Remember when the cars we drove, the appliances we cleaned with, the furniture we sat on and the clothes we wore were all made in the USA? Gradually, these products were replaced by those made overseas with labor that cost a fraction of what it does in America. The gift industry has been no exception to the “globalization” trend. American artisans have been particularly hard hit as their work has been ruthlessly copied by overseas production paying laborers as little as 25 cents per hour.

Once upon a time, a brother and a sister decided to combine their talents to look for the American Dream. Musician Jacob Sokoloff had a talent for creating beautiful musically tuned windchimes from steel pipes. His sister Fern had a vision that people all over the world might enjoy these enchanting chimes. From the garage where they started their company 25 years ago, Jacob's Musical Chimes grew to become ubiquitous in the world of perfectly tuned chimes. The two were realizing the American Dream that an artisan with nothing more than a workshop and a vision could find success in this great land of opportunity.

Fern's 25 years of experience in the gift industry gave her a unique perspective and insight to the challenges American craftspeople face in this changing world. One after another, the artisans she had gotten to know so well were downsizing or exiting their businesses. So too Jacob’s Chimes. Fern decided it was time to act.

And so Fern's Garden was born as a venue for the vanishing American artisan and a place to support Fair Traded, imported art and craft. Who can deny that it feels great to save money by shopping at the big box retailer selling imports? But before we cheer too loudly, it is imperative to understand the hidden costs involved in this massive change of consumer behavior. The jobs that used to put food on the tables of American workers have gone overseas. The well paid manufacturing jobs Americans used to enjoy have been replaced by low paid jobs in the service industry, ironically even in the very big box stores that are offering all those savings.

The solution to this problem is not simple and must come globally. By supporting both the American artisan at home and Fair Trade abroad, we at Fern's Garden are making a start. Please join us in our mission to keep America strong, and not lose the beautiful art and craft created in this country. Thank you for your support, and for spreading the word.