In the heart of Haiti there are artisans. Artisans in the village of Croix-des-Bouquets make hand-cut metal picture frames. Artisans in the slum of Cité Soleil sew together beautiful quilts. In the Seaside village of Jacmel, artisans design colorful paper maché vases.
Not only has there been political violence throughout its history, Haiti was also hit by a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in January, 2010. It is estimated that 220,000 people were killed, destroying businesses, homes and wiping away villages. Among the ruins, illness and civil unrest, these artisans work to produce high-quality crafts for Heart of Haiti, a “trade not aid” project.
The Heart of Haiti collection includes an incredible selection of handmade products using primarily recycled materials. The collection includes both jewelry and home décor items such as quilts, metalwork, bowls and servers, paper maché vases and ornaments. The collection is available exclusively at select Macy’s and on Macys.com through a unique partnership with Fair Winds Trading and The Clinton Foundation.
I just received one of the gorgeous horn stretch bracelets, handmade in Calia, Haiti, from cow horn and bone. Priced at just $30, this bracelet is truly a statement piece, one I intend to wear proudly and often. I am also planning to purchase Heart of Haiti products as holiday gifts for family, friends and my children’s teachers. 
Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas according to the Human Development Index and yet despite their circumstances they are producing these beautiful handmade items. Wouldn’t it be terrific if we could all help to put sustainable income into the hands of the artisans who create them?
For the full Heart of Haiti collection, go to: http://goo.gl/OZclT. While there you can also read about the artisans who created the products and learn how your purchase will directly help the people of Haiti.
In addition, you can follow Heart of Haiti on Twitter @heartofhaiti and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HeartofHaiti.
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Look who Found the Marbles gladly supports companies who give back. As mentioned, I did receive a beautiful horn stretch bracelet from Heart of Haiti as a thank you for writing this post. All opinions and anecdotes are authentically my own. Factual content about Haiti is from Wikipedia. If you know someone who has found the marbles, send an email to Jessica@FoundtheMarbles.com.
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