 |
Here we offer handcrafted purses, shoulder bags, cosmetic bags and evening bags created by Uca Ruffatti,
an artisan group based in El Salvador.
Uca Ruffatti pairs more than twenty years of experience in handbag and purse production with an earth-friendly outlook.
These bags feature recycled tires and inner tubes from cars and trucks.
In addition, some bags are crafted with cotton decorated with all-natural
Añil, a native indigo
thought to represent peace and prosperity in ancient times.
Using modern techniques and all-natural, recycled and/or re-purposed materials,
the goal of the artisans is to "bring to life this wonder given to us by Mother Nature".
We hope you'll enjoy this original line of funky yet functional bag designs that benefit the environment.
NOTE that there will be variations among these hand-crafted accessories.
Recycled Tire Accessories
 |
"Afra" Recycled Tire Tube Purse $84.00
Cotton lined with a zipper closure. One adjustable strap. 17" wide x 6" high x 4.5" deep
UCA:AFRA
Besides being a fashionable accessory that's just the right size, our "Afra" recycled tire tube purse
promotes earth-friendly practices by utilizing the tires found in rivers, ravines and along the roads in El Salvador.
(You might even get a couple fun tire patches! A great attention-grabber.) |
|
 |
 |
These stylish purses and wallets promote earth-friendly practices by avoiding the accumulation of discarded tires.
Now more than ever it's fashionable to be "green" with a reduced carbon footprint.
These Fair Trade El Salvador accessories show that you care about the earth and our future. |
"Ada" Purse $50.00
Cotton lining and zipper closure. Two adjustable straps. 12" wide x 7" high x 3" deep
UCA:ADA
|
"Adela" Purse $50.00
Cotton lining and zipper closure. One adjustable strap. 10" wide x 7" high x 3.5" deep
UCA:ADELA
|
 |
Excellence in Product Design
One World Projects
Given in recognition of outstanding work in the field of Product Design and excellence in the innovative and
responsible use of materials, fit with contemporary style, tastefulness, and
work in accordance with FTF’s Principles and Values.
Awarded by the Fair Trade Federation
Great Products. Tremendous Impact.
March 30, 2009 |
Some Purses include Recycled Leather
Yes, we know that "leather" is not an ecological material, but
this recycled leather is different!! Instead of being thrown into a landfill, it's being reused!
How Recycled Leather Is Made
- Trimmings are collected from the garment and car industries that use leather.
- Trimmings are dumped into a series of grinders to break the leather down into fibers. At this stage it looks like a pile of lint.
- Fibers go through a series of washings and are then reconstituted by adding glue and bonding agent.
- The mixture is rolled, pressed, heated, painted, and dried into sheets, then either stamped for texture (alligator, pebble, and other designs) or left smooth.
- Ready for re-use! Recycled leather is then re-used on these purses.
|
 |
"Silvia" Handbag $86.00
UCA:LEA-SILVIA-BR
This fashionable recycled tire tube purse is accented with recycled leather (see above for the process).
Just the right size for your wallet, phone and even a small book,
its strap slips handily over the shoulder and proves that to recycle is a beautiful thing!
Magnetic buckle closure. 8" high x 13.5" wide x 4" deep and the strap is 21" long.
|
"Ninna" Handbag $88.00
UCA:LEA-NINNA
 |
This fashionable recycled tire tube purse is accented with recycled leather (see above for the process).
Available in Chocolate Brown or Green. 8" high x 11" wide x 3.5" deep and the strap is 33" long.
|
|
"Rossie" Shoulder Bag $36.00
Cotton lining and zipper closure. One adjustable shoulder strap.
UCA:ROSSIE
About 7.5" wide x 4.5" high x 2.5" deep
|
 |
 |
"Tete" Recycled Tire Tube and
Recycled Yellow Leather Handbag $72.00
UCA:LEA-TETE
About 14" wide x 10" high x 4" deep.
12" handles.
|
"Rosy" Shoulder Bag $46.00
Created from recycled tire tubes and recycled leather.
UCA:LEA-ROSY
Available in Brown, Green or Yellow.
 |
Cotton lining and zipper closure. 21" shoulder strap.
About 7.5" wide x 5" high x 3" deep
|
 |
"Kangaroo" Fanny Pack $46.00
UCA:KANGAROO
about 10.5" wide x 6.5& high x 2.5" deep
|
Cosmetic Bags
 |
Small Cosmetic Bag with Short Wristlet Strap $30.00
This cute recycled tire tube bag can be used as a cosmetics bag or small wristlet purse!
9.5" wide x 4.5" high x 2" deep.
UCA:JUANITA
|
|
Cosmetic Bag $30.00
This svelte and sturdy cosmetics bag is ready to travel whenever you are.
10" wide x 4" high x 4.5" deep.
UCA:COSBAG
(Sorry - out of stock.)
|
Wallets
 |
Recycled Tire Tube Wallet $30.00
Good-looking, tough, practical, good for the earth and El Salvadorian artisans.
If the rubber was strong enough for a car or truck, it'll surely be able to carry your cash and plastic.
4.5" wide x 3.5" high x .25" deep.
(Sorry - out of stock.)
|
Indigo and Recycled Tire Accessories
Our indigo and recycled tire purses are handmade in El Salvador using all-natural añil,
a native indigo thought to represent peace and prosperity in ancient times.
|
The artisans use their
creative spirit when creating these fabrics, so there will be variations.
Because of the variety
of fabrics, we have a limited inventory of each fabric design! Please tell us your fabric preferences.
We reserve the right to substitute another fabric design, if necessary. |
Toña Bag $74.00
Social and environmental responsibility that looks and feels great -- too much to ask for? Never!
Our "Toña" Indigo Purse is handmade in El Salvador using all-natural añil indigo.
Pair that with a handy over-the-shoulder strap
made from the inner tubes of discarded tires and you've got the
ultimate "green" accessory for the woman who knows she can have it all. 13" long x 9.5" high x 4" wide. |
 |
Fabric #1 |
Fabric #8 |
Fabric #13 |
|
Fabric #25 |
Fabric #30 |
Fabric #36 |
|
Fabric #40 |
Fabric #64 |
|
|
Chiquita Bag $30.00
Whether you opt to wear it over your shoulder, or are feeling a little more clutch, our chic "Chiquita" indigo purse is a
versatile accessory for the woman who wants it all.
Its sleek design and unique patterns make this bag an unforgettable daytime or evening accessory.
Note that these designs are assorted.
6" wide x 6" high x 2" deep. |
 |
|
Carmen Handbag $100.00
Channel your inner flower child with a standout handbag that holds it all together with an easy,
earth-friendly style.
The "Carmen" Indigo Handbag's indigo body is
and complimented with sturdy recycled tire tube handles.
How's that for fashion that also keeps the earth looking good?
Cotton lining, magnetic snap and zipper closure. 20" wide x 11.5" high x 8" deep. |
 |
Fabric #3 |
Fabric #11 |
|
Fabric #25 |
Fabric #38 |
|
Fabric #47 |
|
|
Viajera Collapsible Carry Bag $64.00
Imagine a collapsible carry bag that’s just 9" wide x 5" high x 2" deep when folded,
the perfect size to tuck in a handbag or the bottom of a suitcase.
Then the same bag unfolds to a Mary Poppin’s-sized 24" wide x 18" high x 12" deep.
Magic?
Maybe. Regardless, our Viajera Indigo Collapsible Carry Bag is the ideal travel companion for any
shopping vacation where you’d like the option to load up on local gifts and treasures. |
 |
Fabric #8 |
Fabric #36 |
|
Fabric #47 |
|
|
Karina Evening Bag $52.00
Here's our classic Karina, a stylish evening bag that hints at hippy with its hand-dyed indigo patterns,
yet keeps it together with a clean cut and magnetic buckle closure.
Plus, her black rubber handles, base and accents are made from the inner tubes salvaged
from discarded car and truck tires, for a fashion-forward accessory that puts Earth first.
10" wide x 5" high x 3" deep. |
 |
Fabric #8 |
Fabric #13 |
|
Fabric #30 |
Fabric #36 |
|
Alejandra Shoulder Bag $64.00
Natural indigo dye and recycling car and truck tire tubes means that
means both you and Mother Nature
will be looking good with the "Alejandra" Indigo Shoulder Bag.
Inner pockets and a handy over-the-shoulder strap make it great for both casual and office affairs,
with interior pockets and zipper close to keep your personal items organized and contained.
11" wide x 7.5" high x 3.5" deep |
 |
Fabric #5 |
Fabric #11 |
|
Fabric #25 |
Fabric #36 |
|
Fabric #64 |
|
|
Grande Indigo Tote $80.00
Our "Grande" Indigo Tote doesn't just look great, it's a convenient,
fashion-forward tote that also benefits the environment.
Sturdy black handles have been handcrafted using the inner tubes from tires.
Fine cotton lining and interior pockets. Zip closure.
14" wide x 12" high x 4" deep |
 |
Fabric #25 |
Fabric #30 |
|
Fabric #36 |
Fabric #64 |
|
|
 |
Indigo Toiletries Bag
Available in 2 sizes.
Liven up your morning routine with our indigo toiletry bags.
Each funky yet functional design makes a great way to keep your toiletries or cosmetics together,
whether you’re on the road or at home. 100% cotton with faux leather lining and zipper closure with recycled tire tube
loops. |
Small Toiletries Bag
8" wide x 2.5" high x 3.5" deep |
$15.00 |
(Sorry - out of stock.) |
|
|
|
Large Toiletries Bag
9.5" wide x 4.5" high x 3.5" deep |
$26.00 |
(Sorry - out of stock.) |
|
|
|
The artisans use their
creative spirit when creating these fabrics, so there will be variations.
Because of the variety
of fabrics, we have a limited inventory of each fabric design!
Please tell us your fabric preferences, but we may be out of the fabrics you've
indicated. We reserve the right to substitute another fabric design, if necessary. |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Your Global Marketplace for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Gifts
One World Projects, Inc. 43 Ellicott Ave
Batavia, NY 14020
Tel: 585.343.4490
Fax: 585.344.3551
E-mail: sales@oneworldprojects.com
NEW! Gift Certificates for on-line purchases! A thoughtful gift any day, any time.
[Home]
[About Us]
[Products]
[Search]
[What's New]
[Affiliates]
[Contact Us]
[Privacy]
And don't forget to visit
our CLEARANCE PAGE frequently!
Fairly Traded Gifts from Around the World
 |
One World Projects is a member of the Fair Trade Federation,
Coop America, Social Venture Network, and the
Aid to Artisan Trade Network.
We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner. |
|  |