Pamba Toto

From Their Hands to Yours… Part 2: Kumbatia

I stand with my two sons Jacob and Justin, our friend Jenny, and my mother-in-law Joann, staring out over mountains of garbage as far as we can see. The expanse is simply staggering in its immensity. In the distance, massive machines move the refuse. The stench is so thick, it's actually visible in thick haze…Read more From Their Hands to Yours… Part 2: Kumbatia

From Their Hands to Yours… Tuungane Pamoja

As an artist, I am passionate about other creative people, especially those buried in situations where they struggle to have a voice. My involvement with Pamba Toto (my friend and I founded the business in 2006) beats at the core of my heart… For these artisans buried in Nairobi slums to realize how incredibly talented…Read more From Their Hands to Yours… Tuungane Pamoja

Three Invitations…

You are invited... A Unique Christmas Boutique My head is bouncing with ideas... I'm spray-painting coat trees, hanging Ikea wires, packaging cards, and deckling edges of prints. The Unique Christmas Boutique is coming, just over a week away. Soon my teenage boys will move all the furniture out, and the magic transformation will commence! Soon…Read more Three Invitations…

Creating a photo essay

This past summer I enjoyed the incredible privilege of taking an on-line class with photographer and blogger Otto von Münchow. My learning curve felt like a ride up a roller coaster hill:  rapid, challenging, thrilling. I shot some of the workshop while in Kenya and then photographed images back in the US to add in, with…Read more Creating a photo essay

Photoshoots: behind-the-scenes

We have stories to tell, and photos powerfully weave layers of color and texture into a single view. My long-time friend and Pamba Toto business partner, Debbie, and I are newly impassioned to impart insight into our products and the artisans who make them. After visiting Kenya together last June, we are fully cognizant that there is…Read more Photoshoots: behind-the-scenes

Small and Beautiful

When I hold them in my hands now that I am home, each one represents a world unto itself. They transport me to a time outside time, when I was so enthralled I forgot to eat, drink, or relate to the outside world. Each tiny bead represents a human's touch, a woman far away... and yet…Read more Small and Beautiful

Backyard Boutique

  A couple days ago, my friends and I created a backyard fairyland of texture, color and creativity. For me, the most magic moment of the event illuminates a path of perseverance. A friend stopped by and perused the offerings, bought a couple items, and left. But just a little while later, she returned. With tears in her…Read more Backyard Boutique

Huruma Means Mercy, Part 2

We leave the aching hope of the Mother Teresa compound for the teeming chaos of streets beyond. Now joining us – me; my Pamba Toto co-founder, business partner and dear friend, Debbie Lee; and her husband Brian - in the car is John, with a smile to shove back the darkest night. He directs us…Read more Huruma Means Mercy, Part 2

My Beloved Mom (& Mother’s Day Gift Ideas)

In 2007, I stood on the banks of the Nile River with my mother. It was a magic life moment that came to symbolize so much of my admiration for her. She is one of the bravest people I know. I wrote about the experience in this post: A Beautiful River in Uganda, excerpt below: "It…Read more My Beloved Mom (& Mother’s Day Gift Ideas)

Strange how hope swells…

  Strange how a lantern can appear out of nowhere. Walking barren tracks, and suddenly there's a light in your hand. Sincerely Danielle Shunk (SDS) plunked into my grasp like that. A friend knew a friend, who told her about SDS, who told me. I stepped foot in that magic space and before I knew…Read more Strange how hope swells…