Block Printed Cotton Tote Bag: Ethically Handmade in India

These spacious vibrant block-printed cotton tote bags are perfect for a day at the market. They're spacious and strong; perfect for carrying your bits and bobs around town, and even for day trips. It's a great bag for travel or staying organised on the go. The fabric is block-printed in India by hand using wooden stamps that form a decorative pattern of flowers across the surface.

Block-printed and stitched by talented artisans in Pondicherry, these large bags are generously sized, and durable, not to mention gorgeous! They fold up nicely and can easily fit into a handbag, rucksack, or carry-on bag. These one-of-a-kind cotton totes make wonderful gifts or self-care treats for yourself.

DIMENSIONS: Approximately 41 cm L x 36cm W (16 in L x 14 in W)

MATERIALS: Block printed Indian cotton

CARE: Gently hand wash in cold water. Hang or lay flat to air dry.

By purchasing this item, you are helping to empower and provide ongoing employment income for the women who make these handmade products.

Source: Shakti.ism

Shakti.ism is a British brand that gives Indian Sarees a second life by reusing them into beautiful new items in social workshops in India and Bangladesh.

Fair trade: Shakti.ism is a social enterprise operating in India and Bangladesh. Employees are paid a fair wage as well as additional health and wellness benefits. Shakti.ism regularly visits the locations and consults with their employees.

Environmentally friendly: The items are made from old Indian Sarees that are given a second life by Shakti.ism. For example, many sarees are donated. Local donations are generally from poorer people who donate sarees in exchange for other necessities of life. Or they sell it to Shakti.ism at a low price so that they can use this money to buy basic necessities. Shakti.ism can then save the second-hand fabric from being thrown away and reuse it. Saris can also be donated in Europe so that they can be reused.

Good cause: Shakti.ism works with women who are at risk of being affected by gender-based violence. At Shaktiism these women are given the opportunity to earn their own money fairly in a pleasant environment.