Sustainable Sophistication: Circular Handbags from Soil to Soil

Introducing our artisan-made circular handbags, meticulously crafted with care and sustainability in mind. Designed for the ethical, stylish woman who values quality and authenticity, these handbags are more than just accessories – they're a statement of conscious living. 

Fashionable & Functional: Our high-quality handbags effortlessly complement any outfit, offering versatility for various occasions, from a day at work to exploring the city or enjoying a leisurely outing. Adding a charming touch to your ensemble while remaining timeless in style, they are perfect for those occasions when you just want to carry your wallet, mobile, and keys, offering practicality without compromising on style. With their versatile design, you can easily match them with any outfit, from dresses to jeans and shorts, making them the ideal companion for everyday use.

Unique & Meaningful: Each handbag is a work of art, telling a story of local craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Handcrafted by a skilled artisan Janerose in the rural village of Bigodi, Western Uganda, these bags are woven with locally sourced banana fibre, raffia, or banana silk. Each bag showcases the values of sustainability and authenticity, representing the region and the artisans who created them.

Ethical & Sustainable: Following the 4R approach – reduce, reuse, regenerate, and recycle – each handbag is handmade with meticulous attention to detail. From harvesting natural fibres to dyeing with locally sourced plants and rainwater, our artisans work in harmony with nature, preserving resources and traditional techniques.

Made to Order: Our lightweight handbags, measuring 8.5 inches in height, 8 inches in length, and 1.5 inches in width, are meticulously crafted to your specifications. Tailor your bag by selecting from a choice of banana fibre and raffia or banana fibre and banana silk, and further customize it with raw or naturally dyed banana silk or raffia, offering a diverse palette of vibrant and earthy hues. Elevate your bag's style and sustainability quotient by personalizing it with handles crafted from banana fibres or barkcloth. The interior is thoughtfully lined with 100% preloved cotton sheets, eco-printed with local leaves and flowers, infusing each bag with a unique touch of color and personality.

Please be aware that due to the handmade nature of our bags, slight variations in design may occur. Changes in color and patterns are to be expected, as they are influenced by the seasonal availability of natural dyes and fibres. We view these variations as adding extra charm and uniqueness to each of our products.

Making a Difference: We are committed to crafting products that contribute to a brighter future for both people and the planet. Our handbags not only epitomize style and sophistication but also serve as vehicles for social, economic, and educational empowerment for women in rural Uganda. Through the production of our handbags, we provide opportunities for these women to enhance their income and overall well-being while preserving and promoting traditional crafting techniques. Moreover, by utilizing sustainable materials and practices, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to the regeneration of our planet. When you choose Seeds & Stories, you're not just purchasing a unique artisanal product; you're investing in the lives of women in Bigodi and supporting environmental conservation efforts.

Join us in our mission to create a more regenerative future while empowering women in rural Uganda. Place your order today, and in approximately six weeks, your one-of-a-kind Seeds & Stories handbag will be on its way to you, ready to elevate your wardrobe with its timeless charm and eco-friendly ethos.

Materials

Banana Fibre: Derived from the stem of banana trees, banana fibre is a byproduct of banana cultivation. Typically discarded after harvesting the fruit, banana stems are repurposed to create strong and textured fibres. By using banana fibre in our handbags, we not only reduce waste but also support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.

Naturally Dyed Banana Silk: To add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to our handbags, we incorporate naturally dyed banana silk. This luxurious material is derived from the same banana plant but processed differently to create a soft and lustrous fibre. Our artisans use locally sourced plants, leaves, flowers, and roots to naturally dye the banana silk, resulting in rich and earthy hues that complement the natural aesthetic of our handbags.

Raffia: Another sustainable material used in crafting our handbags is raffia, a type of palm tree native to tropical regions. Raffia fibres are strong and flexible, providing durability and resilience to our products. By utilizing raffia, we promote the use of natural and renewable resources while minimizing our environmental impact.

Lining: The interior of our handbags is lined with 100% preloved cotton sheets that we source from local markets. These sheets are eco-printed with local leaves and flowers, adding a pop of colour and personality to the interior of the bag. Additionally, the use of preloved cotton sheets reduces the demand for new materials and promotes circular fashion practices.

Barkcloth: Handcrafted from the inner bark of fig trees using traditional methods passed down through generations, Uganda Barkcloth adds a distinctive touch to our handbags. This eco-friendly material is sourced from local forests in Uganda, where skilled artisans carefully harvest the bark without harming the trees. The bark is then soaked, beaten, and sun-dried to create a soft yet durable fabric with a unique texture and natural earthy tones. By incorporating Uganda Barkcloth into our handbags, we celebrate indigenous craftsmanship and support sustainable forestry practices, preserving both cultural heritage and the environment for future generations.

Care Instructions

Our bags are easy to maintain – simply wipe down the exterior with a clean, damp cloth. Humidity can ruin your bag. Store your product in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. And when it's time to bid farewell, rest assured knowing that your bag is biodegradable and can be composted at the end of its life cycle.