gifts made by women

NOVICA artisan Saktut Raitawati and Threads of Life have collaborated to presented this beautiful kimono. The kimono is made from 100% rayon and woven in East Java. It is naturally dyed by Threads of Life using dye plants from indigo (Strobilanthes cusia) and a mangrove species (Ceriops tegal).

• Eco-friendly fabric dyes produced with all-natural and non-polluting methods; friendly to your skin, the artists, and the earth. Many natural dye plants also have healing properties.
• Sustainable cultivated and harvested plants, to ensure the continuation of the forests and plants that produce leaves, barks, roots, and these beautiful dye colors. These dyes are diligently, responsibly sourced; protecting the forest, livelihood, and traditional rituals of which they are an ancient part.
• Empowering women and protecting families. Generating income for local Indonesian women, farmers, and artisans. When the women can generate income at home, often the men do not have to leave to support their families by working off-island.
• Supporting indigenous communities and traditional weaving and dyeing techniques for over 1000 women on 12 islands across Indonesia.
• Contributing to research and development of new techniques using natural dyes to generate more income for all these people, in the Threads of Life dye studio.
• Treat them with respect and these clothes will be with you for many years. Natural dyes do not like harsh laundry soaps. Dry cleaning recommended, or gently hand wash with very mild PH balanced soap. Dry flat, out of the sun.

Made of rayon in a solid onyx color, this sundress from Bali possesses an otherworldly beauty. Made Suciati designs this lovely flowing dress, which gathers into lovely patterns along its length, completed at the bottom with lovely floral embroidery and openwork that is done by hand. This sundress is named Dewi, which means "goddess" in Indonesian.

Navya Khanna presents this contemporary pair of cushion covers that are embroidered by hand in India. Elegant chevron waves in varying shades of blue stand out brilliantly against the vanilla cotton base. The artisan enhances the geometric pattern with a touch of golden thread. The backs of the covers are made of solid beige cotton with zippers at the bottom for inserting the cushions. Midnight blue tassels in each corner complete the attractive design.