The Concept of Nest

Birds are master builders.  They use the materials at hand as the construction components for their homes, and work, often in cooperation with their mates, to make a sturdy shelter from the storms of spring.  The nests in our yard are so beautiful.  Hedges of firebushes line our driveway and provide the perfect location for the robins.  One of those nests, made of mud and grass, has weathered two winters and sheltered nearly 6 clutches of eggs.  

Nest, with fabric, yarn, and thread

My nest collages are also made with the materials I have at hand:  scraps of fabric, bits of yarn, snips of threads from the sewing machine, and even shredded text gleaned from old tomes found at garage sales.  I am just like the robins- I use what is around me to create these little gems, and hope that the result weathers the storm around me.

When I was preparing for this week of posts about all things nesty, I did a google search of nests, hoping to find some interesting copyright free images to include with these posts.  Behold, the glory of the world wide web... I found something much more interesting.  

Nest, an organization that provides microfinancing to craftswomen across the world, is a wonderful source of creative inspiration and a great organization.  They live the credo that when women are given opportunities to earn a fair wage with the goods and services they create, the entire community benefits.  Children are fed and educated.  Homes are built and furnished.  Futures are made secure.  Families stay together.

Here's their Mission Statement:  Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.


Join me in supporting this worthwhile organization that empowers women and encourages the continuation of traditional craft, ethical fair trade, and micro financing.  This post is part of my commitment to Living and Giving in a World of Abundance...