Since we just celebrated Mother’s Day I thought it appropriate that we take a virtual visit to the Mother of us all, Africa. I’ve never been to Africa, but I would love to. I don’t know where, maybe Zambia. I do have friends from South Africa, which is where I found the first featured seller, BiscuitScout. It really is cool how many knitters there are in the world. And I LOVE what this crafty knitter has invented—a chunky cable knit ottoman cover—genius! BiscuitScout is a graphic designer who left the big city to live in the countryside.She’s living on the most Southern tip of Africa. Umm, I also thought you should know that she also once knitted a cover for her washing machine. Wow. I can barely make it to the end of a scarf.

Lisa Twyman is an interior and product designer from Durban, South Africa. Her perspex (a type of plastic) light shades are very unique, and look like you could use them with CFL bulbs too. One thing to note is that Paypal is not available in South Africa, instead some sellers use Setcom (Monsterpay) which allows you to pay by credit card or fund transfer.

The Lady Volta Crafting Opportunity promotes fair trade in the Volta region, giving local women a way to earn a living so they can care for their children and families. This cooperative is based in Ghana, and they have relationships with designers all over the world. This particular necklace is from Lady Volta’s Swank collection which was created in collaboration with UK-based designer, Becky Wignell of Swank Jewellery. You can choose from Red, Blue or Green. Please take note that each necklace is designed differently. The necklace measures 18″ in length. Even the beads are handmade, created from crushed recycled bottles colored with pigments and then baked in a traditional African clay oven. Brass beads are hand made using the traditional African wax-casting technique. All profits go back to the organization. Learn more about The Lady Volta Crafting Opportunity by visiting www.villageexchangeghana.org.

And remember, Love Your Mother!