good deeds ~ raven + lily!

i'm so excited about this week's good deed because it involves shopping. you heard me! the shop, raven + lily {which i've raved about before on my blog}, provides an amazing way to combine doing good for others and shopping for great gifts this holiday season {or anytime really}!

i first discovered raven + lily when exploring my neighborhood the first week i lived in los angeles. we were struck with how gorgeous everything was - the home goods, shawls, jewelry, and paperless journals. at first i thought it was just another boutique, but i quickly learned that it is a far more wonderful and beautiful idea.

raven + lily is a non-profit organization that works with impoverished women all over the world, helping them grow in design and art. the products that these women create are then sold through raven + lily online and in their local shop here in echo park. raven + lily does all the dirty work of marketing and selling, as well as supporting the women through inspiration, tips on creating beautiful products, and providing a much-needed paycheck. the money that you spend at raven + lily goes right back to the women in india, africa, and even homeless single mothers of los angeles {depending on what you're buying}.

when i stopped in the shop a few months ago, i was able to write a letter to the very women who designed and created the gorgeous coasters i bought. it was the most amazing feeling in the world to know that my money was going to a creative woman just like me, and to even send her a note, woman to woman, designer to designer ~ just, wow!

~ here are a few of my favorites {although there are SO many great things} ~

this gorgeous necklace, made by entoto women in ethiopia, is created out of melted down war weapons. what a powerful idea!

i love these paperless journals & cards, created by women in northern india, which are made from cotton rags, newspapers, old army tents, and denim jeans.

there are even some sweet things for your local baby.

so head over to the online shop {or go to the pretty store if you live in los angeles} and check out all the cute stuff you could give as gifts this year, as well as helping a real woman earn an honest living.

you can also help raven + lily by:

* spreading the word about their shop & mission,

* hosting a trunkshow near you,

* volunteering your time,

* and praying for the cause.

{all photos borrowed from raven + lily's website and blog}