Transform Lives in Madagascar with Silk and Raffia

We have had a wonderful year and would like to thank you for making  it possible.  We started off preparing for the International Artisan Market Santa Fe in January  (the market was held in July).  That event was challenging, exciting and profitable and we are thrilled to report that Lalaina was selected to return to Santa Fe in 2020.  The sales were great but even more she had a chance to meet artisans from around the world – including other Malagasy artists! We are hoping in the coming year to target our new products to match what IFAM buyers seemed most interested in purchasing. Here is a sneak peek - this year Lalaina has made beautiful, raffia,  card-woven belts with wild silk trim.  They are sure to be a hit.  The raffia is dyed from native, Malagasy, plant dyes – a direct result of our collaborations with others at the market.

In October CPALI worked to develop new markets in Portland via a very successful experience at Portland Textile month.  The Sylvan Dyers of Portland transformed 4 different types of silk textiles into 5, beautiful and unique pieces of art that were auctioned off at the fabulous store, Cargo. In addition, Cargo also allowed us to sell Madagascar textiles during October to help us build a market for wild silks on the west coast.  Our hope was to stimulate new interest in the materials.  Finally, Julie Beeler, Portland textile artist and teacher, held an evening class where 12 participants.  They had the opportunity to dye two types of wild silk in a rainbow of colors – and yes, they were all natural dyes.

Thank you again for a great year full of new opportunities and successes for both SEPALI and SEPALI Madagascar.

Links:

• Cargo store
• IFAM in Santa Fe
• SEPALI Madasgascar