The Basket Room is thrilled to launch its first range of handwoven Christmas decorations – a collection of eleven colourful festive figures produced by a rural women’s craft group in eSwatini. 

The range comprises a chorus of winged angels in eight different colourways, a snowman, a Father Christmas figure, and a Christmas pudding. 

 

These detailed ornaments are handwoven from sisal - a grass found in abundance across the country and therefore a sustainable, renewable material. Each piece in this collection brings sustainable work to rural artisans, from growing and harvesting the crop to preparing and dyeing the fibres – all this before the weaving begins. Once harvested, sisal leaves are then stripped to reveal their robust internal fibres before being dyed using natural dyes wherever possible.

The group behind this collection was set up by a pioneering founder with a mission to empower women through leadership workshops, handicrafts training and health education. In 1985 there were 12 women being mentored through this organization; to date over 1400 women have benefitted from working with this group and lead more empowered and sustainable livelihoods thanks to its support and guidance. As well as small décor items, this group also produces beautiful sisal baskets and silver jewellery. 
 
These beautiful hanging tree decorations are to be sold individually online and will be available online at www.thebasketroom.com from 07/11/22. 
 
Love Angels - 8 colours available - £15.00
https://www.thebasketroom.com/collections/christmas-decorations-stocking-gifts

INDODA: Handwoven Father Christmas Decoration - £12.50
https://www.thebasketroom.com/collections/christmas-decorations-stocking-gifts/products/indoda-handwoven-father-christmas-decoration

IKHETHA: Handwoven Snowman Christmas Decoration - £12.50
https://www.thebasketroom.com/collections/christmas-decorations-stocking-gifts/products/ikhetha-handwoven-snowman-christmas-decoration

MNANDI: Handwoven Christmas Pudding Decoration - £9.50

https://www.thebasketroom.com/collections/christmas-decorations-stocking-gifts/products/mnandi-handwoven-christmas-pudding-decoration