Thursday, October 13, 2011

Children Inspire Designs Handcrafted Bird Ornaments - A Review

When I first checked out Children Inspire Design and started reading about their mission, I immediately fell in love with their products and their philosophy.  A grassroots cooperative program called PEACE helps women from semi-rural, economically challenged areas in Mexico and Haiti transcend their lives of poverty through bringing them art and hope, mostly created using recycled materials. In addition to products like journals and wall prints, they have the most wonderful bird mobiles -

I was drawn to these handcrafted bird ornaments, beautifully created by their artist Rebecca.  Birds and flight represent hope and freedom.  I thought to myself these whimsical little birds are a powerful symbol.  And then I thought of our Christmas tree.  If you've been following my blog for a while, you might remember that our Christmas tree is full of sentimental ornaments.  We try to have ornaments representing various family members and events, that have been passed down or handmade.  Each year as we unpack the ornaments, we talk about what each one represents.  How perfectly these little birds would fit on our tree - not only to remind us of our family commitment to recycling and conserving where possible, but also to be socially conscious to the world around us. 

And it occurred to me that part of being socially conscious is sharing a product that you love and that aids disadvantaged communities.  So Pierce and I decided that we wanted to share two of our treasured bird ornaments with the teachers of his Pre-K program.  It's a federally funded program in a rural community, and many of the children come from lower income families.  The Children Inspire Design moto is "Inspire Children. Save the World" and I think that's something Pierce's two teachers are embracing every single day in their classroom.

Please go check out the products at Children Inspire Design.  They would make wonderful and unique gifts for the holidays!  As for our little red bird, he's going to hang out in an honored spot just above the kitchen sink until our Christmas tree goes up in December.

Disclaimer - I was sent a set of 3 bird ornaments in exchange for this review.  All of the opinions expressed are my own.  And truly, I love being able to work with a company that is not only earth conscious but also socially (and globally) active and responsible - it warms my heart to have a product in my hands that I really believe in, and that represents so much more than just a material good.

29 comments:

Jill said...

These birds are adorable and carry such an important message. I'm glad you shared the link. Thank you.

E @ Act Fast Chef said...

I love those bird ornaments! What a great gift idea for teachers...thanks for the review.

Lori @ La-La's Home Daycare said...

Those are beautiful!

Debbie said...

a gift with a message, they really are so thoughtful and pretty!!

Unknown said...

I love gift that give back. The birds are so cute.

Marina said...

I love it, it looks so great!

Katie said...

Fun review and I love learning about unique gift ideas!

Sally said...

So adorable, Lisa. Thanks for sharing the link also.

Sorry I've been MIA a while. :)

Melodie said...

I love this!

TexWisGirl said...

they're beautiful.

Chris said...

Brilliant. So great to have teachers like this helping the kids in such a beneficial way...

Luisa Rodríguez said...

They're beautiful, Lisa!!


mustbeliberating.blosgpot.com

Jill said...

Beautiful products! Passed the website on to some friends.

Sandy said...

I love how unique those are.

Eat To Live said...

What a great review... thank you. Now I am going to go check them out.

Liz Mays said...

They're beautiful, and I really like what they symbolize too!

Ginny Hartzler said...

They really do have some lovely things, and the birds are beautiful!! What a great way you have thought to use them! Around here, we have the store Ten Thousand Villages, have you ever heard of them?

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Lisa, That is a neat neat craft... Love the little bird ornaments... How cute!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

I love the birds. I'll check out the link. And I hope you show pictures of your Christmas tree this year.

Michelle said...

Sweet bird ornaments and thanks for the link!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Those birds are beautiful and have an important message. Thanks for the link.

Chicken Wrangler said...

Soooo CUTE!

Unknown said...

Love the colors and how the shape of them makes them look almost real!
Good Job!

Tiggeriffic said...

I collect unique bird nests and these would be perfect to go with my nests.
Thanks a lot..~!
Have a newer computer so now maybe I can blog more.. I hate it when one's computer is so slow I mean slow..~!
Have a great day~! ta ta for now from Iowa:)

Kim said...

I love this review, it is something I am passionate about too - helping out communities really in need. I think it's wonderful teacher idea and will likely steal it this year.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I love the little birds too. And I like meaningful ornaments. They tell a story and that is what is important
love
tweedles

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh those bird ornaments are so cute!! I agree that is an awesome craft!!

Chatty Crone said...

Those are beautiful. sandie

GardenOfDaisies said...

The birds are gorgeous! I'm heading over to look at their site. My Christmas tree is a big collection of unique ornaments, many handmade, with wonderful memories attached. Every year we stop in at Ten Thousand Villages for tree ornaments, as our purchases there help provide an income for people in third world countries.