Like this post? Please share!
Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and they provided me with this product for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own
The holidays are soon approaching and our focus will be on our family, friends and loved ones as we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. My family and I have so much to be thankful for! Last Christmas my father had a successful quadruple bypass, my mother continues fights every day to over come depression and her demons and a close family friend who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery when she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Our family has cried many tears not only of sadness but of thanksgiving!
As you can imagine, our focus this holiday season is not on popular Black Friday ads, it is on finding gifts that give hope, gifts that give back. One brand that gives back is Heart of Haiti sold exclusively at Macy’s. Macy’s went to Haiti shortly after the January 12, 2010 earthquake and realized that despite the devastation there was an artist community that existed and was eager to bring their product to market. Over 400 artists are currently employed through the heart of Haiti product line which is available at Macys.com and in some stores.
Recently I was sent my own Heart of Haiti piece to use in my holiday table decoration. Although I love to use holiday decor in my table decor, I love incorporating pieces that I can use year around. My Heart of Haiti piece Papier Mache Blue Circles Vase was made with raw materials using a traditional papier mache technique using tobacco leaf instead of traditional paper by artists in Jacmel. Jacmel is a beautiful coastal town in Haiti which is easily reflected in this handcrafted work of art.
When 500 artists are employed, it actually benefits over 3,000 members of their extended family. Since the average Haitian’s annual income is only $400 a year, you can imagine how excited and blessed these Haiti artisans are that they can sell their handcrafted goods as the only source of income for their family. But their products speak for themselves.
Heart of Haiti can be found and followed on social media at @HeartofHaiti on Twitter and www.facebook.com/heartofhaiti on Facebook.
For additional information about how Heart of Haiti is helping the community, visit this page.
What ideas do you have to make your holiday table decor stand out? Do you give handcrafts or handmade items as gifts to loved ones?
I have a Macy’s real near where I live. I will be going there to look at these items and see if there is anything I could use or want to give as a gift. It intrigues me that the vase is made of tobacco leaves!
I love that such a large store has partnered with the Haitian community in this way. It’s things like this that truly make an impact on individuals and their family’s future.
I love your vase and would love to have one like it. During the holidays I usually make my gifts for other. I will have to check this site out. Thanks for sharing.