I am often asked how I started to make these trips volunteering my time teaching new or reviving lost skills to artisans in faraway places.

Well, it all started with me co-leading a trip to Mexico in 2008. For that trip, I held a raffle at The Yarn Tree (my business which was then located in Brooklyn, NY). We raised $2600.00 which was used to buy books, shoes, and school uniforms for the children of Calpulli de Los Niños in Txaxcalancingo, Mexico.

This led me to begin raising money, volunteering my time, and teaching free natural dye workshops to artisans around the world.  I have at times had my trips paid for or partially paid for by some of the organizations I have worked with. But the majority have only been possible through fundraising. Not only do I volunteer my time, I also supply all the necessary materials for the workshops.

The artisans’ reaction is often “But why does someone do this for us?” Once I explain, they are so filled with gratitude to think that people far away would care enough to send someone like me to teach them. I am so very grateful to my donors.

Not only do I raise money to cover the cost of the trips, but sometimes I have a side project – for instance in 2010 money was raised to provide a scholarship for Creativity & Experimentation as well as an interest-free micro-loan to artisans in Oaxaca. For the trip to Rwanda, I carried 70 pounds of donated new and gently used baby and toddler clothing, in turn, these clothes were distributed to several recipients including an orphanage in Kigali.

During my travels, I met some amazing people, shared great meals, and much laughter.
It is wonderful how textiles have a universal language.

I hope to continue this work for many years to come. May I count on your support for Oaxaca 2024?

I will travel to Oaxaca, Mexico in January 2024 where I will teach 2 free 3-day Indigo Workshops.
The first in Teotitlán del Valle at Centro Cultural Comunitario Teotitlán del Valle.
The second at Calpulli Espacio Artesanal Comunitario in Santa María del Tule.

The money raised will go to cover airfare, food, lodging, and ground transportation while I am in Oaxaca as well as all materials necessary for the workshops.

Donations can be made through my fiscal sponsor Fractured Atlas
If you cannot donate, please share my campaign!

All donations made on Fundraising by Fractured Atlas will be processed by Fractured Atlas. Fractured Atlas is a 501(c)(3) public charity; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Fractured Atlas will issue tax receipts for all donations made through a campaign.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Linda