]

The Colorful African Basket

Pigments are weighed at market & purchased. A few more steps & then the women's collective of basket weavers organized by Darfur Peace & Development Organization begins to make a new shipment of beautiful, strong, & colorful baskets. (see other posts on this subject).

Darfuris use these baskets mostly to hold food. Think of taking a casserole to a potluck & using a carrying basket or cover (which many of us do). The women have adapted their design to make different sizes, so that they can be used in a variety of ways by others. These lovely photographs are by Susan Burgess-Lent/DPDO/all rights reserved & used by permission.

Information about the program. Baskets can be purchased from The Amber Chand Collection or by calling 1-800-979-0108. Thank you.

* SPECIAL OLYMPIC PROMOTION * from the Amber Chand Collection - The Darfur Baskets of Strength have arrived in the U.S.

An email just sent out by the Amber Chand Collection. Please go to this link & see the beautiful baskets for sale...and great links to information & video. There is a special offer that will help Team Darfur.

A quote from Amber:

"Today, 45 weavers in the Women's Center in Kassab Refugee Camp are supported by their work creating The Darfur Baskets of Strength for our Collection. Your purchases really DO make a difference."

We are Much More Than "Just" Basket Weavers

From the online Amber Chand Collection newsletter...

We are Much More Than "Just" Basket Weavers!

"The women in the camp clapped in awe when they heard that they were perceived as "artists"and not just as "weavers of a functional basket."

Susan Burgess Lent, with Darfur Peace and Development Organization, reported this after having just met with the weavers...at The Womens Center in Kuttum Camp, Western Darfur.

"It was a trans-formative moment," Susan explains, when she told the women that they were considered "artists" by American audiences. In a burst of applause, they clapped and chanted, "We are not just refugees and weavers; we are artists!"

Today, 45 women gather in the special Weavers Tent set up as part of the Women's Center to support women who have been deeply traumatized by the genocide in Darfur.

The women arrive, many with babies on their backs, and are served strongly brewed tea as they begin their work weaving these beautiful, colorful, traditional baskets.

Your purchase of these special baskets sends these women not only much needed income to supplement the humanitarian aid they receive, but also these powerful messages: we value your talents and skills - you are not forgotten!