The surprise sari tote bag

Meet the Surprise Sari Tote bag, providing economic independence for our talented artisan makers in India

PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING: This listing is for *ONErandomly chosen upcycled sari tote bag, with screen printed message of empowerment (see example photos).

You will receive one bag at random in a style similar to those shown in the photos, but colours and patterns of the sari on your bag may vary. All mystery tote bags included in this listing are discounted by 30-50%.

**PLEASE INCLUDE ANY COLOUR OR PATTERN PREFERENCES IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECKOUT, AND WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR REQUEST (BUT NO GUARANTEES) :-)

These vibrant one-of-a-kind repurposed sari shopping bags are meticulously handcrafted by empowered artisan women based in Pondicherry, India. They're gorgeous, hand-printed with natural inks on both sides, one side proclaims "This bag provides economic independence for a woman in India" and the other side says Shakti.ism in bold and beautiful Hindi script. Each bag has a hanging inner side pocket made from the same sari used for the exterior of the bag. The handle for each bag is also made from the same sari - creating a beautiful reusable tote bag from repurposed sari cloth. Each set of bags is made from the off-cuts of one sari, so colours and patterns may vary depending on which piece of the sari was used. This unique sari tote bag provides economic independence for the talented Indian artisan women who make them.

Our saris are from all over India and beyond, which means we have a wide variety of patterns and traditions represented. Many were generously donated especially for this social initiative. Because every sari is unique, each product has its own story and is truly one-of-a-kind. Most saris are comprised of multiple colours and patterns intended to compliment each other when draped, which is why no two items made from the same sari are the same. Colours and patterns may vary from the photographs, depending on which part of the sari was used. Some finished items have minor imperfections, which makes them even more charming and distinctive.

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

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Dimensions. approximately 34 cm length x 38 cm height with 35 cm handle drop (12 in length x 15 in height with 14 in handle drop)

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

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.