Handcrafted in Laos
Most Lao families probably have a couple of traditional silk scarves already. But in case anyone is still looking for one, this company A World of Good has them for sale at $20. They also sell Lao made placemats and handbags too. Each one of your purchases will go a long way. Check out the company’s mission statement here.
“Each of our beautiful shawls is individually handmade by the Lao Women’s Union in Laos. The woven patterns of the cloth convey symbols of hopes, health and protection. We bring them to you in partnership with Beyond the Banyan Tree, guaranteeing a living wage for the artisans and the continuation of their artistic and cultural traditions Silk and Cotton. Handcrafted in Laos.”
“Eat in style with these beautiful, delicate, silk organza placemats. Hand-woven by the Wieng Sai Weaving Group in Laos, this twenty-woman collective uses all-natural plant and vegetable derivatives as dyes. The group provides women-weavers access to collective bargaining and a fair wage.”
Thanks Salat for posting this, it’d make a great gift and not too expensive. Peter Whittlesey is thinking about selling Lao handcraft items such as these but I think he might have more to offer, but I’m not sure if it’s up and running, I visited his site and it said open in August, but couldn’t click in. This was from his blog entry awhile back, “I’m hoping that by the end of summer we’ll have our ecommerce site up where we can begin selling Lao textiles and handicrafts through Laos Essential Artistry. On the Laos Essential Artistry page”
Yes, I wish they had more selections (of the scarf) too, especially one in turquoise or purple. The only problem for me, is that I would rather be able to touch and feel the item first before buying it.
Btw, did you see any silk vendors at the Washington DC temple celebration? Or you afraid to buys things from there after your "pirated" CD experience?
I would love to see what Peter has to offer on his site. I wonder if he will be shipping from the US or Laos. Probably better to ship it from the US. I wish him much success.
Hi Salat, They sold variety of items, they did have silk purse, sinh, blouse, pillows, and my oldest sister bought a silk pillow, she has a fascination for silk items, whether it’s fabric, sinh, blouse, scarf, and anything that is silk but mainly for collection not so much of wearing them. Everything at the temple was expensive, they sold a painting for $100, when I’d get in for $50 elsewhere and they told me that it was at a deep discount because the going price was $200-$300, I just smiled because I have 2 at home that I only paid $100, even at this price, I thought I was paying too much but bought it just to help them out.
Great find Salat. This site is so much better than some of those online sites I found, selling product from Laos. I like their school bags very much. Those friendly and stylish bags reminded me of my hand made school bag in Laos.
I can't wait to see What Peter has to offer at his online site. I spoke to him a couple of years ago about putting his great finds online. He has good connections in Laos with the weavers so there should be many unique items on sale.