I like the thought that i am touching a work of art created by hands in another village. I feel this keeps me in touch with the reallity of another way of life. I know the artisan is willing to work long and hard to improve life for her family and children.

Knowing that making a beautiful, high-quality purchase helps to improve the lives of artisans around the world inspires me. I know that it is the right thing to do, and it makes me happy to help people and families across the world.

Got a triple whammy picking up a gift for the Optimist Club of Caroline County (Operation Shoebox) as well as helping the artisans of Peru and Boliva, and half the proceeds went to Rikki's Refuge. Plus they had live music from Sunnyside and snacks for the shoppers. A lovely shopping experience.

Everyone says they want world peace for Christmas, by shopping and buying all my gifts here this year, I feel I have given not just a gift but a chance, a better chance for the world this year to see peace. That's the best gift, I think I've ever given anyone.

On our last night in Cuzco, Peru, we were walking to dinner and passed an old woman, all bent over trying to carry 2 cases of apples on her back. My husband and children looked on- helpless to help her. It made such an impression on us. Whenever I think of how hard things get for us, I think of her. Third world families work so hard and have so little. We can only imagine their struggles.

In the long run would like to be able to buy and sell from India's Artisans to help the villages.