Hello to all my customers and to those people who I have met at
various events in the past. This website
is for you, and serves the purpose to give you more information about this
company, the products, and of course, upcoming events.
As I explain to most of my customers, this is not an online
retail shop. NOTHING I sell is mass produced, which invariably means that I get
different designs all the time. Most of the chainstitch rug designs, for
example, are almost unique, as I rarely get 2 the same.
And if I'm being honest, my main intention was to sell directly to the
customer, so they can see and feel the items, fall in love with them, and even
grab a bargain at the same time.
HOWEVER, I am now planning on setting up an online retail section to this website early in the new year as I now feel confident to order my own range based on my previous sales over the last few months. This should hopefully be up and running sooner rather than later.
ETHICAL TRADE. One point that I find myself having to “justify” to
more than just a few people, and on the contrary to what most people think
about any goods coming from India,
is that ALL the products I buy are made from real Craftsmen, usually working
from home. Kashmir is indeed different to many parts of India, and even
though there are products similar to those I sell which are factory produces, I
assure you my products are far superior to these. I want to establish a
reputation for selling high quality handmade goods, and the fact is, you get
what you pay for no matter where in the world we’re talking about. Almost all
my products come from families who have been making these items for
generations, and the buyers buy from the respective co-operatives, who make
sure all workers/craftsmen are very fairly paid. This is of course relative to
the Indian Rupee and the standard of living, which is why I can still sell my
products at very competitive prices, without worry that all parties in Kashmir are being mistreated.
My prices are low because their prices are low, and as I import
the goods myself, I do not pay for any agent fees in this country. So please
always buy with confidence. Confident that the items are of the highest quality
available. And confident that they are produced by people who are fairly
rewarded for producing such wonderful items
Photo of stall at Kent County Show, July 2008
ABOUT
If you would like to know
more about Kashmir Valley and my experiences there, including how I came to sell these
items, please click on the “About ” button.
PRODUCTS
Please click on the
“Products ” button on the left for a closer look and more detailed explanation
of these special items.
EVENTS/SHOWS
I will be showcasing the
Kashmir Valley Creations in various shows all over the country, including
country shows, craft, stitch, home & gift fairs, exhibitions and charity events. Please click the “Events/Shows ” button for the calendar of upcoming
shows/events.
PASHMINA & HANDICRAFT PARTIES
I also offer
the chance for you to arrange a Pashmina & Handicraft Party – and for your
effort, you will be rewarded 10% of my gross takings for either yourself or a
nominated charity.
For
more information and a list of the pashmina & handicraft parties that are
currently arranged, please click the "Pashmina & Handicraft Parties" button on the left.
CONTACT
As well as taking any orders of course, please use the
“Contact ” page if you require any information about me, my experiences of Kashmir , this company, any of the products or any
upcoming events.
Also I would love to hear from any of my customers, about
the products, your experience of this company, or indeed your experiences of
this website.
Happy Customers:
"Just a quick line to let you know that the rug I was dithering over
yesterday at the Great Yorkshire Show is absolutely perfect and looks really lovely on our
carpet. The colouring is just right and so subtle and I love
it!"
Hilary Kendall, 10th July 2008
"The rug is truly lovely, better than we ever imagined"
Elizabeth Swinburn, 4th July 2008
(Go to the bottom of the Silk Hand Knotted Rugs Page to see a picture of Liz & Mark with their beautiful Rug)