Handmade Gift Ideas- D.I.Y. or Buy.

    I have compiled a short list of some of my favorite handmade gift ideas for the family. Whether you decide to buy them, or make it yourself have fun . This list is in no particular order. Please click on the links and check out some of the creations from some talented, creative people. Read there stories and
    1. Africa Bags http://www.africabags.org -We are Todd and Holly Petitt.
    Just two regular people living a regular life.  Todd is a roofing contractor and Holly is an airline pilot.  We are raising three teenagers and live in Loveland, Colorado.
About 10 years ago, after watching a documentary about the Rwandan genocide, we became aware of some of the issues Africa, as a continent, was facing because of poverty.  We began researching what others were doing to empower Africans to help themselves out of the poverty trap. As our passion for Africa grew we decided we desperately wanted to do something to help.  Although we found a lot of inspiring projects in Africa,  couldn't find anything that was a "perfect fit" for us

So at the beginning of the 2007 we decided to create our own non-profit organization.  On January 28th, 2007 Africa Bags officially came into existence.

In May of 2007, we made our first trip to Malawi. Upon arrival we met with village leaders and decided to introduce our project into three villages near Mzuzu, Malawi.  We entered into the villages of Kamweko, Viweme, and Nkhata Bay and introduced the production of reusable cloth shopping bags.  The villages were provided with foot powered treadle sewing machines, cloth and all other items needed to make the bags.  We trained small groups from each village to operate the treadle sewing machines.
Shortly after we left, a small group of people broke off from our Nkhata Bay group and formed our fourth group in Chintheche. 
Our initial sales have stemmed from a grassroots campaign.  We have contacted our friends and family asking them to spread the word about our project. As production of the villages has increased we have decided to pursue retail avenues of selling Africa Bags. We are currently looking for retail stores that would be interested in selling our bags.  We would love any help from others with experience in retail sales or those with connections to retail... Please log on to read more about these cute bags...

  1. Soothing and Moisturizing Body Scrub-
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/169045166/3-body-scrubs-gift-basketrelax-w?ref=shop_home_active
  2. Cutting Boards Shaped Like States-
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/AHeirloom?ref=l2-shopheader-name As seen on the Rachael Ray Show Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Shape Magazine April 2011, Ladies Home Journal December 2011, Parade Magazine and Parents Magazine December 2011.

    Our State series in Ply boo, a butcher block architectural plywood made from 100% rapidly renewable bamboo, takes on Texas. EACH BOARD IS MADE TO ORDER.
  3. Super Hero capes-


    Boys;https://www.etsy.com/listing/72849298/custom-made-embroidered-and-personalized?ref=shop_home_fea
    Girls- https://www.etsy.com/listing/151412985/reversible-princess-cape?ref=shop_home_active
  4. Man's Watch-
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyWatch?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count
  5. D.I.Y. Paper Clip Earrings-

    http://evie-s.com/news/2011/02/10/art-from-everyday-objects-paperclips-string/
  6. Dogs are in the family. Cant forget the dog's-
    httpp://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/dog-biscuits-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/index.html
  7. D.I.Y Wine Stoppers-
     http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/found-object-wine-stoppers/index.html
  8. Your man the Gardener-
    http://www.marthastewart.com/264656/burlap-leaf-bag-and-garden-kit?czone=holiday%2Fsantas-workshop%2Fmore-gift-idea&gallery=275582&slide=264656&center=307035
  9. Beautiful Jewelry-
    https://www.facebook.com/LeDanNoirJewelry?hc_location=timeline
  10. For the kids- Popsicle Soap-
    Popsicle://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/ht/Popsicle_Soap.htm -http://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/ht/Popsicle_Soap.htm
  11. D.I.Y. Recycled luggage Pet Bed-
    http://inhabitat.com/greenholidaygiftguide/inhabitat-green-holiday-gift-guide-make-your-own-diy-gifts/pet-bed/
    The list is endless of handmade gift ideas. I had fun finding all of the talented people in the world.

    Thanks for reading!
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    If you would rather buy your Earth friendly, all natural products check out our online store Mother Earth's Healing.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/motherearthshealing  

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