Welcome Socially Conscious Shoppers!
Karen people and other various ethnic groups have lived for hundreds of years in Burma, enjoying a diverse culture. However, because of human rights abuses perpetrated by the military government, they are now among the over 100,000 refugees crowded along the Thai-Burma border. Many refugees do not have access to proper healthcare, education or income and are unable to safely return to Burma.
To address these issues, WEAVE supports women’s initiatives in economic empowerment and alternative livelihoods through projects aimed at providing safe employment and income generation opportunities. The products shown are all hand woven and traditionally embroidered by craftswomen living in the refugee camps. Each product exhibits traditional Burmese weaving and a distinct set of motifs. The weaving and embroidery skills of WEAVE women are passed down through generations. Sales of these items provide critical income for the women and their families. However, the impact of the project goes beyond economic support, it also provides the women with a creative outlet and a chance to preserve and connect with their cultural heritage which is often lost at times of struggle.
To shop and support the women of WEAVE, please view our Product Catalog by clicking on the image below. You can also view the catalog as a PDF File which you can download by clicking on the brochure cover to the right.
 |
| WEAVE Catalog |
PLACING AN ORDER
If you are interested in placing an order, you can either visit one of our showrooms in Chiang Mai or Mae Sot (please find the addresses at the bottom of the contact us page), or your can contact us directly via the contact form. Please make sure you choose the appropriate email subject as this will help us to get back to you more efficiently.
As a Fair Trade Federation member, WEAVE is committed to ensuring that women are paid fair wages and work in a safe and healthy environment.
As the WEAVE product catalog is approximately 12MB in size, you may find that on a slower internet connection it is better to download the product categories separately. You may do this by clicking on the various category images on the right of each section below.
DOLLS
These cuddly boy and girl Karen dolls are assured to bring out the child in everyone. Each doll has a unique hairstyle and traditional dress, which reflects the friends and family of the woman who created it. As our way to bring joy to a child, our Doll Program ensures that when you purchase a pair, another doll is produced and donated to one of the nursery schools in the refugee camps. Currently, WEAVE supports over 4,000 nursery schools.
ACCESSORIES
WEAVE’s accessories not only help to promote the rights of women from Burma, but they’re intricately designed in an array of colors, with unique Karen embroidery patterns and seed designs.
HOME-WARE
Accent your home with socially responsible products. With WEAVE’s decorative home-ware items you’re guaranteed beautifully crafted and intricate designs.
NATURAL DYE PRODUCTS
To create the subtle, colors WEAVE’s natural dye items derive from naturally, seasonally and organically grown plants from around the refugee camps where the women live. The dyes are made by using extracts from plants making each product looking vibrant and alive.
CLOTHING
WEAVE’s stylish and ethnically influenced apparel are all Fair Trade products which help ensure that women are paid fair wages and work in a healthy and safe environment.
GIFT ITEMS
Ornaments, Christmas cards, lemon balm pouches and bookmarks made by WEAVE women in the refugee camps on the Thailand / Burma border.
