{"title":"Kenya","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"banana-fiber-arched-nativity-set-esther-kariuki","title":"Banana Fiber Arched  Nativity Set - Esther Kariuki","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Nativity set is handcrafted out of banana fiber wrapped on wire and includes a 10 by 7 inch handmade banana fiber box for storage and display. The tallest piece is 5 inches high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Banana Fiber \" src=\"https:\/\/www.globalcraftsb2b.com\/store\/pc\/catalog\/imga0206_1556_large.jpg\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin: 5px; float: left;\"\u003e Esther Kariuki is an independent artisan who, in her area of Kenya, near Kitui, has organized and trained women in her village to use the dried fiber of the banana plant, which would normally be discarded. The banana fiber is first dried, and then a light varnish applied. Once this process is complete craftspeople cut the fiber into thin strips to make several different items, including boxes, Bao Bab trees and mobiles. The varnish on the banana fiber with its many tones of brown resembles textured tortoise shell. Esther ensures the craftspeople are paid a fair wage for their goods, which has enabled many in her small village to earn a sustainable wage.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Esther Kariuki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11260903555,"sku":"KNFNATO_554017","price":44.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/esther-kariuki-holiday-banana-fiber-arched-nativity-set-esther-kariuki-921575981080.jpg?v=1776491735"},{"product_id":"banana-fiber-nativity-set-esther-kariuki","title":"Banana Fiber Nativity Set - Esther Kariuki","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Nativity set is handcrafted out of banana fiber wrapped on wire and includes a 5 1\/4 by 7 1\/4 inch handmade banana fiber box for storage. The tallest piece is 5 inches high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"Banana Fiber \" src=\"https:\/\/www.globalcraftsb2b.com\/store\/pc\/catalog\/imga0206_1556_large.jpg\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px; margin: 5px; float: left;\"\u003e Esther Kariuki is an independent artisan who, in her area of Kenya, near Kitui, has organized and trained women in her village to use the dried fiber of the banana plant, which would normally be discarded. The banana fiber is first dried, and then a light varnish applied. Once this process is complete craftspeople cut the fiber into thin strips to make several different items, including boxes, Bao Bab trees and mobiles. The varnish on the banana fiber with its many tones of brown resembles textured tortoise shell. Esther ensures the craftspeople are paid a fair wage for their goods, which has enabled many in her small village to earn a sustainable wage.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Esther Kariuki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11260909891,"sku":"KNFNAT-6","price":44.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/esther-kariuki-holiday-banana-fiber-nativity-set-esther-kariuki-921782353944.jpg?v=1776491736"},{"product_id":"wire-bicycle-pin-with-tusker-wheels-creative-alternatives","title":"Wire Bicycle Pin with Tusker Wheels - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eMade of recycled copper and steel wire with local beer caps for wheels this bicycle pin is approximately 2 inches long with a safety pin closure. Called \"boda boda\" by the locals, bicycles are used as public transportation (you ride on a padded rack on the back) and are named for the bikes used to transport people across the border between Uganda and Kenya -rom border to border.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261160067,"sku":"KJW001TK","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-wire-bicycle-pin-with-tusker-wheels-creative-alternatives-921544261656.jpg?v=1571311510"},{"product_id":"wire-bicycle-pin-creative-alternatives","title":"Wire Bicycle Pin - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eMade from recycled copper and steel wire, these earrings are inspired by a common mode of transportation in Western Kenya - the bicycle. Called a \"boda boda\" by the locals, bicycles are used as public transportation (you ride on a padded rack on the back) and are named for the bicycles used to transport people across the border between Uganda and Kenya rom border to border. The pin is approximately 2 inches wide, and includes a safety pin for wearing the pin on a lapel, hat, or backpack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261161027,"sku":"KJW001-154001","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-wire-bicycle-pin-creative-alternatives-921576603672.jpg?v=1571311511"},{"product_id":"wire-bicycle-earrings-creative-alternatives","title":"Wire Bicycle Earrings - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eMade from recycled copper and steel wire, these earrings are inspired by a common mode of transportation in Western Kenya - the bicycle. Called \"boda boda\" by the locals, bicycles are used as public transportation (you ride on a padded rack on the back). The name \"boda boda\" comes from the bicycles' use for transporting people across the border between Uganda and Kenya rom border to border. These earrings feature a single bead separating the hypoallergenic hook from the bicycle. Earring is approximately 1.5 inches wide. Color of bead may vary from those shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261161731,"sku":"KJW003 - 225013","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-wire-bicycle-earrings-creative-alternatives-921566150680.jpg?v=1571311560"},{"product_id":"set-of-six-mahogany-wood-animal-napkin-rings-jedando-handicrafts","title":"Set of Six Mahogany Wood Animal Napkin Rings - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eSet of six napkin rings carved from African mahogany, handmade using rudimentary hand tools. Handpainted with appropriate spots and stripes, set includes one of each lion, cheetah, elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, and zebra.Average size is 3.5 inches wide including the head by 2.5 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261475715,"sku":"KWF012","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-set-of-six-mahogany-wood-animal-napkin-rings-jedando-handicrafts-921768755224.jpg?v=1571312029"},{"product_id":"recycled-tusker-bottle-cap-dancing-girl-earrings-creative-alternatives","title":"Recycled Tusker Bottle Cap Dancing Girl Earrings - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelightful dancing girl earrings with bodies of Tusker lager bottle caps are accented with copper wire and colorful Maasai beads. Earrings hang approximately 1.5 inches from lead free silver metal hooks. Bead colors will vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261561731,"sku":"KJTCTSK-222014","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-recycled-tusker-bottle-cap-dancing-girl-earrings-creative-alternatives-921686442008.jpg?v=1571312065"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-8-inch-lovers-embrace-sculpture-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 8-inch Lover's Embrace Sculpture - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone, these sculptures feature a representation of two lovers in circle. The piece is carved from one piece of soapstone and is about 8 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261855555,"sku":"KSALD8","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-8-inch-lover-s-embrace-sculpture-smolart-921689817112.jpg?v=1571312197"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-6-inch-nativity-set-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 6-inch Nativity Set - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from cream-colored soapstone in Kenya, this nativity set has 12 pieces, the tallest of which is 6 inches tall. Variations in color and design will occur due to the nature of the stone and the individual carver.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261856707,"sku":"KST004_602024","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-6-inch-nativity-set-smolart-921607274520.jpg?v=1571312198"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-6-inch-lovers-knot-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 6-inch Lover's Knot - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone, this sculpture features an abstract representation of two lovers. The piece is carved from one piece of soapstone and is about 6 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261857091,"sku":"KSAKNW6","price":32.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-6-inch-lover-s-knot-smolart-921563070488.jpg?v=1571312198"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-6-inch-lovers-knot-in-black-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 6-inch Lover's Knot in Black - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone, this sculpture features an abstract representation of two lovers. The piece is carved from one piece of soapstone and is about 6 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261857667,"sku":"KSAKNB6","price":32.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-6-inch-lover-s-knot-in-black-smolart-921889243160.jpg?v=1571312198"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-6-inch-lovers-embrace-sculpture-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 6-inch Lover's Embrace Sculpture - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone, these sculptures feature a representation of two lovers in circle. The piece is carved from one piece of soapstone and is about 6 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261858435,"sku":"KSALD6","price":32.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-6-inch-lover-s-embrace-sculpture-smolart-921635487768.jpg?v=1571312198"},{"product_id":"natural-soapstone-10-inch-lovers-knot-in-black-smolart","title":"Natural Soapstone 10-inch Lover's Knot in Black - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone, this sculpture features an abstract representation of two lovers. The piece is carved from one piece of soapstone and is about 10 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261860355,"sku":"KSAKNB10","price":44.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-soapstone-10-inch-lover-s-knot-in-black-smolart-921689882648.jpg?v=1571312199"},{"product_id":"natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart","title":"Natural 8-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 2 Parents 2 Children - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family of 2 parents and 2 children. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Dimensions: 8 inches tall by 4 inches wide and 3 inches in diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261863427,"sku":"KSA003_Fam22_602006","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart-921682804760.jpg?v=1571312200"},{"product_id":"natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-1-child-smolart","title":"Natural 8-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 2 Parents 1 Child - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Dimensions: 8 inches tall by 4 inches wide and 3 inches in diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261864387,"sku":"KSA003_2P1C_602011","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-1-child-smolart-921637912600.jpg?v=1571312200"},{"product_id":"natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-1-parent-2-children-smolart","title":"Natural 8-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 1 Parent 2 Children - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Dimensions: 8 inches tall by 4 inches wide and 3 inches in diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261865667,"sku":"KSA003_1P2C_602010","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-1-parent-2-children-smolart-921617825816.jpg?v=1571312200"},{"product_id":"natural-10-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart","title":"Natural 10-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 2 Parents 2 Children - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family of 2 parents and 2 children. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Approximately 10 inches tall by 5 inches wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261868355,"sku":"KSA003-10-2P2C","price":42.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-10-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart-921607471128.jpg?v=1571312201"},{"product_id":"natural-10-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-1-child-smolart","title":"Natural 10-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 2 Parents 1 Child - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family of 2 parents and 1 child. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Approximately 10 inches tall by 5 inches wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11261869187,"sku":"KSA003-10-2P1C","price":42.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-10-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-1-child-smolart-921633292312.jpg?v=1571312202"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-soapstone-lovers-heart-sculpture-in-white-smolart","title":"Handcrafted Soapstone Lover's Heart Sculpture in White - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcarved from soapstone, this unique sculpture represents two lovers in the shape of a heart. Measures 8 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262294083,"sku":"KSALOV8-W","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-soapstone-lover-s-heart-sculpture-in-white-smolart-921552584728.jpg?v=1571312425"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-soapstone-lovers-heart-sculpture-in-red-smolart","title":"Handcrafted Soapstone Lover's Heart Sculpture in Red - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcarved from soapstone, this unique sculpture represents two lovers in the shape of a heart. Measures 8 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262295811,"sku":"KSALOV8-R","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-soapstone-lover-s-heart-sculpture-in-red-smolart-921778683928.jpg?v=1571312425"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-blue-soapstone-hippo-smolart","title":"Handcrafted Blue Soapstone Hippo - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone in Kenya, this hippo is 3 inches tall, by 4 inches long, by 2 inches wide, and is hand painted with a blue abstract design. Please allow for slight variations due to the handmade nature of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctbody\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Metal Artisan in Haiti\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/1740\/files\/artisansmolart_medium.jpg?4380629565887964965\" style=\"width:200px; height:200px; margin:5px; float:left\" width=\"200\"\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tSoapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tAll of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262363395,"sku":"KSAHIPPOL-602021","price":24.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-blue-soapstone-hippo-smolart-921798836248.jpg?v=1571312456"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-8-inch-soapstone-connected-hearts-sculpture-in-black-smolart","title":"Handcrafted 8-inch Soapstone Connected Hearts Sculpture in Black - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcarved from a single piece of soapstone, this sculpture features two intertwined hearts. It measures 8 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262368451,"sku":"KSAHEART8-B","price":32.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-8-inch-soapstone-connected-hearts-sculpture-in-black-smolart-921778749464.jpg?v=1571312457"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-5-inch-soapstone-sitting-cat-sculpture-in-orange-smolart","title":"Handcrafted 5-inch Soapstone Sitting Cat Sculpture in Orange - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarved from soapstone in Western Kenya, this cat sculpture is like none found in nature with its hand etched patterns and whimsical shape. Each cat is approximately 5 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctbody\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Metal Artisan in Haiti\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/1740\/files\/artisansmolart_medium.jpg?4380629565887964965\" style=\"width:200px; height:200px; margin:5px; float:left\" width=\"200\"\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tSoapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tAll of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262371331,"sku":"KSASCAT-O","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-5-inch-soapstone-sitting-cat-sculpture-in-orange-smolart-921883836440.jpg?v=1571312457"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-zebra-salad-tongs-jedando-handicrafts","title":"Hand-Carved Zebra Salad Tongs - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade in Kenya, these salad servers are carved from one piece of wood. Each piece is hand painted and carved by hand. These salad tongs are a fun addition to any serving set - They are sure to attract complements. They are about 12 inches in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262385219,"sku":"KWF009TZ_ZBRA_554004","price":32.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-fair-trade-handmade-carved-wood-zebra-salad-tongs-serving-set-921760170008.jpg?v=1571312490"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-soapstone-maasai-chess-set-14-board-smolart","title":"Hand Carved Soapstone Maasai Chess Set - 14\" Board - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone in Kenya, this chess set features 32 delicate pieces in a Maasai tribal theme on a 14-inch square board. As each piece is hand carved from natural stone, please allow some variations in color and design.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262387011,"sku":"KSH0014_602025","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-hand-carved-soapstone-maasai-chess-set-14-board-smolart-921641517080.jpg?v=1571312490"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-african-giraffe-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h","title":"Hand-carved African Giraffe Mask - Jedando Handicrafts (H)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Giraffe mask is hand-carved and hand-painted by economically disadvantaged members of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Purchasing this product provides sustainable income for the artists to support their families and send their children to school. Mask measures approximately 8.5 inches in height and 4 inches in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctbody\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Metal Artisan in Haiti\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/1740\/files\/prjedando_543_large_medium.jpg?1442657034662852755\" style=\"width:200px; height:200px; margin:5px; float:left\" width=\"200\"\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tAn integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts (H)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262393091,"sku":"KWC011SD_Grf_133005","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-h-home-hand-carved-african-giraffe-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h-921535381528.jpg?v=1571312491"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-tusker-bottle-cap-pin-with-beads-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Tusker Bottle Cap Pin with Beads - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis dancing girl pin is made from a local beer bottle cap and copper wire and accented with colorful Maasai beads. Mounted on a safety pin for attaching to a lapel, hat, or backpack, the pin is approximately 2 inches tall. Bead colors may vary from shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262582531,"sku":"KJW002TK","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-tusker-bottle-cap-pin-with-beads-creative-alternatives-921762791448.jpg?v=1571312723"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-santa-pin-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Santa Pin - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand painted sheets of misprinted bottle caps are adorned with recycled wire and beads in this cute holiday pin from Kenya. With a safety pin closure, the pin is approximately 3 inches tall and will surely brighten up the holiday season!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262587715,"sku":"KJWPSA-154004","price":30.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-santa-pin-creative-alternatives-921677299736.jpg?v=1571312724"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-santa-earrings-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Santa Earrings - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pair of handmade dancing girl earrings features a playful holiday design, made from recycled tin cans and copper wire. Earrings hang approximately 1.75 inches from hypoallergenic hooks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262589699,"sku":"KJWESA-154006","price":10.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-santa-earrings-creative-alternatives-921640009752.jpg?v=1571312725"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-pumpkin-earrings-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Pumpkin Earrings - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis handmade novelty pair of dancing girl earrings features a playful pumpkin design made from recycled tin can and copper wire, accented with colorful Maasai beads. Earrings hang approximately 2 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262594115,"sku":"KJW017E-154030","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-pumpkin-earrings-creative-alternatives-921677332504.jpg?v=1571312726"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-heart-pin-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Heart Pin - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelightful dancing girl pin made from recycled painted tin heart and copper wire, accented with colorful Maasai beads (bead color may vary). Mounted on a safety pin for attaching to a lapel, hat, or backpack. Pin is approximately 2 inches wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262608131,"sku":"KJW005H","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-heart-pin-creative-alternatives-921764560920.jpg?v=1571312730"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-american-football-pin-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl American Football Pin - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis handmade novelty dancing girl pin features a playful football design made from recycled tin can and copper wire, accented with colorful Maasai beads. Pin is approximately 2.5 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262619203,"sku":"KJW006P-154008","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-american-football-pin-creative-alternatives-921598132248.jpg?v=1571312771"},{"product_id":"8-inch-hand-carved-kenyan-salad-serving-set-jedando-handicrafts","title":"8-Inch Hand-Carved Kenyan Salad Serving Set - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade in Kenya, these 8-inch salad servers are carved from a single piece of olive wood in a unique twisted design.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262764867,"sku":"KWF009ST_Twst_554005","price":24.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-8-inch-hand-carved-kenyan-salad-serving-set-jedando-handicrafts-921611075608.jpg?v=1571313100"},{"product_id":"6-inch-hand-carved-olive-wood-bowl-jedando-handicrafts","title":"6-Inch Hand-carved Olive Wood Bowl - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eHighly grained hand carved olive wood bowl from Kenya, approximately  6 inches in diameter by 2 inches tall.  Please allow for variations due to the hand carved nature of the bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctbody\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Metal Artisan in Haiti\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/1740\/files\/prjedando_543_large_medium.jpg?1442657034662852755\" style=\"width:200px; height:200px; margin:5px; float:left\" width=\"200\"\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tAn integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262783939,"sku":"KWFR06_554013","price":21.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-handmade-artisan-handmade-6-hand-carved-olive-wood-kitchen-salad-serving-bowl-921778618392.jpg?v=1571313140"},{"product_id":"11-inch-olive-wood-salad-serving-set-with-twisted-handles-jedando-handicrafts","title":"11-Inch Olive Wood Salad Serving Set with Twisted Handles - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese 11 inch salad servers are carved from olive wood with a cow bone handle. The patterns on the handles are created by melting wax on the white bone and dipping the handles in a dark dye. The intricate carving of the handles gives the appearance of two thick twisted vines. Treated with oil they should last a life time. Handle designs will vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":11262815811,"sku":"KWF009T","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-fair-trade-artisan-handmade-11-olive-wood-twisted-handles-salad-serving-set-921577586712.jpg?v=1620171600"},{"product_id":"set-of-two-handmade-wire-bicycle-ornaments-creative-alternatives","title":"Set of Two Handmade Wire Bicycle Ornaments - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis set of two handmade wire bicycles, each with a raffia loop, make unique holiday ornaments. Each bicycle is approx 4 inches in size. Sold Individually. Called a \"boda boda\" by the locals, bicycles are used as public transportation (you ride on a padded rack on the back) and are named for the bicycles used to transport people across the border between Uganda and Kenya - from border to border.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30105607427,"sku":"KMW006_orn","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-holiday-set-of-two-handmade-wire-bicycle-ornaments-creative-alternatives-921927155736.jpg?v=1571313757"},{"product_id":"dancing-girl-christmas-tree-pin-creative-alternatives","title":"Dancing Girl Christmas Tree Pin - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy the holidays with this 4-inch tall dancing girl tree pin. Made in Kenya, it is hand painted and made from copper wire and sheets of misprinted bottle caps. Safety pin closure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ng-scope\"\u003eCreative Alternatives works with marginalized producers in rural and urban areas of Kenya. The producers take pride in the product ideas they are able to develop and market through Creative Alternatives. The producers are self employed men and women, largely young and middle aged, who have failed to get formal employment. They have thus had to seek employment in the jua kali (which translates into hot sun in the Swahili language) sector. They work in groups, small family owned businesses or as individuals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30105609155,"sku":"KJWPTR-154003","price":15.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-the-takataka-collection-dancing-girl-christmas-tree-pin-creative-alternatives-921577947160.jpg?v=1571313757"},{"product_id":"giant-17-inch-hands-salad-servers-jedando-handicrafts","title":"Giant 17 inch Hands Salad Servers - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis olive wood salad serving set in the shape of hands are handmade in Kenya. These are large -- you may have a totally different use for them than tossing salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41139988750,"sku":"KWF009H-554300","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-giant-17-inch-hands-salad-servers-jedando-handicrafts-921566773272.jpg?v=1571314073"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-5-inch-soapstone-sitting-cat-sculpture-in-yellow-smolart","title":"Handcrafted 5-inch Soapstone Sitting Cat Sculpture in Yellow - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarved from soapstone in Western Kenya, this cat sculpture is like none found in nature with its hand etched patterns and whimsical shape. Each cat is approximately 5 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3378956730392,"sku":"KSASCAT-Y","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-5-inch-soapstone-sitting-cat-sculpture-in-yellow-smolart-1493573730328.jpg?v=1571315030"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-4-inch-soapstone-love-cats-sculpture-in-yellow-smolart","title":"Handcrafted 4-inch Soapstone Love Cats Sculpture in Yellow - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcarved in Kenya from a single piece of soapstone, this sculpture depicting two cats is 4 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3378956795928,"sku":"KSATCAT-Y","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-4-inch-soapstone-love-cats-sculpture-in-yellow-smolart-1493573861400.jpg?v=1571315031"},{"product_id":"handcrafted-4-inch-soapstone-love-cats-sculpture-in-red-smolart","title":"Handcrafted 4-inch Soapstone Love Cats Sculpture in Brick - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcarved in Kenya from a single piece of soapstone, this sculpture depicting two cats is 4 inches tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3378956828696,"sku":"KSATCAT-R","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-handcrafted-4-inch-soapstone-love-cats-sculpture-in-brick-smolart-1493573894168.jpg?v=1571315031"},{"product_id":"handcarved-olive-wood-bowl-9-inch-with-inlaid-bone-jedando-handicrafts","title":"Handcarved Olive Wood Bowl 9 inch with Inlaid Bone - Jedando Handicrafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis highly grained olive wood bowl is hand-carved in Kenya using rudimentary hand tools. In a gorgeous color, this bowl also features inlaid piece of discarded cow bone, batiked in a mudcloth pattern using traditional dye methods. Size 10 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctbody\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Metal Artisan in Haiti\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/1740\/files\/prjedando_543_large_medium.jpg?1442657034662852755\" style=\"width:200px; height:200px; margin:5px; float:left\" width=\"200\"\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\tAn integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\t\t\t\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3378956894232,"sku":"KWFR10BI-554016","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-tableware-handcarved-olive-wood-bowl-9-inch-with-inlaid-bone-jedando-handicrafts-1493573992472.jpg?v=1571315032"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-african-zebra-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h","title":"Hand-carved African Zebra Mask - Jedando Handicrafts (H)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis wood zebra mask is hand-carved by members of the Kamba tribe in Kenya.Mask features detailed hand-painted stripes on the zebra's head and measures approximately 8.5 inches high x 4 inches deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts (H)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3378956927000,"sku":"KWC011SD_ZBRA_133004","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-h-home-hand-carved-african-zebra-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h-1493574090776.jpg?v=1571315032"},{"product_id":"reclaimed-olive-wood-salt-pot-kahero-farm-kenya","title":"Reclaimed Olive Wood Salt Pot - Kahero Farm - Kenya","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarved from olive wood stumps dug up in field preparation, this small bowl with a spoon is handcarved in Central Kenya by the workers in the field for extra income. The shape of each salt pot is unique. They measure approx 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Sold individually.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kahero Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32267846025291,"sku":"KWF006","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/kahero-farm-tableware-reclaimed-olive-wood-salt-pot-kahero-farm-kenya-15158295265355.jpg?v=1614769785"},{"product_id":"soapstone-white-menorah","title":"Soapstone White Menorah - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone by African craftsmen, this menorah will provide a unique look to your home for the holidays. Measures 12 x 2.5 x 6 inches. Weighs 15lbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SMOLArt","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32267854184523,"sku":"KSAMNRHW","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-holiday-soapstone-white-menorah-smolart-15158313320523.jpg?v=1614724429"},{"product_id":"soapstone-black-menorah","title":"Soapstone Black Menorah - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eHand carved from soapstone by African craftsmen, this menorah will provide a unique look to your home for the holidays. Measures 12 x 2.5 x 6 inches. Weighs 15lbs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SMOLArt","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32267854905419,"sku":"KSAMNRHB","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-holiday-soapstone-black-menorah-smolart-15158313877579.jpg?v=1614724104"},{"product_id":"hand-carved-african-giraffe-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h-1","title":"Hand-carved African Giraffe Mask - Jedando Handicrafts (H)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Giraffe mask is hand-carved and hand-painted by economically disadvantaged members of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Purchasing this product provides sustainable income for the artists to support their families and send their children to school. Mask measures approximately 8.5 inches in height and 4 inches in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\u003cp\u003e Working with more than 100 individual carvers in Machakos, Kenya,Jedando Modern Handicrafts markets african handicrafts primarily made of wood and bone worldwide. Carving is a tradition in Kenya with the children learning the craft from their parents. Carved by hand using only rudimentary hand tools, olive wood bowls, salad serving sets, and animal-shaped napkin rings take shape from pieces of olive wood, mahogany, and mpingo, or \"African Ebony\".\u003cbr\u003e An integral part of the organization's function is to educate the craftspeople on the need for reforestation to enable the products to be available for years to come and offer a sustainable income for generations. While wood carving provides the major income for many in the Machakos area, other craftspeople earn a living by further enhancing the products including painting the napkin rings and carving discarded animal bone for the handles of salad serving sets. Often the bone is \"batiked\" by placing wax on the white bone and dipping the bone a dark brown\/black dye, resulting in patterns African mud cloth designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jedando Handicrafts (H)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32482721267787,"sku":"KWC011SD_GRF_133005","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/jedando-handicrafts-h-home-hand-carved-african-giraffe-mask-jedando-handicrafts-h-15455388729419.jpg?v=1614756855"},{"product_id":"natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart-1","title":"Natural 8-inch Tall Soapstone Family Sculpture - 2 Parents 2 Children - Smolart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Soapstone is among the most beautiful in the world. Mined by hand from surface mines large stones are pulled by a team of workers, cleaved into smaller pieces and worked into stunning art and functional objects. This sculpture depicts a stylized family of 2 parents and 2 children. The soapstone is natural. Please allow for color variation from cream to pink to gray in any single piece. Dimensions: 8 inches tall by 4 inches wide and 3 inches in diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Artisans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. \"Pangas,\" sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smolart","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32482724642891,"sku":"KSA003_FAM22_602006","price":36.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/smolart-soapstone-natural-8-inch-tall-soapstone-family-sculpture-2-parents-2-children-smolart-15455397380171.jpg?v=1614739399"},{"product_id":"set-of-10-dancing-girl-christmas-tree-pins-creative-alternatives","title":"Set of 10 Dancing Girl Christmas Tree Pins - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eEnjoy the holiday with this 4-inch tall dancing girl tree pin, hand painted in Kenya and made of copper wire and sheets of misprinted bottle caps. Safety pin closure. Perfect for small gifts for the office, social groups, teachers, parties, and stockings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32610277687371,"sku":"KJWPTR-S10","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-jewelry-set-of-10-dancing-girl-christmas-tree-pins-creative-alternatives-15589218680907.jpg?v=1614707589"},{"product_id":"set-of-10-dancing-girl-santa-earrings-creative-alternatives","title":"Set of 10 Dancing Girl Santa Earrings - Creative Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese cute recycled dancing girl earrings are made from painted sheets of misprinted bottle caps and wire in Kisumu, Kenya. They hang 1.75 inches from hypoallergenic hooks. Perfect for small gifts for the office, social groups, teachers, parties, and holiday stockings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for shopping The Village Country Store, authorized dealer for VHC Brands, Victorian Heart Quilts inc., and Fair Trade Artisan Gifts and Crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Creative Alternatives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32610277883979,"sku":"KJWESA-S10","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/0756\/products\/creative-alternatives-jewelry-set-of-10-dancing-girl-santa-earrings-creative-alternatives-15589218975819.jpg?v=1614707300"}],"url":"https:\/\/thevillagecountrystore.com\/collections\/kenya.oembed?page=4","provider":"The Village Country Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}