Partnering with artists in the West Bank

The vision for Bittersweet has always included a documentary-style magazine/catalog, which would in part seek to empower local entrepreneurs (in difficult or developing markets) with a global platform. While in Israel & Palestine these past couple weeks, I had the opportunity to visit some Palestinian entrepreneurs in the West Bank. One shop, in particular, really captured me.

The pieces pictured above are examples of their work–all hand-crafted glassware made by melting down old glass bottles, containers, etc and adding locally sourced minerals (magnesium, cobalt, and copper) to achieve the various colors.  Each piece is handmade, which means perfectly imperfect and genuinely unique.

So, as we begin planning our pilot issue of the Bittersweet zine, I’m strongly considering launching with a pilot line of handcrafted West Bank products (like those featured above), but would very much love to hear your thoughts and feedback–would you have any interest in purchasing the items above as gifts or for your home? Supporting the struggling West Bank economy and the livelihood of a dozen Palestinian families is, of course, a fabulous byproduct…

There’s nothing to buy, at this moment, I’d just like your thoughts and feedback…

The vision for Bittersweet has always included a documentary-style magazine/catalog, which would in part seek to empower local entrepreneurs (in difficult or developing markets) with a global platform. While in Israel & Palestine these past couple weeks, I had the opportunity to visit some Palestinian entrepreneurs in the West Bank. One shop, in particular, really captured me.

The pieces pictured above are examples of their work–all hand-crafted glassware made by melting down old glass bottles, containers, etc and adding locally sourced minerals (magnesium, cobalt, and copper) to achieve the various colors.  Each piece is handmade, which means perfectly imperfect and genuinely unique.

So, as we begin planning our pilot issue of the Bittersweet zine, I’m strongly considering launching with a pilot line of handcrafted West Bank products (like those featured above), but would very much love to hear your thoughts and feedback–would you have any interest in purchasing the items above as gifts or for your home? Supporting the struggling West Bank economy and the livelihood of a dozen Palestinian families is, of course, a fabulous byproduct…

There’s nothing to buy, at this moment, I’d just like your thoughts and feedback…

The vision for Bittersweet has always included a documentary-style magazine/catalog, which would in part seek to empower local entrepreneurs (in difficult or developing markets) with a global platform. While in Israel & Palestine these past couple weeks, I had the opportunity to visit some Palestinian entrepreneurs in the West Bank. One shop, in particular, really captured me.

The pieces pictured above are examples of their work–all hand-crafted glassware made by melting down old glass bottles, containers, etc and adding locally sourced minerals (magnesium, cobalt, and copper) to achieve the various colors.  Each piece is handmade, which means perfectly imperfect and genuinely unique.

So, as we begin planning our pilot issue of the Bittersweet zine, I’m strongly considering launching with a pilot line of handcrafted West Bank products (like those featured above), but would very much love to hear your thoughts and feedback–would you have any interest in purchasing the items above as gifts or for your home? Supporting the struggling West Bank economy and the livelihood of a dozen Palestinian families is, of course, a fabulous byproduct…

There’s nothing to buy, at this moment, I’d just like your thoughts and feedback…