Tribal Eye

 Raymond happily working

We saw a brass cuff in the market that immediately caught our eye. The man that made it, Raymond, specializes in creating jewelry out of brass, copper and aluminum. He and his employees, collectively called Tribal Eye, cast the metal themselves, melting it down from things like padlocks.

 We watched them cast aluminum

Their workshop is located about half an hour outside of Nairobi, in a place called Karen, and it was one of the trip favorites. It was in a fairly rural location, with lots of land and chickens surrounding it. The lighting inside was really inviting and made for an inspirational workspace.

Raymond and his employees make some really impressive metal pieces. We made a big order that we  are really excited to have in the Red Earth collection- it's going to add a lot of character to our store.

Another cool thing to know about Tribal Eye is that as the business grows, Raymond plans on training up local youth to learn the craft.

RETCo. hanging with Tribal Eye

We had a lot of fun building this new relationship and look forward to what's in store for the future.

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Video: Uhuru Park

After a long work day with a lot of walking, we decided to take it easy at the park near our hotel. It was full of natural beauty and had a great view of the Nairobi skyline. We even got a nice surprise- it had four legs and two humps on its back. A great way to end the day!



-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Video: Gabriel's Metal Works

Gabriel and his father make jewelry out of aluminum and brass. We spent some time watching them hammer, saw, and etch necklaces and earrings that we ordered- including some brand new designs.

-Kerbi

Team RETCo.

Jack & Ndoh Creations

The next artisan we spent time with was Jack. He makes our beaded jewelry. Check out our 20-line necklaces and 40-line necklaces.

We wanted to have some more beaded pieces to offer, so we checked out what Jack and his employees had been working on lately.

We came up with a few designs together, including a Native American-inspired necklace that is one of my favorites from this trip! I already bought one for myself from the order.

We also created some bracelets and necklaces using the old Kenyan coins that are no longer in circulation. They are really cool. I'm wearing the bracelet right now! There are also more options for guys now- that's been a big focus of this trip.

It's an awesome feeling to be able to call all of the artisans, like Jack, my friends. I can't wait to put the new stuff on the store! And stay tuned, because I'll also be posting a video of our time at Jack's.

Have a great day!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Video: Hike in Ngong Hills

We had a day off so we decided to go hiking! Ngong Hills is about a half hour outside of Nairobi and it is beautiful. We had a great time, complete with armed guards to keep us safe.

If you are ever around Nairobi, this is definitely a place you should check out.

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Video: Benson's Workshop

We went to Benson's workshop, where he and his employees make all of our bone jewelry. We interviewed him about his business and even had one of our new designs made while we were there!

We promise the guys really love their jobs even though the dusty room doesn't look too pleasant. Benson looks forward to growing his business so that he can provide a room with even better ventilation for his employees. Trust me, it's an upgrade from what it used to be. One jewelry sale at a time...



Check out our Bone Star Earring and Rectangle Bone Earring to see some of the products Benson has made us. We are bringing a ton of new stuff home with us too!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Video: Traveling to Africa

 It was a long couple days! Meet the crew in order of appearance: Maggie, Kerbi, Katy, Rebecca, Brady and Travis.



-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Gabriel's Metal Works

Our second interview and order day was spent with Gabriel, who runs his business with his father. These guys make our metal earrings and metal bracelets.

They work mostly with aluminum and brass and do everything by hand- sawing, etching, and hammering. Above: the guys working on one of the new necklaces we just ordered.

We got lots of footage of the guys at their work stations and also interviewed Gabriel. We asked him all about his jewelry, his story, and what he hopes for the future of his business.

Here is a great shot of Gabriel and his father. We love working with these guys and we are bringing back tons of beautiful jewelry to add to the store.

We're staying busy here in Nairobi!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Benson's Workshop

We went over to Benson's workshop yesterday where all of our bone jewelry is made.

 

We interviewed Benson (above on the left) about his business, and we will share it with you so you can get to know him too! Look at Brady up there behind the camera.

All of the jewelry starts out like these bones shown above. You'd never guess something so pretty once looked like this.

Here are some of Benson's employees working on shaving down the bone into earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. It's awesome that Benson's business has grown enough that he can provide jobs for locals.

 

This is what the bones turn into. The work that these guys do is pretty amazing.

 

Rebecca modeled one of the first pieces that we've designed with Benson. The heart pendant necklace will be debuting soon and you'll only be able to find it at Red Earth! We are very excited.

We had a great day hanging out with Benson and his crew. We did some more designing and placed a big order that will be available on the store soon.

We're having a blast here! Have a great weekend!

-Kerbi

Team RETCo.

Karibu!

Upon arriving in Kenya, there are a couple words that I learned right away. Karibu, which means "welcome", and jambo, which means "hello."

The first thing we did after checking in at our hotel was plan our stay over Kenyan coffee. We have a lot to do in 10 days! Up there is Travis enjoying his cup.

We went right away to meet up with a few of our artisans. We saw Jack (beaded jewelry), Gabriel (metal), and Benson (bone). We started working with them on design, orders, and setting up times for interviews. We're going to have tons of photos and video to share, so you get to meet these guys too!

We were also able to go check out the Magik Grace store and workshop. It was incredible!

Overall, we had a great first day in Kenya. Even though we were tired, we hit the ground running on making the most of our time here!

Up next: our day at Benson's workshop.

Have a great day!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

30 hours, 3 flights, and 3 continents

We set out for Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon. Our travels began without a hitch and we were all very excited to begin our adventure.

Here's the whole team (minus camera man Travis) in Nashville.

We had a slight change in plans after our first flight to DC was delayed due to weather. We missed our connection to Brussels and ended up catching a flight to Dubai. After that 13 hour flight, we were pretty exhausted.

Finally, we arrived in Kenya after a day and a half of traveling.  After two full days here, jet lag is starting to wear off.  We've already been meeting with the artisans and we're working on some exciting things that we'll be sharing soon.

Enjoy the photos and stay tuned!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

What it is all about...

You may or may not know this, but Red Earth Trading Co. is not all about great jewelry.  It is about so much more!  It is about real people with real lives and helping in a real way.

In brief, RETCo. exists to help sustain an organization called Global Support Mission that works with local organizations, called Network Affiliates, in developing countries.  Inside Global Support Mission exists a a program called Know.Think.Act.  Know.Think.Act. allows people to get involved and raise money for actual needs in the organizations we support.  So like I said, it is not all about great jewelry.
 

My name is Katie Sasser and I not only work for RETCo., but I also work for Global Support Mission (GSM).  My husband and I live in Uganda, Africa working with one of our Network Affiliate's called Bringing Hope to the Family.  So, from time to time I will post a blog that talks about what is going on over here, and how buying jewelry is changing the world one community, one family, one person at a time.

Recently, we finished a well in a village called Kariruga located in Western Uganda in the Katooke district. This money for this well was raised on www.knowthinkact.com.  It was just people sharing the vision and wanting to give.  This well supplies clean water to 29 families that can sleep better at night knowing that they do not have to worry about diseases due to unclean water.

stay adventurous

-katie
Team RETCo.

If you are interested in learning more please visit www.globalsupportmission.com and www.knowthinkact.com 

Media Monday: Tree of Life

The newest film by Terrence Malick is set to release in the U.S. May 27. I am really excited about this one. We'll be in Nairobi when it comes out,  but maybe by the time we're home it'll be showing in  Nashville. Check out the trailer...



Have a great week!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Fall Plans 2011

There are a lot of great things happening this year here at Red Earth Trading Co., one of which I am very excited about. As the rest of the crew prepares for the upcoming trip to Africa, I have started preparations for this Fall and a new program. We want to bring our house parties closer to you...even if you're outside of Nashville.


Would you like to host a house party?


Be on the look out for a big announcement soon!

-Edwin
Team RETCo.

PS: For a little peak at what a House Party is like check out this Video

Adèle Dejak & Magik Grace

When we're in Nairobi, one of the places we'll be visiting is Magik Grace Art and Design Ltd., headed up by designer Adèle Dejak.

Her work is amazing and I cannot wait to see her workshop. It's impossible to not feel inspired after looking at her unique pieces.

 

Check out her designs on her website. I'm sure we'll have more to share after our visit there in a few weeks!

Have a great weekend!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

21 Days: Our Itinerary

Our trip to Africa is right around the corner! We are very excited and have began our travel preparations. Here is a peek at the work we will be accomplishing during our travels.


May 19th-May 29th: Staying in Nairobi
     Interview, Tour, and Film the following artisans and workshops
     *Metal
     *Bone
     *Beaded Necklaces
     *Scarves
     *Banana Fiber
     Discuss New product design with artisans
     Plan and establish shipping practices
     Visit MagikGrace Workshop
     Masai Market
     *raw materials - purchase and find where they make pieces
     *antique glass necklaces
     Find place of production and purchase scarves
     Purchase Banana Fiber products (trees and nativity sets)
May 29th - travel to Kampala
May 30th - travel to Kaihura
May 30th-June 2nd - Kaihura- stay at Faiths
     Village Art
     Meet with Chris and Katie and Faith
     Purchase more millet baskets
June 2nd-June 7th -Kampala
     Filming & Interviewing the following artisans and products
     *Cow Horn
     *Paper Crafts Inc.
     *Coconut
     *Banana Fiber Weave
     *Large Baskets
     *Table Runners and Mats 
June 7th - Depart for US


I hope everyone is having a great week!
-Katy
Team RETCo.

Media Monday: Charity: Water

Charity: Water is an organization based out of New York that works to bring clean water to developing nations.

Check out this video from their website on how having clean water, though most of us have never lived with out it, makes all the difference.




Hope this starts your Monday out with some energy to take on a new week! Have a great one!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Randy Baranosky and The Graham Street Press

We love to work with our friends whenever possible. When we decided to print our new totes, I immediately knew that I wanted Randy Baranosky at The Graham Street Press to do them.

The Graham Street Press is a fully operational silkscreen and print shop that provides everything you need, from design to final out put.

They did a great job with the totes! Pick one up before we run out!

Also, check them out for your print needs! For more information visit:
www.thegrahamstpress.com
The Graham Street Press
15522 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: 714-889-1262


- Edwin
Team RETCo.

PS: As a special gift, Randy sent me this picture. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Video: This is Love Banquet

Check out our newest video from AJ. This was such an amazing night and a great success for GSM and RETCo.

This is Love Banquet - 2011 from Global Support Mission on Vimeo.

If you didn't make it out, we hope to see you next year.

Have a great weekend!

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.

Peter Ochiel and Action Ministry

Last Thursday was the annual This is Love Banquet hosted by Global Support Mission. RETCo. had a store featured and we had so much fun- pictures coming soon!

 Peter Ochiel

The keynote speaker for the evening was Peter Ochiel. Peter started Action Ministry in Kenya, which is one of GSM's Network Affiliates. Peter serves in the slums in Mombasa and in a leper camp he calls Blessed Camp.

Here is a video he made and played for everyone at the banquet.  The work Peter does in Kenya is so moving, and we absolutely support him here at the compound.


Action Ministry from Global Support Archive on Vimeo.

By supporting Global Support, you're supporting Peter and Action Ministry. This is why we do what we do.

-Kerbi
Team RETCo.