This sweet Connecting Hearts soapstone decor piece is hand-carved from a single piece of natural soapstone. Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone. It takes intricate skill and craftsmanship to take one piece of stone and create two intertwined hearts. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.

Global Crafts’ soapstone pieces are carved by the artists of SMOLArt—a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, which ensures the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization supports community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.

For over 20 years, Global Crafts has worked with marginalized artisan groups in 8 different countries with a mission to create economic opportunities that empower individuals and transform communities. Global Crafts is a member of the Fair-Trade Federation and is committed to fair trade principles when working with partners.

Every one of these colorful bracelets are hand-crafted by artisans using local materials. Each colored bead is carved out of ethically sourced bone and hand painted and includes an adjustable slider to fit all size wrists. These bracelets are Global Crafts way of reimagining the aesthetics of sustainable, ethical fashion with collections of jewelry that are handmade by artisans in village communities in India, using eco-friendly materials.

Global Crafts works closely with a not-for-profit artisan partner, based in Mumbai, that works to promote Fair Trade and Fair-Trade practices. They are members of The World Fair Trade Organization and ensure that the benefits of handicraft production reach the craftspeople themselves to empower individuals and help transform their communities with opportunities that change their lives.

*Colors and styles may vary

This month’s Faithbox includes a 5”x7” art card designed to encourage and inspire you as we focus on the importance of community and building up our own communities that God has put around us. We can pour into our own communities and develop deeper connections with those in our lives by loving others. This verse is a reminder that God calls us to love the ones He’s placed in our life because of Jesus’ love for us first.

Place this card on your desk at work, hang it on the refrigerator, or put it in a picture frame on your bedside. Share it with a friend who you know may also need the extra boost of encouragement. Always remember that God will give you strength to make it through anything, and He will always lead you down the right path!

Madeline is a hand-lettering and watercolor artist from Saint Louis, Missouri. She combines her love for art with her Christian faith to create beautiful art with meaning and purpose. As a teenager, Madeline started her company, Inspired Inks, with the intention of using her art as a means to uplift others with encouragement while supporting various organizations who are fighting for justice, supporting law enforcement, strengthening families, and, most importantly, sharing the Gospel!

Our Spiritual Inventory Card is intended to help you get the most out of your faith by being able to track how you’re growing and where you’re going. As you start the new month, take time to reflect on each area and identify where you are doing well and where you can commit a little more focus.

Time with God: More than anything, a relationship with God is exactly that: a relationship. This area focuses on the ways you connect with God. It can include things like prayer, scripture reading, meditation, and reflection.

Relationships: You have been placed in the lives of others to make a difference! Take time each month to consider who God has placed in your life, how those relationships are developing, and what your role is to make a positive impact in their lives.

Generosity: Generosity is at the heart of who God is and all that He does. This area is about the opportunities you have to make a positive impact financially. No matter how large or small, giving financially to an organization or person in need makes an impact.

Serving: A life that’s moving forward is a life that is concerned with the needs of others. In this area of focus, consider where or how you can get involved to serve others in your life, your church, and your community.