Another Kind of Inspiration

Ok. So, I had been working hard here in Phnom Penh trying to find new handbags, messenger bags, wallets, scarves, some interesting surprises or two, and maybe a cool new necklace for you, my valued Three Stone Steps customers.

So, here I am in a hot climate, trying to unearth interesting fines (or, as they say here in S.E. Asia, not more of the "same same," but bags, wallets, scarves and other fashion accessories that are both well made, justly made, and unique).

One can only do this, especially in the heat, for so long. So, this weekend, I did have some time to relax and try to reflect on some of the products that I've seen.

Wandering around my guesthouse, I came to these two men in the above photo who were blissfully napping in the noonday sun, and totally oblivious to me. I think they could easily be the mascots for those who want to take a siesta (or however one says that in Khmer) during their workaday world. Just string a hammock wherever you are.

All this wandering around and relaxation end for me tomorrow. I'm going to check on some samples of the messenger bags I'm having made, and going out to meet some workers. And, there will be no time for naps.

I'll try to provide a sneak preview here of the new products if all goes as planned.

Inspirational Singapore

Singapore is a city-state that is given to newness and business. Some have described it as soul-less, although I find that more than a bit harsh, since it does have some great sights, great people, and fantastic foods.

So, imagine my surprise when I saw, in what it called Sculpture Square, a statue with a very interesting plaque. In this case, the plaque is devoted to those who immigrated to Singapore and built this equatorial island into a commercial hub.

I have to say that despite being visiting many, many, many labor (or, in this case "labour") sights, I've rarely seen such a straightforward and simple sentiment. This is really what all the progress and glass and steel is all about...as it is everywhere.

Hot Stuff

I'm still in Phnom Penh searching for great new products for Three Stone Steps. I had a bit of a disappointing day yesterday thinking that I was on to something with jewelry made from recycled land minds, but it turned out that I couldn't find a design at a price point that would work. I will continue today searching for the best in silks, cottons, and eco-chic.

I'm also debating getting water reed rattan/ish bags for Three Stone Steps's customers. While I did find some designs that you're sure to love, I am not sure about the quality of the product, and that's of utmost importance. I would never want to sell any handbags, messenger bags, wallets, silk scarves, or evening bags that I wasn't positive would wear well. So, I'll visit this place again this afternoon, and take these new bags through quite a workout. However, I'm not especially optimistic.

I'm also desperately trying to get in touch with this NGO that produces recycled products. It's hard, but I will venture on since there's no where I want to miss out on what looks to be a great eco-chic item for my great customers.

Anyway, it's now afternoon here, and time to get myself in gear to go searching in the Cambodian heat.

Stay turned. I shall return!

Not Quite Playing in Phnom Penh

Despite having a painfully slow internet connection, Three Stone Steps is delighted to inform you of some new items that will be on offer soon. First jewelry rolls. Ok, they are the same fantastic jewelry rolls now offered by Three Stone Steps, but will be offered in new, most fabulous colors. Colors so great that you'll wonder how you lived without them; and colors so great that you'll love using them for your fine bling.

And, speaking of bling, Three Stone Steps is presently debating carrying some really unique and very affordable necklaces. These necklaces are made from buffalo horn (the kind of buffalo they have in Southeast Asia, and YES, the buffalo was already dead for other reasons, and certainly not brought to its demise for its horns. And, NO, I would never, ever, do anything so unethical and cruel as to kill a buffalo so its horn could make a simple necklace, so please don't even think it just in case that horrid thought crossed your mind). They are lovely and casual, and won't quite replace the diamonds you wear to the opera, but can certainly go from work to play without missing a beat. But, we'll see. Even as I write this, I think that buffalo horn bling, as ethical and lovely as it is, may just be too much.

And, speaking even more about jewelry, Three Stone Steps is testing out a great new design for the silk bead necklace. Again, this will take you from work to play to everywhere in between. We're just wondering if this new necklace will work.....but, it's so great in concept that we're hoping it will work in practice.

But, wait, there's more! Somewhere high above the Arctic Circle, she thinks, Three Stone Steps had a brainstorm to create the most lovely and simple and practical raw silk messenger bag. Ok, it'll be sort of on the small side, but there's nothing else like it. She can't wait to turn this theory into practice, especially if it works out.

We're also bringing you a new improved longer strap for the cotton travelers bag, and perhaps a lovely new scarf or two, made from golden silk (which feels like wool), which is beautifully handwoven, and uses all natural dyes.

And, stay tuned for new designs of mosquito netting products and other fashion accessories made from discarded items.

In any event, time in Phnom Penh has been productive, and with hope, soon you'll be able to view these fine new offerings on the website and in stores.

Ok. Off to bed. It's very late in this part of the planet.

Good night.

Not Quite a Holiday in Cambodia

After three days in Singapore, I arrived in Phnom Penh rather late last night. I'm excited to meet with my current producers and to see what new fashion accessories I can find for Three Stone Steps.

I will post a blog soon regarding thoughts about Singapore in terms of being green (or not being green) and some general political, social, cultural and other thoughts.

Anyway, I'm about to meet my producer of the recycled eco-chic messenger bags, laptop bag, and wallets. I'm interested in some of their new offerings, and if all goes well (there is a great deal of things to consider) I should have some new very interesting recycled fashion accessories to offer. I'll update soon.

Anyway, just checking in.

Will update, and attempt to load photos later today.

Stay tuned.

On the road again....

....well, not quite. Right about now I was supposed to be in Phnom Penh, looking for more fun to funky fairly traded and eco-chic goods, yet I am in my kitchen in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland USA.

The night before my flight I was knocked out my the norovirus. Now, this wasn't fun, in fact, I can't remember when I've been taken down by an illness.

In any event, this isn't a rant about some nasty virus, but rather to let you know that I'm still around, but this weird downtime has given me some clarity regarding what new things I'll be looking for.

But, first, I'm going to make my existing items even better. Prepare to see the cotton travelers bags with new longer and wider straps, and some new, shapes. Look for new colors in the gorgeous Angkor silk screen shoulder bag. It's coming along.

I'm hoping to bring back some man purses. Ok. Don't snicker. A man bag. The hard sided briefcase has gone the way of dial-up and cassette tapes, or so has been proclaimed by the Wall Street Journal when they wrote about the Death of the Brief Case. In any event, this sort of makes me sad in the sort of way that no longer having carpools makes me sad. The briefcase reminds me of my father and just seemed so handy. But, I can't say I blame men for wanting a hand's free way to take work to and fro. (I guess I really wish people didn't have to take work home from the office, but that's for another post.)

I also plan to look for more items in sustainable fabrics, like hemp and bamboo, and innovative recycled items.

Please also let me know what you'd like to see, and please stay tuned for some updates from Southeast Asia.

Happy 2008

Welcome to Three Stone Steps' first blog entry of this brand spanking new year. Everyone I know is looking forward to 2008, mainly since it's the year of a not insignificant election here in the U.S. While I don't want to turn this blog into a little political rant, I must say that I'm also looking forward (well, waaaaaaay forward) to January 20, 2009.

Anyway, what's in store?

Well, for me, I'm hoping and planning to have some great new items soon to offer. I'm back to Cambodia next week to meet with my fair trade producers to make some changes to my current offerings, and to find interesting new accessories for women (and men, too!). I'll also be scouring accessories on offer in Vietnam to try to include some great fair trade and eco-chic items from there, too. Is there something you really want to see? Well, drop me a note, and I'll see what I can do. I'd love to hear what you'd love to find.

Later this year, I'll be off to Burkina Faso for a continent-wide artisans fair. This'll be my first time to West Africa (or African in general) and I'm looking forward to the trip, and looking forward to some interesting new finds.

Also, this year will begin (or 2007 will end) with a sale of select items. You can find Three Stone Steps' first ever online sale here.

Three Stone Steps had a very great first full year in operations. The learning curve has been steep, but along the way I've met great people who have become retail and wholesale customers. I've seen people care deeply about the environment and ethical production of materials. It's all been very wonderful.

So, my wishes for you dear reader are health, happiness, great adventures, and great hearty belly laughter!

Please stay tuned, and I'll check in again....maybe from Phnom Penh and maybe before.

And, thanks to everyone for making 2007 such a great year. I'm exited to see what's in store for 2008!