Gift Shop
In addition to Joanne's watercolor paintings, note cards and prints, we have a variety of quality, fair trade, handcrafted items at affordable prices. These photos show a sampling of some of the artisan goods that are available. Below is a more detailed description of our amazing partners. Their craftsmanship continues to inspire us!
SERRV International
We have partnered with SERRV International to highlight exquisite craftsmanship that does not always have a platform. A sampling of some of the items from around the world that the Studio will offer are pottery & scarves from Vietnam; leather purses & wristlets from Ecuador; woven baskets from Bangladesh; wooden bowls from Egypt; Divine Chocolate from Ghana; ceramics from the West Bank; along with jewelry from Indonesia. All of the goods are made sustainably, with fair trade wages paid allowing people to live with dignity, provide schooling for their children, and improve their village drinking water, solar electricity and safe ways of cooking. We think that you will be amazed at the quality of workmanship that is accessible and affordable to all. SERRV supports these businesses by paying them in advance 50% of the cost for their goods. This allows the business to continue to pay their workers, even during slow seasons. Begun as a sales exchange for displaced WWII refugees to trade their handcrafts for income, SERRV creates employment for artisans and farmers in marginalized communities around the world. They’ve been trading fair for 70 years. We hope that you will join us in celebrating these beautifully made handcrafts.
Women's Bean Project
We are also partnering with the Women’s Bean Project. Women in Colorado that are trying to break free from the cycle of poverty are crafting inspirational necklaces, tote bags made from recycled materials and specialty spice blends. Some of these women have been abused, some recovering from drug addiction and others have been recently released from prison. The opportunity to start a new life through Women’s Bean Project, gives them the power to transform their lives through employment. You, too, can play a role in helping to change women’s lives through this creative endeavor which has been doing so since 1989!
RELATE Bracelets
Another movement for change that we are partnering with is Relate. This South African not-for-profit, social enterprise, facilitates the making and selling of handmade, beaded bracelets. A variety of causes are represented by the bracelets. The Canal Street Studio is currently highlighting four different projects, each having a different bracelet color and pattern. The projects are for clean water, literacy, to “give a dream” to children who are fighting life threatening illness, and in support of rangers preserving the National Parks of Africa.
The Native American Tea Company
We are also pleased to be able to partner with The Native American Tea Co. based in South Dakota. Since 1987, a variety of herbal tea blends have been formulated to reflect Native American legends, stories or myths. Each box of unique tea is designed to reflect these stories in word and art. 5% of the Native American Tea Company’s profits are dedicated to Sitting Bull College for scholarships. Their herbal, black and green teas are featured at The Smithsonian, the National Museum of the American Indian, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial among other locations, including The Canal Street Studio!
Eco Candles Co.
Eco Candle Co.® is an artisan candle company located in Appleton, Wisconsin. They have been handcrafting soy candles, handmade soap, natural bath & body products and more for 15 years! Their goal is to provide high quality products with respect for our environment and a healthy lifestyle. All of their products are handmade in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. They use the best ingredients available and choose to work with companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. We are thrilled to be able to provide Eco Candles high quality goods to our local community!
Sounds True
Sounds True was founded in 1985 by Tami Simon with a clear mission: to disseminate spiritual wisdom. Since starting out as a project with one woman and her tape recorder, they have grown into a multimedia publishing company with more than 110 employees, a library of more than 3,000 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, and an ever-expanding family of beloved customers from across the world. In more than three decades of growth, change, and evolution, Sounds True has maintained its focus on its overriding purpose. By introducing their children's books, we hope to give adults an avenue to show them a kinder, gentler world and way of acting.
Heifer International
In 1944, Dan West began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, they create unique solutions to local challenges. Together, Heifer builds inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.
The children's books that we have available help children to see a larger world and develop the idea that they can help to make it a better place to live for everyone.