Holiday Gift Guide: Heart of Haiti – Frame Review (and a giveaway)

Do you love to give gifts that come from the heart, gifts that also give back to those in need? Well I would like to introduce you to the

Heart of Haiti.

Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. 

·         Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone.

·         Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake, people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment. Options are very limited in this country.  The Heart of Haiti initiative is one that espouses “Trade, Not Aid.”  In other words, it provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. School in Haiti is not free.

·         Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 450 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.

·         The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. Accessories include vases, candleholders, serving trays, picture frames, mirrors, coasters, necklaces, clutch purses and more! The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable.  The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums & local gommier wood.  

·         With the holidays quickly approaching, sharing a 'gift that gives back' is a great way to raise awareness and celebrate artistry and regrowth.

·         Heart of Haiti products are available exclusively at 25 Macy's stores around the country and on Macy’.com. The new collection can be found here. 2011 Fall Collection.  

·         Most items fall in the range from $25-$60

Heart of Haiti Songbird Picture frame.

Painstakingly cut, hammered and varnished by hand, this meaningful picture frame displays your favorite people and places in the tree of life. Steel from recycled barrels gives each one-of-a-kind piece a rustic beauty perfected by Haiti's master artisans.

• Recycled steel
• Handcrafted in Haiti
• Holds 4" x 6" photos
• 9" x 11.5"
• Because each item is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
• Signed by the artisan

  

My Review:

I was very fortunate to be able to review a lovely frame from the Heart of Haiti, the Heart of Haiti is a  great way to give back to Haiti, each item is made from either recycled or repurposed items, you can help Haitian artists support their family with dignity and purpose.

The frame has a lovely “homemade” look to it. It looks hand fashioned and I love that.,  it does not have a factory processed look. The frame is very unique and really stands out. It really feels like a one of a kid piece of art. I proudly display the frame in my living room.  The only drawback of the frame is ,I do have to say it is a bit sharp, I would keep this pretty frame out of the reach of the little ones, just to be safe.

I would recommend the Heart of Haiti, the items are available at 25 Macy's stores around the country and on Macy’s.com. What a way to give a gift and give back at the same time.  If you are not sure what to get someone on your holiday list this year, make sure to check out the 2011 Fall Collection.   For the Heart of Haiti. There are all kids of wonderful gifts that you can give, and also when you make a purchase you will feel good about giving back too.  The items are not expensive and there are gift idea for the nearly the  whole family. 

 

The great folks at the Heart of Haiti are offering the same frame to one of my readers. To enter please let me know what gift from the Heart of Haiti collection you would love to get this holiday season. There are other ways to win. Please enter below. 

 Buy it:

 Please visit  Heart Of Haiti to purchase online.

Win it:

One winner will win a Heart of Haiti songbird frame.

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . I received a frame to review. No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .