One way we've found to help keep alive traditional ethnic arts is by finding contemporary applications for the artisans' work. The accessories section of the website reflects our commitment to finding products that lots of women can make that customers will find affordable and useful. The wallets, coin purses, glasses cases and hand bags showcase typical motifs and materials of several cultures — China, Palestine, Guatemala, Bolivia and Panama.

The addition of Chinese work to Crossroads Trade's inventory is especially exciting, because it marks the first time we have been able to find Chinese products that meet fair trade criteria. These embroidered pieces are made by Miao women of western China, of the same ethnic group as the Hmong tribe of Southeast Asia. The motifs and techniques, however, are different, distinct and dazzling.

The Palestinian work comes from two sources: an employment project in several refugee camps, and a marketing cooperative of aid societies on the West Bank.

The Guatemalan work comes to us through fair trade wholesalers. These are small companies that have worked in the altiplano for years, recycling old textiles into new products or weaving or embroidering traditional motifs on products for the dominant culture, such as wallets, coin purses and glasses cases. The beaded coin purses are the exception. Beading is a relatively new craft in Guatemala, one that has been introduced to provide employment and develop new products at reasonable cost.

The Bolivian weaving includes piecework made by women who spin their own thread using drop spindles, use natural dyes and weave their own fabric.

The miniature molas from a Kuna women's cooperative in Panama showcase traditional reverse appliqué techniques in miniature.

The accessories on the website are among the most consistently sought out by customers at Crossroads Trade's retail store. They are designed for hard use as well as beauty.