Teal Soapstone Heart w/ Etched Lotus

Help the Haitian People by purchasing these beautiful hearts. They are hand-carved by the Haitian Artisans, working very hard carving and sanding to get the perfect designs. Soapstone is found in Haiti where the people wander, searching for the rock in which to surface. Our hearts come in three sizes; small, medium, and large. Right now we have five designs of flowers. This featured design is the Lotus flower. All other flower designs are sold separately.

• Small Measures - 1 1/8'' high x 1 1/8'' wide x 1 1/4'' deep
• Medium Measures - 2 3/4'' high x 2 5/8'' wide x 1 1/2'' deep
• Large Measures - 3 3/4'' high x 3 3/8'' wide x 1 1/2'' deep
• Size and Coloring may vary

Handmade in Haiti and fair trade imported.

Haiti is often considered the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haitian artisans live in a country where the political climate and hardships imposed by economic embargos and sanctions in the 1990s have contributed to poverty and accelerated environmental degradation. Health care and education are unobtainable dreams for the impoverished 75-80% majority. The average income is $55. per month. Only 40% of the population has access to potable drinking water and 25% have access to sanitary sewage systems. Infant mortality is over 7%, malnutrition is a common ailment, and almost half of the population is illiterate.

Despite all hurdles to overcome there is hope. The Artisan Business Network (ABN) empowers Haitians with entrepreneurial tools, design input, and market access. The ABN is making essential improvements in the earnings for artisans, helping them to provide for their families and community well-being through commerce based on Haiti's profound artisanal culture.

To read the full story, click below on About the Artisans.