What they said about us

Sally Church: Ida is the bees knees of networkers and suppliers, seriously. She is also hard working, kind, thoughtful and a joy to be with. A few days before Christmas, I contected her by email desperate for some beautiful silk scarves from Madagascar for my Mother and Aunt. She had 2 left and promptly dispatched them off to them for me sight unseen. They arrived in time to be greeted with much happiness and thus my honour was restored.Thank you Ida, you made two dear old ladies’ Christmas and I love you for that xx
In case anyone is wondering, the products are beautiful, high quality and reasonably priced. The service is excellent and highly recommended. Awesome, just simply awesome.

Jackie Mitchell JM Communications: Ida Horner is an inspiring individual, who runs Ethnic Supplies to help African women out of poverty. The business sells a range of products via its web site made by poverty-stricken women’s groups from Africa such as beautifully-made costume jewellery, mats, bags and silk scarves, all made by hand using natural materials and methods. Ida provides a dignified and sustainable way out of poverty for thesewomen. She is highly professional in her approach and started her business from scratch. Help her to develop her business by visiting Ethnic Supplies Ltd

The O beaded Bracelet

Emma James: I’ll certainly echo the out of this worldly products. Wonderful! I ordered a beautiful hand made fruit basket and table runners/place mats as a gift for Barbara, my father’s new bride for my recent trip. Inspired choice. Ida is totally professional, friendly and supportive – I’d no idea what to choose, it all looks lovely to me – Ida helped to guide me at my request and despatched it out to Paris for me to save me lugging it over there, even phoning early one morning to say the parcel was en route – that’s dedication for you (she’d have known I was up being an early bird).

multicolour-placemats

In Paris, new daughter-in-law scored high on the leader board. Barbara was delighted with the products. Individual and very high quality. What’s more, it’s a cause dear to Barbara’s heart and I’ve no doubt she will source products from Ida in future too. (My Dad really liked them too, double whammy wink)

Pamela E Fry I bought it from a friends web site! AND it is fantastc for the tropics, keeps your head cool; not like cotton hats xxx

Handmade Straw hat

 

For these and other accessories- please visit our online shop http://ethnicsupplies.co.uk/shop/

 

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Are you ready for summer?

Handmade Straw hat

Nearly there with the 30 day blogging challenge and today is all about headings and best sellers. Not an easy one this as we have a few best sellers. This summer the straw hat has been the top seller.

 

Handmade straw hat

It is handicrafted  from a natural fibre called raffia in Madagascar. This dramatic hat provides shelter from the intense sun so you will never need to carry an umbrella. it size means that your neck will be protected too.  It is available in several colours but the best feature of these hats is that they fold easily for travel and spring back into shape

small hats

To compliment this superb hat we have a range of stylish African bags that are perfect for that summer’s holiday but will also come in handy when you need to roll your hat and put it away for instance if you enter a shop or restaurant. for more information on how to get yourself ready for summer with our ethically produced fashion accessories that will not break the bank please visit our online shop

zebra basket

 

handmade African basket from Madagascar

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What would you use wildsilk fabric for?

Every now and again people find this blog because of the words or questions they have typed into their search engine. I used to ignore these questions but I have started paying more attention to them . Why? We all turn to the internet everyone now and again to find quick answers to questions we might have or for information. I am no exception. So I benefit from that type of service I figured I ought to contribute.

Previous posts have answered questions like

WHAT CAN A BUSINESS DO TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

WHY AFRICANS DON’T GET MALARIA

The title of this post is a question that someone asked and it led them to my blog. I have written about wild silk but the did not answer the question WHAT WOULD YOU USE WILD SILK FABRIC FOR? so the person who asked this question is unlikely to have found an answer here.  this post will seek to correct that.

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What is wild silk?

Unlike fine silk which is produced from worms  that have been domesticated and not allowed to live their full life wild silk is produced from cocoons where the month has left naturally. This means that the resultant thread is broken and coarse/rough in texture. Because of the way wild silk is produced it is often referred to as Humane or peace silk.

In Madagascar wild silk is produced from a silk worm  called Landibe ( borocera madagascariensis) and is a large kind of silk cocoon made by a number of silkworms working in one cocoon

 

I have discussed the importance of silk to Malagasy people in this post so what would we in the west use it for

 

The wild silk fabric is very warm and gives a comforting feeling in in spite of its appearance so it can be put to several uses

  1. Winter scarves and shawls
  2. Fashion accessories
  3. Lampshades
  4. Cushion covers
  5. Floor rugs
  6. Tableware
  7. Clothing- mostly winter

 

Ethnic Supplies works alongside a conservation Charity based in Scotland called   FEEDBACK MADAGASCAR who support the Ny Tanintsika community project with a view to ensure that this way of life is sustained and also that folk can earn a sustainable income. You can support these initiatives by buying one of our wild silk products.

This Video from Reuters provides more information about the impact of wild silk production on the lives of folk in rural Madagascar

 

 

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