Handcrafted Ugandan Card-Gecko

Description

For several centuries people communicated messages from the formal to the informal; philosophical ramblings and tender notes of love; rebukes and congratulations; invitations and rejections all by the medium of paper or card and an envelope with a stamp stuck on it.

This was absolutely the standard way of two usually physically distant people communicating with each other. Unrushed by necessity as a function of distance and mode of transportation.

What killed this as a minor artform? Emails and texts of ever increasing sophistication and yet I put it to you that this form of communication is not completely dead for a reason: because it is an utter joy to receive a hand written note in the post. Particularly if it is a caring note of some description. "I miss you. I love you. I think about you often"

These simple short sentences via text are nice enough. On a beautiful Ugandan hand-crafted card with a traditional design motif of "African Women" plopping through your letterbox, the same simple short sentences are loaded with meaning and intent. Effort has been made and is instantly appreciated.

These cards are gorgeous and each one unique, and yet they cost less than a Hallmark card churned out in the thousands.

Specifications

Each card measures approx: 14 cm x 10 cm

Story

Zuri Design was started 17 years ago by Helen Scanlan, who worked in Kenya and Uganda as a volunteer over a number of years.  Helen saw the opportunity to alleviate poverty through the trade of handmade gifts and jewellery.

Once set up as a wholesaler, Zuri Design financed a start- up workshop in Kibera slum, employing and training former street boys. Since then, Zuri Design orders have created work for more than 200 men and women in Kenya and Uganda, within over 10 workshops.

Working so closely with people from slums in Kenya, means Helen has witnessed first-hand the hardship of living in poverty and the positive impact Zuri Design has within the communities, providing them with livelihoods so people can work their way out of the cycle of poverty. By ordering Zuri Design’s unique products you help to change lives, directly.

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