Handcrafted Items

Item Description

Light glows warmly through the intricate openwork pattern of this Indian-motif candle lantern made from partially recycled iron sheets in Moradabad, India. The exterior has dark antique finish, and the interior has a bright coppery finish. This lantern is 4 inches high and 3.5 inches in diameter. Use this lantern with an LED tea light (not included).

Since 2011, SERRV International has partnered with artisans in Moradabad, who use several techniques to create a variety of beautiful handcrafts, including metalwork, carving, pyrography, filigree, and embroidery. Through this long-term trading partnership and interest-free advance payment for our orders, artisans in Moradabad can create independent businesses, breaking the cycle of poverty and preserving Indian culture and livelihood. Through sales of their products, over 500 individual artisans from 49 different groups receive fair wages, business skills, and resources to allow them to become self-sufficient. Artisans also invest in community improvement projects, including clean water, education, and health initiatives.

Item Special Note

SERRV was one of the first fair trade organizations in the world. Its reach now extends to 24 countries worldwide, working to empower over 8000 artisans and farmers every year by selling their beautiful handcrafts.

SERRV’s mission is to:

• Create employment. SERRV works to provide employment opportunities to all artisans, regardless of gender, race, or religion. They also work to prevent child labor, making sure artisans' children stay in school and have brighter futures.
• Pay fair wages. Artisans working with SERRV are paid fair wages in advance, to ensure they can support themselves and their families while they work.
• Encourage sustainable practices. SERRV cares about the planet, and encourages artisans to use sustainable crafting methods and recycled materials in their handcrafts. Here in the US, they also use recycled cardboard shreds to pack our products for safe shipping.
• Support community development. SERRV provides loans and donations to help build workshops, fund healthcare and education initiatives, recover from natural disasters, and additional community improvement projects as needed.
• Preserve traditional crafting techniques. SERRV employs artisans who utilize traditional crafting methods, patterns, and materials to create their handcrafts.

With your support, SERRV can continue to combat global poverty and work to help artisans and farmers build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.