Have you heard of 31 Bits jewelry? Ever since hearing about it from my friend Sarah, I have been crazy about it. Basically anything that empowers women to rise above their situation and fairly earn their living is great in my book. Its why I was so excited to do an internship in Microfinance during college, why I support Heifer and Not For Sale, and now I’m proud to say that I stand behind 31 bits!
Last Saturday I offered to help Sarah host an event at our friend Traci’s print shop. I was psyched about it even before I’d seen one of these necklaces or held one in my hands. They are so great! Yes, they are made from scraps of paper, but to me they look different from all recycled paper art I’ve seen. Not kitchy or recycled-looking, just simple and beautiful! Oh, did I mention Sarah is a professional photographer? She took her own promo shots for a postcard we passed out around town. I’m obsessed with them. Just as good (if not better?? i’m biased…) than the stuff on the 31 Bits site.
2 above photos (c) Beautiful Isolations / Sarah Reeves
We were lucky to have a beautiful location in a public place. In addition to people we’d invited, we had a few walk in off the street! They say that in a week a woman can produce between 5 and 15 items, depending on complexity. Well, it’s safe to say our sales on that day supported many weeks’ wages!
Here’s our set-up. I can’t wait to see Sarah’s pics from the day! We also had refreshments (hot drinks and cookies) and a photobooth–we’ll be sending the pictures to the women who make the jewelry as an additional human connection. Have you ever seen the people who make the items you buy? We can all agree it’s a rare connection.
Did you know it’s easy to host your own house party?
Christmas House Party from 31 Bits on Vimeo.
My Friend Staci 