12 Small Things by HAND/EYE
12 Small Things by HAND/EYE offers high quality, handmade, artisan goods from around the globe. Our collections support craftspeople working to improve the lives of their families and communities in some of the most challenging situations on the planet. Their stories are those of strength, hope, and beauty, and each of our products reflects these qualities in their design and craftsmanship. 12 Small Things by HAND/EYE strives to assist these communities and artisans through commerce.
Colvin English
is co-founder of By Hand Consulting, a company offering a comprehensive range of product design, marketing and training expertise to help artisan enterprises reach new export markets and help US buyers source new artisan products. Colvin has worked marketing handcrafts for over 20 years with both for profit and non-profit groups. Colvin was director of Craft Marketing for George Little Management, the nation's largest producer of trade shows for gift and decorative accessories.
Karen Gibbs
co-founder of By Hand Consulting, has traveled to over 40 countries from Armenia to Zambia during the last 15 years to work directly with artisans in developing countries. Her career spans from the non-profit organization Aid to Artisans to consulting independently with leading international development organizations. Karen and Colvin have previously worked together as founders of the successful import company Melange, a leader in the industry for combining traditional craft techniques and contemporary design.
Laurie Kanes
is the founder of 12smallthings.com, a website selling fashionable fair trade products supporting artisans in economically challenged communities around the world. For the past 25 years Laurie has worked in-house as director of creative services for RedEnvelope, Williams-Sonoma and The Gap. In addition to her work with 12 Small Things, Laurie freelances photo art-direction for various retailers in the San Francisco/Bay Area.
Keith Recker
is the founder of HAND/EYE Magazine and handeyemagazine.com, an independent, international publication that explores the nexus between design and development, culture and commerce, art and craft, and environment and ethics. Hand/Eye grew out of 20 years of Keith's volunteering, giving, board service and consulting with several non-profits including Aid to Artisans, SERRV, the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, and CARE International. Keith has worked as a buyer for Gump's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's and currently works as a color consultant to Pantone in New York City and WGSN.com in London.