Our new handbags, called Rebagz™, are about as amazing as a bag can get. First off, they’re wildly colorful and fashion forward, which is vital to us as designers. The hues and weaving really fire up our own creative streak. But just as important, they’re also fair trade and earth-friendly. What does that mean? The latter means they’re made from recycled stuff, juice packs and rice bags that were just too gorgeous to be relegated to a landfill somewhere. The fair trade part is all about the women who make these beautiful bags. They’re both paid and treated well. We wouldn’t have it any other way – and we know you wouldn’t, either.

For me personally, this new enterprise fits like my own skin. I spent a bunch of time down in Chiapas, Mexico in the mid ‘90’s doing humanitarian work in the aftermath of the Zapatista rebellion. It amazed me how resourceful the indigenous people living in the jungle were and how nothing went to waste. Everything not only had a purpose, but everything also had a second and even a third purpose beyond that.

Inspiring to the max.

We officially launch our new line this weekend at the California Gift Show. It’s a show we’ve attended as buyers for the last few years and are thrilled that we’ll now be exhibiting there. We’ve again been incredibly fortunate with the caliber of people who’ve come forward to work with us. We have the people we work with in the Philippines (where Christine grew up), and we’ve acquired an amazing assistant named Justin – without whom my mental marbles would be scattered down the 101 freeway somewhere.

I’ve been so grateful to all of you for your support with our jewelry line and our books and articles. We love hearing from you, big time.