CommUnity Books & Gifts Bookstore
January Discount - 20% off all CD's
2012 calendars and journals available.
Fair Trade Feature - Goldfish Paperweight
The paperweight is made in a six-step process: 1. Well-shaped stones are selected from the river, and cleaned with a wire brush. 2. Stones are covered with cashew oil mixed with plaster, repeated four times. Each layer must dry and then be sanded, a process that takes three days for each layer. 3. Stones are sanded again, under water. 4. Stones are covered with cashew oil, under water, repeated four times. Process requires four days for each layer. 5. Artisans use a stencil to draw the pattern of fish on the stones, and then apply lacquer and one sheet of silver leaf, rubbing it with a finger. They then use a brush to paint the detail of the fish. Process takes three days. 6. For the last step, artisans apply two layers of varnish, sanding the stones under water after the first layer, and polishing with their palm after the second layer, to avoid crushing the lacquer. This process takes nine days.
Artisan Group: Mai Vietnamese Handicrafts
Country: Vietnam
Mai Vietnamese Handicrafts is a nonprofit organization that provides income generation and marketing services to Vietnamese artisans.
Store extras!
"I Make a Difference" bracelets available for $1 each.
Learn more about our bracelet project and spread the message.
Complimentary Coffee and Tea - Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee during store hours. Listen to demonstration music CDs before purchasing.
Free HeartMath Program Sessions - The Heartmath Emwave Stress Relief system is a biofeedback program designed to enhance the heart-brain connection. Enjoy reduced stress, higher states of awareness, more energy, and a more positive attitude. Each session takes just five minutes.