Small World @ The Three Harbours Arts Festival

Small World is excited to be 'Venue 39' in this year’s 3 Harbours Arts Festival of 'Art in Unusual Places' and will be exhibiting a selection of hand-embroidered and sequinned cards in the shop.

The cards from the Swajan range have been made by Bangladeshi craftswomen earning a fair wage for their traditional skills such as patchwork, appliqué, and mirror work .

Volunteer Bernice Jones said “One of the things we hear most often about the Small World shop is ‘I keep meaning to go in there’ so hopefully, the exhibition will encourage people to venture in for the first time with no obligation to purchase”

“This is the first time we have taken part in the 3 Harbours and will also have items for sale at an ‘Arabian Nights’ themed event in Prestonpans Library from 2 p.m. on Friday 12th June."

The Fair Trade card exhibition is open during normal shop hours and runs for the length of the festival (5 to 14 June 2009).

Spotlight on...BANGLADESH

Today marks the anniversary of independence of Bangladesh.

Following the war for independence, it has endured famines, natural disasters and widespread poverty, as well as political turmoil and military coups.

Saidpur Enterprises was set up to create jobs for Bihari women who receive fair wages and have improved socio-economic conditions with better access to essentials such as food, education, housing, and healthcare.

Bangladesh is the world's largest grower of jute - a hardwearing, biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

The Small World shop carries a number of Saidpur Enterprise products include shopping bags, gardener's carry bag and twine.

Another Bangladesh organisation whose handicrafts we stock is Swajan. Traditional techniques such as applique, embroidery, patchwork and mirror work are used to produce the exquisite greetings cards and purses which are so popular with our customers.