Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

2011 CATALOG: H.A.N.D.B.A.G.S

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

THREAD 2011 Catalog: Handbags. Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network. San Jos, Costa Rica. THREAD is a registered trademark of WIDECAST, the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (www.widecast.org). All rights reserved. WIDECAST is a Regional Activity Network of the UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme. The network is comprised of sea turtle expertsincluding biologists, managers and community leadersworking together to ensure the survival of endangered marine turtles in more than 40 Caribbean nations and territories. As a result of our efforts to reduce threats, strengthen legislation, promote community involvement, and raise public awareness, most Caribbean countries now legally protect marine turtles, poaching and illegal product sales have been dramatically reduced, important habitats have been preserved, many of the regions largest breeding colonies are monitored on an annual basis, alternative livelihood modelsincluding handcrafting and tour guidingare increasingly available for rural areas, and citizens are mobilized in support of conservation action. At some sites, sea turtle populations are rising! You can personally assist in this award-winning international effort through the purchase of products featured in this catalog. Visit us often at www.widecast.org to learn more about what you can do to help protect these gentle creatures, and Thank You for being a Sea Turtle Hero!

Catlogo THREAD 2011: Bolsos. Red para la Conservacin de las Tortugas Marinas en el Gran Caribe. San Jos, Costa Rica. THREAD es una marca registrada de la Red para la Conservacin de Tortugas Marinas en el Gran Caribe (WIDECAST, por sus siglas en ingls) (www.widecast.org). Todos los derechos reservados. WIDECAST es una red de actividad regional del Programa Ambiental del Caribe del PNUMA (Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente). La Red est conformada por expertos en tortugas marinas -incluyendo bilogos, administradores de recursos y lderes de la comunidadque trabajan juntos para asegurar la supervivencia de tortugas marinas en peligro de extincin en ms de 40 pases y territorios del Caribe. Como resultado de nuestros esfuerzos para reducir amenazas, fortalecer la legislacin, promover la participacin de la comunidad y crear conciencia pblica, hoy en da la mayora de pases del Caribe protegen las tortugas marinas, se han reducido dramticamente las ventas de productos ilegales y la caza furtiva, se han preservado importantes hbitats, muchas de las colonias reproductoras ms grandes de la regin estn siendo monitoreadas anualmente, otras alternativas de sustento estn disponibles en las reas rurales incluyendo la elaboracin de artesanas hechas a mano y trabajo como guas de turismoy los ciudadanos se estn movilizando para apoyar la accin para la conservacin. En algunos lugares, est aumentando la poblacin de tortugas! Usted, personalmente, puede apoyar este premiado esfuerzo internacional comprando productos presentados en este catlogo. Vistenos a menudo en www.widecast.org para aprender ms sobre lo que puede hacer para proteger a estas dciles criaturas y Gracias por ser un hroe para las tortugas marinas!

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

THREAD is one of several unique product lines developed by the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (www.widecast.org) in partnership with rural coastal communities throughout the Caribbean Sea. The objective is to provide sustainable livelihood choices that nourish the soul, honour the environment, and offer our customers the opportunity to help ensure the survival of endangered sea turtles. Your purchase of this unique handcrafted product provides local families with an alternative to income generated by the hunting of sea turtles and collection of their eggs, and you will enjoy knowing that 100% of the profits are re-invested in sea turtle protection programs in these same communities! THREAD pays a fair national wage to crafters, and our materials are 100% recycled. The project keeps sea turtle nesting beaches and nearby communities clean by collecting discarded plastic bags, which are used by the thousands in the handcrafts you will see in this catalog. The fabric bags are fashioned from discarded upholstery scraps, and the fiber bags from the cabuya plant (similar in appearance to the common agave). Adornments are crafted from discarded bottle caps, or from seeds, shells, coconut or wood collected from the artists community. Every THREAD product is 100% guaranteed and returnable for a full refund (less shipping costs) if the item is defective in any way as a result of its crafting. Our artisans are very proud of their work, and they want you to be proud, too! Contact us at dchacon@widecast.org or keckert@widecast.org (subject: THREAD) for more information!

THREAD es una de las muchas lneas de productos nicos desarrolladas por la Red para la Conservacin de las Tortugas Marinas en el Gran Caribe (www.widecast.org) conjuntamente con las comunidades costeras rurales a lo largo del Mar Caribe. El objetivo es proporcionar opciones de medios de vida sostenibles que alimenten el alma, respeten el medio ambiente y ofrezcan a nuestros clientes la oportunidad de ayudar a asegurar la supervivencia de tortugas marinas en peligro de extincin. Cuando usted compra este producto hecho a mano da a familias locales una alternativa de ingreso diferente al generado a travs de la caza de tortugas marinas y recoleccin de sus huevos y usted estar contento de saber que 100% de las ganancias se reinvierte en programas de proteccin de tortugas marinas en estas mismas comunidades! THREAD paga un sueldo justo a los artesanos y nuestros materiales son 100% reciclados. El proyecto mantiene limpia playas de anidacin y comunidades aledaas al recolectar bolsas plsticas desechadas, las cuales son empleadas en la elaboracin de las artesanas hechas a mano que ve en este catlogo. Los bolsos de tela creados a partir de pedazos de tapizado desechados y los bolsos de fibra a partir de la planta Cabuya. Los adornos estn elaborados a partir de tapas de botellas desechadas o de semillas, conchas, cocos o maderas recolectados en la comunidad. Cada producto THREAD est 100% garantizado y le reembolsaremos su dinero (menos el costo de envo) si es que el producto tiene cualquier defecto de elaboracin. Nuestros artesanos estn muy orgullosos de su trabajo y ellos quieren que usted se sienta orgulloso tambin! Para mayor informacin contctese con nosotros escribiendo a dchacon@widecast.org o keckert@widecast.org (asunto: THREAD).

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CROCHETED HANDBAGS UPHOLSTERY HANDBAGS CABUYA FIBER TOTES OTHER PLASTIC CROCHETED ITEMS 2011 PRICE LIST 5 14 19 21 25

CONTENIDO
BOLSOS TEJIDOS BOLSOS DE TELA BOLSOS DE CABUYA OTROS PRODUCTOS DE PLSTICO TEJIDO LISTA DE PRECIOS 2011 5 14 19 21 25

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

CROCHETED HANDBAGS

HAND HAND-WOVEN FROM 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC BAGS

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BC-01 Description: Messenger Tote Bag Dimension: 12 x 12 x 2 inches Shoulder Strap: 40-70 inches long, 2 inches wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 26 each Suggested Retail: US$ 36 each

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BC-02 Description: Turtle Tote Bag Dimension: 12 x 12 x 2 inches Shoulder Strap: 40-70 inches long, 2 inches wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 30 each Suggested Retail: US$ 42 each Dear Customer: These colorful, durable products are handcrafted from plastic bags collected in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras by local artists cooperatives trained by WIDECAST. We are very proud to support these women and their families, and we thank you for making it possible! Like all handcrafted items, variations in size and color are normal. Buy several!

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BR-01 Description: Gandoca Bag Bag Dimension: 8 x 7 x 6 inches Shoulder Strap: 35-45 inches long, 1.5 inches wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 20 each Suggested Retail: US$ 29 each

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BB-01 Description: Britt Bag, with recycled plastic bottle cap fastener Bag Dimension: 7 x 6 x 1 inches Shoulder Strap: 35-45 inches long, 1 inch wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 18 each Suggested Retail: US$ 26 each .Did you Know? Each of the handcrafts featured in this catalog is made from 60-80 plastic bags collected by local weavers who wash, dry and sort them, cut them into colorful ribbons, and then crochet them into durable, washable, environmentally friendly shoulder totes, coin purses, and shopping bags! With buttons fashioned from bottle caps and bits of coconut husks, each product is a unique treasure. .Enjoy!

Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BG-01 Description: Calabash Bag Bag Dimension: 8 x 7 inches Shoulder Strap: 45 inches, not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold; thoroughly dry the gourd base Wholesale Price: US$ 20 each Suggested Retail: US$ 29 each

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

Weve all seen it plastic bags clogging forests, rivers, and oceans. They decompose slowlyestimates range from 10-20 years when exposed to air to 500-1000 years in a landfill (microbes dont recognize polyethylenethe major component of plastic bagsas food). Made with petroleum and rarely recycled, some cities have banned them entirely. Our handbags remove thousands of these bags from the landscape every year. Lets keep the planet breathing! TEM NUMBER: PB-01 Description: Passport Pouch, with recycled plastic bottle cap fastener Bag Dimension: 5.5 x 3.5 inches Shoulder Strap: 45-60 inches long, woven; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 10 each Suggested Retail: US$ 14.50 each

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BP-01 Description: Mistys Beach Bag Bag Dimension: 11 x 9 inches Shoulder Strap: 20 inches long, 1 inch wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 25 each Suggested Retail: US$ 36 each

What a beautiful way to love Caribbean sea turtles and to help sustain the communities that protect them.

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BP-02 Description: Green Shopper Bag Dimension: 15 x 16 inches Shoulder Strap: 20-22 inches long, 1 inch wide; not adjustable Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold, drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 30 each Suggested Retail: US$ 42 each

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

HIPnVERDE

MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED UPHOLSTERY REMNANTS

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: HNV-C Description: Casual Handbag Bag Dimension: 14 x 16 inches Shoulder Strap: Adjustable Color: Variable Detail: Finished interior pockets; Velcro fastener Care: 100% cotton canvas; hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 40 each Suggested Retail: US$ 58 each

Dear Friends : Our special partnership with HipnVerde (http://www.hipnverde.com/) artists means that these colorful handbags, hand sewn from 100% recycled upholstery fabric and featuring a playful sea turtle, are available exclusively from WIDECAST ! These durable bags are beautifully sewn, fully lined, and feature interior pockets. No two are the same. Enjoy!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: HNV-M Description: Messenger Bag Bag Dimension: 16 x 12 x 5.5 in Shoulder Strap: Adjustable Color: Variable Detail: Fully lined; finished interior pockets; Velcro fastener Care: 100% cotton canvas; hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 40 each Suggested Retail: US$ 58 each

With your purchase of these beautifully crafted messenger bags, the message is clear! I CARE! about the survival of endangered sea turtles, about supporting local women and their families in Costa Rica, and about bringing the idea of reuse and recycle homeand to the office! Lets spread the message!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: HNV-T Description: Teen Tote Bag Dimension: 9 x 9 x 2.5 in Shoulder Strap: 45 inches long; not adjustable Color: Variable Detail: Finished interior pockets; Velcro fastener Care: 100% cotton canvas; hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 30 each Suggested Retail: US$ 42 each

Did you know? Each unique handbag features a

pin with an ecological message in this case, Protect our Turtles! In addition, each product comes with a coffee paper tag that contains all the information regarding the HipnVerde project. The tag is versatile! Reuse it as a bookmark, a reminder of your personal contribution to the survival of Caribbean sea turtles !!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: HNV-E Description: Evening Clutch Bag Dimension: 8 x 11 inches Shoulder Strap: 45 inches long; braided cotton cord; not adjustable Color: Variable Detail: Finished interior pockets; magnetic snap fastener; exclusive beads made from recycled paper and individually hand-rolled Care: 100% cotton canvas; hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 30 each Suggested Retail: US$ 42 each

HiPnVerde has received many awards for its employment and empowerment of women head-ofhouseholds in Costa Rica, including Mujeres Empresarias 2009 (Women as Entrepreneurs 2009), Diseo Responsable 2009 (Responsible Design 2009) and Red Textil Ibero-amricana 2010 (Latin America Textile Network 2010)! Celebrate your purchase!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

SHOULDER TOTE

CREATIVELY RECYCLED FROM NATURAL CABUYA FIBER

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: BY-01 Description: Shoulder Tote with printed Turtle; Velcro fastener Bag Dimension: 12 x 12 inches Shoulder Strap: 36 inches long; adjustable with tie Material: Cabuya fiber (jute), locally sourced and crafted; fully lined Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Price: US$ 22 each

CATALOG NUMBER: BY-02 Description: Shoulder Tote with printed Turtle; Coconut button Bag Dimension: 30 x 30 cm Shoulder Strap: 36 inches long; adjustable with tie Material: Cabuya fiber (jute), locally sourced and crafted; fully lined Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Price: US$ 22 each
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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

MISCELLANEOUS

HAND HAND-WOVEN FROM 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC BAGS

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: MR-01 Description: Coin Purse Bag Dimension: 4.5 in (diameter) Closure: Nylon zipper Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 8.50 each Suggested Retail: US$ 12 each

What better reminder of my personal commitment to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle than a coin purse woven from discarded plastic bags? I love it!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: MC-01 Description: Coin Purse Bag Dimension: 4 x 5 inches Closure: Nylon zipper Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 8.50 each Suggested Retail: US$ 12 each

Tightly woven, colorful, and waterproof, with an easy zipper closure. Each one is uniquewhat a perfect gift!

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

ITEM NUMBER: CC-01 Description: Bottle Tote with woven handle Dimension: 17.5 x 5.4 cm Use: Fits water bottle or thermos Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 8 each Suggested Retail: US$ 11.50 each

ITEM NUMBER: CC-02 Description: Cup Holder with tie Dimension: 11.5 x 5.4 cm Use: Fits water bottle, cup or mug Color: Variable Care: Hand wash cold; drip dry Wholesale Price: US$ 7 each Suggested Retail: US$ 10 each

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

2011 PRICE LIST

Item Description
Bolso cuadrado / Messenger bag Bolso cuadrado con tortuga / Messenger bag with turtle Bolso redondo / Gandoca (round) shoulder bag Bolso Britt / "Britt" bag with recycled button Bolso guacal / Calabash shoulder bag Porta pasaporte / Passport pouch with recycled button Bolso playero / Misty's beach bag (open weave upper) Bolso Playero Grande / Green Shopper (open weave) Monedero redondo / Coin purse (round) Monedero cuadrado / Coin purse (square) Porta botella / Drinking bottle case Porta vaso / Cup holder HipnVerde Casual Handbag HipnVerde Messenger Bag HipnVerde Teen Tote HipnVerde Evening Clutch Bolso Yute / Jute shoulder tote (with Velcro) Bolso Yute / Jute shoulder tote (with button)

Item Code
BC-01 BC-02 BR-01 BB-01 BG-01 PB-01 BP-01 BP-02 MR-01 MC-01 CC-01 CC-02 HNV-C HNV-M HNV-T HNV-E BY-01 BY-02

Wholesale Suggested (*) Retail (US$)

$25.00 $30.00 $20.00 $18.00 $20.00 $10.00 $25.00 $30.00 $8.50 $8.50 $8.00 $7.00 $40.00 $40.00 $30.00 $30.00 $22.00 $22.00 $36.00 $42.00 $29.00 $26.00 $29.00 $14.50 $36.00 $42.00 $12.00 $12.00 $11.50 $10.00 $58.00 $58.00 $42.00 $42.00 $22.00 $22.00

(*) Wholesale price (30% below retail) applies to the purchase

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Unique Handcrafts Benefitting Endangered Sea Turtles and Caribbean Communities

WIDECAST 2011
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