by Andrew Williams |
August 26, 2015
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We're surrounded by books here in Hay on Wye - it is the literary capital of the world after all! So it seemed only natural that we should branch out in to the written word in the shop. Of course there are not really "fair trade" books as such, since the overwhelming majority of titles will be published in the UK. But we think it's possible to stock a range of reading material which supports and complements the aims of Eighteen Rabbit.
As an example, we're delighted to have the new issue of Lodestars Anthology available in the shop now. To call it a "travel magazine" would be a great disservice, but they do cover a different location each issue. Scotland was in the spotlight last time, and the new issue looks at Australia, through photography, features and poetry.
We also love stocking the "Do Books" series, from the team behind the Do Lectures. These mini guides cover everything from bee-keeping to intellectual property, baking sourdough bread to improvisational techniques. Again, calling them self help books would be a misstep, but they have proved to be incredibly popular.
Finally we're delighted to stock the Happy Reader magazine - the perfect print title for the town of books! Sadly we can't sell all of these on line, but if you're passing through Hay and need some engaging reading material, you know where to come.
Tagged:
do books,
eighteen rabbit,
hay on wye,
lodestars anthology,
the happy reader
by Andrew Williams |
August 19, 2015
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We have been lucky enough to have quite a few products in the shop which we could genuinely say were "phenomenal." Our Elephant Cement wallets and bags from Cambodia were one of our earliest lines, and are still hugely popular today. Zotter chocolates, recommended to us by a customer, are now a staple part of our range throughout the year. And our perching and origami birds continue to amaze and delight customers.
Nothing could have prepared us for the flip flop animals though.
Almost exactly a year ago, I met a customer here in Hay on Wye who had been working for an NGO in Kenya. She mentioned a project called Ocean Sole, who took discarded flip flops and turned them in to pieces of art. Intrigued, we checked out the website and sent a few emails. A month or so later our first (tiny!) batch of flip flop animals arrived. Slowly but surely we realised we had a phenomenon on our hands!
Since we moved to Lion Street the flip flop fever has only intensified. Our cool window display has attracted a lot of attention, and we've added new designs such as keyrings to the range.
Last week I met a customer who had recently returned from Kenya where they had visited Ocean Sole. He said the most incredible sight was the enormous mound of flip flops waiting to be processed by the workers. This project really is having an incredible impact, not just in cleaning up the environment but also providing much needed employment in Nairobi. Here are some pictures, with huge thanks to Roger Murray-Leach for sending them to us. We look forward to working with Ocean Sole for many years to come!
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
flip flop art,
kenya,
lion street,
nairobi,
ocean sole
by Andrew Williams |
August 12, 2015
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Did you know that today is World Elephant Day? How could you forget? (boom boom).
Elephants seem to have such a deep connection for us humble humans, representing wisdom, power, strength and a certain ancient connection to something bigger than all of us. It's difficult to imagine a world without elephants, but sadly that is a future we are facing unless we act now. Find out more on the website.
After rabbits, I would say that elephants are our best selling animal in the shop. We seem to have them in all shapes and sizes! Here are some of our favourites... click on the pictures to find out more.
Elephant Cement Messenger Bags from Cambodia.
Sunset Elephant card, signed by the artist who made it.
Flip Flop elephant from Kenya.
Wooden elephant from Sri Lanka.
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
elephants,
hay on wye,
World Elephant Day
by Andrew Williams |
July 22, 2015
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We are so pleased to be settling in to our new home on Lion Street in the centre of Hay on Wye. We loved being up at Hay Castle but we are confident that our new location will make us accessible to many more fair trade shoppers.
As part of our move we have expanded several of our ranges. We have more fantastic jewellery from Tamil Nadu, Thailand, the Philippines and Peru, more kids' toys, new lines of enamelware from South Africa (perfect for camping!) and a growing range of books and magazines. We don't have everything on line quite yet but keep checking back for more interesting new products.
We have had a fantastic reaction so far and we hope to be able to welcome many more of you to our shop over the months ahead. Do say hello if you are passing! Here are some snaps to whet your appetite...
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
hay on wye,
lion street
by Andrew Williams |
March 11, 2015
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This week is book-ended by two events celebrating the achievements of women the world over. Sunday 8th March was International Women's Day, setting social media alight with hashtags celebrating the achievements of women whether famous or unsung.
This coming Sunday, March 15th, is Mother's Day here in the UK, a chance to give thanks to our mums and remember the hard work they have put in to get us where we are today.
This has a special significance to those of us working in fair trade. Many of our amazing products come to us from artists groups and cooperatives set up specifically to support groups of women to become more self sufficient. It isn't always the case that men are the "baddies" - sometimes it is sadly the case that one income is not enough to support a family in the developing world. By supporting women into work which is flexible and sustainable, it can allow them to make sure that their children get a good education and have the nutrition and educational supplies to allow them to prosper.
While we remember our own special women, let's also show some respect for mums around the world who are working hard to give their kids the best possible start in life.
Crocheted Carrot! From the Zoe Project in Lima, Peru.
Elephant Cement bag from Craftworks Cambodia.
Rosa knickers from Kerala Crafts, India.
Tagged:
carrot brooch,
eighteen rabbit,
elephant bag,
Mother's Day,
rosa knickers
