Assistance to Artisan Cooperatives

Under construction --

This page will soon provide background information and links to cooperatives of artisans as a resource for potential buyers. The Sexto Sol Center assists these cooperatives to successfully market their products internationally. We will be expanding the offering of beautiful handmade goods as more cooperatives join the Sustainable Livelihood Program. Sexto Sol can also assist buyers to find specific kinds of products by locating coops that produce them.

Our aim is to connect artisans and buyers and help them to establish good working relationships. We will be looking for quality handmade natural toys to be included in our offering of products. Sexto Sol believes that business can be a win-win enterprise when producers offer their best work in exchange for a fair price. In the process we will ensure that the natural world, women, children and cultures are uplifted and respected. Win-win-win.

To see the beautiful hand-tied wool rugs produced by indigenous weavers from communities in the highlands of Chiapas, please visit www.tzobolic.org.mx

May, 2009 Women in Michoacan want to sell their handmade work!

Many parts of the state of Michoacan have more men working in the U.S. than are at home. This is due to the lack of employment opportunities and the fact that sons, fathers, and husbands will do what it takes to provide for their loved ones, even if that means leaving to work in another country. The women left behind must manage their households with the funds they receive from their husbands or fend for themselves if those do not materialize.

Twenty-three women, whose faces grace the top of this page, have formed a cooperative and have asked Sexto Sol to help them reach international and national buyers. These multi-talented woman create lovely garments, tablecloths, bedspreads and more using crochet, embroidery with silk ribbon and painting. Sexto Sol is working with them to develop a catalog.