Copper Cup

Last week I went on my first day trip to Gibsons, British Columbia, home of the 1980's hit Canadian tv show "The Beachcombers". There are a host of galleries, gift shops, little eateries, a museum, and a cozy Sunday outdoor market. Then, of course, there is the lovely scenery of nearby islands and refreshing ocean air. It was nice to get away for the day and one great little shop I happened upon is called "Gaia's Fair Trade Gifts". It is a small store but the variety of fair trade gifts is interesting and there is quite a bit to choose from. You will find musical instruments, jewelry, clothing & accessories, soaps, housewares, ornaments, and so on. I am attaching a picture of a handmade copper cup I fell in love with. It is hand pound by a women's co-op called the Association for Craft Producers in Katmandu, Nepal. The ACP provides low income or abandoned women with employment and training in the traditional skills. The ACP provides access to a fair wage, health care, education, and marketing skills and strives to raise worker's self esteem and ability to compete effectively in the marketplace.