Bag Unique, Barkcloth tote bags

Unique, soil-to-soil, stylish, barkcloth tote bags. Original design. These high-quality tote bags are fashionable and functional, and you can easily match them with any outfit, and they never go out of style. Each bag is unique and tells a story about the origin of its natural raw materials and the artisans who made them, representing their region, Western Uganda. They can undoubtedly highlight the type of materials you value, symbolise the values that are important to you and tell people what you care about. 

Size 
Lightweight handbag
Measurements
Extra Large
Height 19 inches
Length 14,5 inches
Width 2.5 inches
Large
Height 18 inches
Length 14 inches
Width 2,5 inches
Medium
Height 16 inches
Length 13 inches
Width 2 inches

Materials 
Barkcloth
Naturally dyed barkcloth
Embroidery threads
Banana fibre
Lining: 100% preloved cotton sheets that we buy in local markets and eco-print with local leaves and flowers. 

Seeds & Stories sources barkcloth from the Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association (BOTFA); we have so far adopted 3 Mutuba Trees. We are working with the local community to revive the traditional craft of barkcloth production in Bigodi. This unique leather-like regenerative textile is durable and also has antibacterial properties. Barkcloth is a fantastic vegan leather alternative, a natural, regenerative, nonwoven material. 

Care Instructions 
We suggest using a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the bag's exterior. This bag is biodegradable, and you can put it in your compost bin at the end of its life. 

Packaging 
Each bag is packed with recycled and/or handmade paper, ready for display in your store. We use handmade paper and natural inks to make our tags.

How it's Made 
Seeds & Stories operates according to the 4R approach: reduce, reuse, regenerate and recycle. These original tote bags are made in Bigodi, a rural village in Western Uganda, by Jolly, our talented tailor.
Moonlight, one of our experienced natural dyers, naturally dyes the barkcloth with local dye plants, roots and rainwater, which Jolly uses to make the pockets. Natural dyes are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them better for our artisans, customers, and the environment. 
Some of the bags are embroidered by Janerose and Jolly. 

From harvesting to natural dyeing, from hand weaving to finishing, our artisans work at a slow pace in harmony with nature, conserving natural resources. 

Each Seeds & Stories product is ethically made from a combination of local natural fibres and dyes, repurposed materials, modern designs, and ancient techniques passed down through generations. Our artisans are empowered to use their skills to create our unique soil-to-soil products while preserving their traditional crafts and cultural heritage.

We strive to create products that leave the world in a better place than when we started. Our stylish shopping bags create social, economic and learning opportunities for women in rural Uganda, increasing their income and well-being while promoting traditional crafts and positively impacting the environment. With every purchase from Seeds & Stories, you are not just buying a unique artisanal product but making a difference to women in Bigodi while contributing to environmental regeneration. 

Made to order
All our products are made to order. 
Our tote bags come in different sizes and styles. 
You can choose to have barkcloth or banana fibre handles. 
You can have your tote bag with a naturally dyed pocket, purple, green, yellow or red. 
You can also choose the embellishments, embroidery or applique.

Please note that as the tote bags are handmade, there may be slight variations in the design. Changes in colour and patterns are likely to happen due to seasonal natural dyes and natural fibres available. The surface texture, colour, and tone of barkcloth vary from tree to tree and from how long the textile was sun-dried. 
We believe this adds extra charm and uniqueness to our products.

Please send us a message with your preferences. Please note our artisans take approximately one week to make your product. Then, depending on your location, it can take around four weeks for the product to be delivered. So, you should expect the order within six weeks; the wait is totally worth it.