our inspiration
"Education is not the preparation for life; it is life itself."
-John Dewey
Have you heard
Living Threads. Co. is excited to be partnering with La Puerta Abierta Learning Center in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala.
on the ground
La Puerta Abierta is a not-for-profit founded in 2007 by Karen Hendrick, a retired teacher and Amanda Flayer, former Peace Corps volunteer, with a mission "to empower children to use creativity, critical thinking and literacy to become innovative problem solvers". The learning center prepares students to "become future agents of change and leaders in their community through developing their individual talent and confidence".
Being a non-profit, the school depends on donations and grants to provide this service to its community. However, La Puerta Abierta is also working hard to increase their self-sufficiency and sustainability. The artisan group, lead by the mothers of students of La Puerta Abierta, is an earned income venture. Mothers use their skills and individual creativity to create high-quality, handwoven products. Proceeds from their unique handcrafted goods directly support the school, as well as provide income for the women, improving livelihoods for their families. These artisan mothers are proud of what the school brings to their community, and their ability to support the education of their children. They enjoy their artisan work, and take pride in preserving ancient techniques while expressing their personal creativity.
Founder of La Puerta Abierta Amanda Flayer working with the artisan mother group in Santiago, Atitlan.
La Puerta Abierta Learning center takes a unique and creative approach to education. Check out the school’s website and learn how you can directly support their work:
On the ground
Living Threads Co. will feature a variety of children’s products; handmade by the mothers of La Puerta Abierta. Puppets, mobiles, and hand stitched alphabet letters are just a few of the products in our specialty children’s line. Many of these products are made with repurposed, handwoven fabrics in an effort to reduce waste and reuse high quality fabrics.
Popping into Summer
There have been plenty of happenings over the last few weeks at Living Threads Co. Our storefront in Northeast Harbor, Maine is officially open! Our lovely associate, Devin, will be at shop 10 am - 5 pm, Monday – Saturday (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays). Stop on over and say hi!
We are also excited to announce that Living Threads Co. will be opening a storefront in Reston, Virginia, for Summer 2016! We will be located at 11858 Market Street. Opening date will be announced soon…stay tuned!
Written by Dani Karnoff & Amanda Zehner
Photos by Amanda Zehner