Here is some behind the scenes footage of the Red Earth team visiting the workshops of Douglas and Benson in Nairobi, Kenya.

-AJ

The “sweetheart” pendant was our first collaborative effort with the artisans of RETCo. Alongside the purchase of their original pieces, it is important for us to build a collection of exclusive Red Earth product as we build our brand and reputation in the American market. Wonderfully executed by Benson in his workshop and well received in the States, this piece propelled our excitement and interest in the creative relationship between our staff and the individual businesses we partner with.

Order yours between now and February 8th at a discounted price!

To be entered into the contest, head over to redearthtradingco.com and sign-up for the email list at the bottom of the page.

The contest ends Wednesday, February 8th!

-AJ
Team RETCo.

Where to begin…

I feel like I have lived more in the last two weeks than I have in the last year. Kenya is fascinating. Try as you might to prepare your head and your heart to receive it, you will be surprised in a thousand ways. There is something about the feeling here that is so familiar, something you knew when you were a child and forgot along the way. More joy, more life, more dignity, more gentleness – these in excess it seems!

This is one of those experiences that I am savoring. Like memories of my grandparents whom I love and miss so much, I’ll keep this time carefully wrapped up inside myself and allow it to continue to change me through the years that follow.

I cannot adequately explain to you what it has been like to work with the artisans of RETCo., except to say that I am deeply honored to have been a part of this process. They have each sharpened their talent, grown their own businesses out of the most impossible situations, and taken great pains in training a younger generation. They have been exceedingly patient and enthusiastic in this trial-and-error process.

I am excited to stand behind them as we introduce our spring line. The quality of the products they produce is outstanding and the creativity by which they have developed their individual techniques is quite remarkable. They have one request it seems: collectively, they ask that you enjoy what their labor has produced and think of them as you do so. I hope the pieces that you select to purchase from RETCo. would serve as beautiful reminders of people a world away who still take great pride in what they craft by hand. We take great pride in introducing them to you.

-Ev

Team RETCo.

The Jaw necklace from sketch to prototype. Working at Benson’s shop was so inspiring and his enthusiasm over each project is incomparable!

Travis and I reviewing a necklace that Raymond completed. He is a true master artist and carefully guides his several employees in the discipline of brass work.

Working at Raymond’s beautiful workshop in Karen

A handmade mold of sand for the Abacus Necklace hardware. We were lucky enough to see the whole process!

Raw casts of brass bangles before and after the filing and finishing process.

We started off the morning by tracing a few patterns

It was then time to make the trek to Tom and Mutua's shop

Edwin carrying our leather to the shop

Mutua, Tom, Travis, and Evan looking over ideas

Mutua gets right to work on one of the samples

Mutua is an amazing craftsmen

One of the new designs coming together

Keep an eye out for our new leather products!

-Team RETCo.

Evan and JaneRose working on a few new products

This is James who works with Peter at Action Ministries in Mombasa. He also helps us get around in Nairobi!

JaneRose loves making Evan model

Travis crunching numbers. We are really excited to show you all of our new designs!

-Team RETCo.

An early morning start with JaneRose

JaneRose is the artisan behind the eastern antiquity necklace.

Evan working on a new designs for JaneRose

On our way to see Douglas, we had a chance to stop by Gabriel's shop

It's amazing to watch the designs come together by hand

When we made it to Douglas's shop, he was getting some yarn ready for the loom.

The neighborhood kids love to watch AJ film

Douglas's handmade looms are amazing

The craftsmanship it takes to make each piece is exciting to watch

Evan and Douglas working on some ideas

Katy, Evan and Douglas. Katy is wearing one our new scarves!

- Team RETCo.