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
Pamba Toto
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
New Pamba Toto blog! (2)
Please forgive me if you are seeing this post for a second time - there was a technical glitch with email delivery on my first attempt, so I am re-posting. I am very excited to announce a new blog I am writing and to invite you to join me there as well: Welcome to the new Pamba…Read more New Pamba Toto blog! (2)
New Pamba Toto Blog!
I am very excited to announce a new blog I am writing and to invite you to join me there as well: Welcome to Pamba Toto! Although some of the posts there might be adapted for this blog, the new Pamba Toto blog will include only Pamba Toto-related stories (including our artisans, products and the Sanctuary of Hope…Read more New Pamba Toto Blog!
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
Stars & Butterflies
One of the biggest thrills of my life was creating the Shine Like Stars exhibit last year. In a last blaze of glory, the stars will shine one more time on Saturday, Aug 13 in my dear friend's backyard. We are dedicating a tent to display and sell the artwork, with 100% of profits returning…Read more Stars & Butterflies
Colleen Briggs Art & Writing 