Treehouse

Spotlight on Altiplano

2010-10-03T15:55:00.029-04:00

Inspired by the traditional crafts and spirited vibes of the high mountain plains of Guatemala, Altiplano is another eco-friendly company that deserves a closer look.

Two adventurous Americans, John von Wodtke and Shari Zarin, established Altiplano after a life-altering backpacking trip to South America. It was Guatemala, pictured above, that stole the show for these two travelers.

Their company started when they bought crafts from the local community and sold them upon their return to the states. They instinctively continued on this path and created an entire business devoted to the crafts of Guatemala, the preservation of their community, and to spreading the unique culture of the highlands.

Today, they have their very own fair-trade workshop located in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, where they employ members of the local community, supporting small family businesses, co-ops, and women, to create wonderful pieces ranging from jewelry to handbags and scarves.

All of the products in the Altiplano line are created in the highlands of Guatemala, and carry the richness of culture and place with them.

Come to Treehouse to see these beautiful items in person! And while you are here, visit Bella Luna, our beautiful sister store.

A spotlight on Bambu

2010-09-07T15:54:00.032-04:00

We here at Treehouse are driven by a desire to better our environment by supporting and building an eco-community. For this reason, we are going to start a monthly spotlight on the different companies and foundational principles that we adhere to and that are the basis of our business. The first of these spotlights is on Bambu.

Bambu is a “renewable ideas company”. As such, Bambu is more than a company specializing in sustainable kitchenware; it is a movement, a wave of thought, an intention of direction towards a sustainable and socially responsible future. The entire Bambu way of business is unique and indicative of their desire to improve the global situation on many levels.

To begin with, the Bambu process is entirely sustainable and eco-friendly. Bambu is the first company to work with a certified organic bamboo source; that is, there are no pesticides used in the production of their bamboo. Along with the renewable bamboo source, renewable cork and coconuts are also used to create innovative new products.

In addition to eco-friendly products, the packaging is also eco-friendly, made of vegan and biodegradable materials with vegetable-based dyes for color. Even waste from production is recycled. In fact, Bambu pebbles won a design award for their beauty, and they are made of scraps left over from other products. Other leftovers are used for fuel to keep the processing self-sustaining.

Aside from being eco-friendly, Bambu is also socially responsible, adheres to fair-trade standards, and with its home base in China employs local residents to create a difference in local communities.

In the words of co-founder Jeff Delkin, this company truly is about “product, people, and planet”.

Come to Treehouse and help us support this fresh and innovative company! And while you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by our sister store, Bella Luna! Follow our blog by clicking "follow" on the left side of this screen.

Beautiful Beads and Bags

2009-07-24T21:34:00.011-04:00

Welcome!
Treehouse has a wonderful new collection of beaded jewelry and hand bags, including messenger bags and clutches. The bags are made of recycled rice bags from Vietnam. The purchase of these items support several different relief organizations in Vietnam and Cambodia. The beaded items include necklaces, rings and bracelets from Altiplano, a fair trade group from the highlands of Guatemala. The other beaded items are examples of exceptionally fine bead work from the lush island of Bali

If you have any questions about pricing and availability call Treehouse at 302-227-1228

Summer hours 10am - 10 pm daily

Bella Luna Blog

Treehouse drum circle

Recent review of Rehoboth and Treehouse

http://www.blueegg.com/

http://www.greenchatspot.com/blog/view/id_7/title_Green-Vacationing/

Lately, many customers have been commenting on the music we play here at the Treehouse.

Here is one station on "Pandora" that we have been enjoying called "Pink Martini" All our employees have their faves so just ask!

Pandora

If you like what you hear there are two of these Pink Martini cd's available at Bella Luna.

$55

Altiplano bead work.
Fair trade artisan jewelery from the lush highlands of Guatemala.
ring- $18, necklace $65
Bracelet $52

Green Green Green
Perfect for that summer outfit
Modern design merged with craft traditions handed down from the Maya.

Large faceted Carnelian Necklace
inspired by the style of Frida Kahlo

Beautifully striated Turquoise

Fine Turquoise Rings hand crafted in Bali
Beautiful and substantial silver band and bezel.
$80-$175

Oil cloth bags .. San Miguel de Allende
A riot of color on your shoulder

Extremely durable and chic. Inside .. 6 pockets and room for 6 credit cards $36

Lets hit the beach! This large bag has room to stow all your goodies. $46

Yes! The messenger bag is back
$46

Water proof and extremely durable

Curious about where these bags come from and what they represent?

Malia Designs was formed to increase economic opportunity for women in developing countries, and to support local and international non-profit organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia.

Our products are made by non-profit organizations that employ disadvantaged people in developing countries as well as small family producers. By bringing their crafts to Western markets, we can expand their access to sustainable income.

Malia also aims to help victims of human trafficking by donating a portion of our profits to local and international non-profit organizations working in this arena. Human trafficking is a $10 billion illegal trade affecting almost one million people a year. We believe that one way to counteract this global issue is to increase access to economic opportunity in the most affected areas.

Through your purchase of Malia Designs, you too can carry the cause.

and view a list of organizations that we donate to.

Beautiful bead work! Summer evening essentials!
Load cell phone, cc, lipstick and you are ready to go!
$18

Beads Beads Beads 36" strand
$18 !!

Perhaps our best selling beaded "cuff" bracelet. Slips on easily.
$12

Gorgeous rings. Hand made in the island of Bali
Superior turquoise. Sterling bezel
$80-$175

Persian turquoise necklace with Bali toggle. Chinese carved partridge pendant.
$145

We are thrilled that so many of our long time customers at Tempest Fugit are finding us in our new light and breezy location at 127-C Rehoboth Ave. Next to Coffee Mill. We are off to a fine start here at the Treehouse.... Balmy breezes, low humidity and sunny delight. What more could we ask!

We look forward to hearing from you and always appreciate your feedback, so please sign up on the blog and add any comments you would like about "The Treehouse" or things you would like to see us carry, esp in the eco/green/ renewable/ fair trade categories.

Our last drum circle on Solstice was a blast and well attended. Bon Fire on the beach is coming again in August. If you want to be on the drum e-mail list let me know.

Local businesses we support and highly recommend

One Spirit Massage

Comfort Zone Yoga

Looking for a great retreat spot in Costa Rica? My good friend Gary owns this one.

Casa as Sirenas B & B

Locally grown produce and market

Fifer's Orchard- ask for Jason "Eat local, taste fresh"

Blessings,
David
Treehouse
302-227-1228

Fabulous, Stylish, Sustainable Luxury

2009-05-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

Star burst bowls on printed fabric from "Sustainable Threads"

European recycled glass pieces in aqua make a strong design statement
we have three sizes and they are dishwasher and micro wave safe.
Great wedding present

New Alabaster glass..features swirling patterns..
reminiscent of the ocean.. made of 100% recycled glass
beautiful and functional.

Three sizes of the starfish plates and dishes. This is our second reorder

Fun and funky these three legged stool made by Vietnamese artisans. Using traditional coiling techniques. These items were created from colorful magazines that would otherwise
clutter the landfills. AS strong and functional as wood.

These frames are made

with twirled recycled magazine pages!
interior dimension holds 4 x6 photo.

Call for questions or prices!
302 227 1228

Eco Jot Stationary

2009-04-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

Newly arrived "Eco-Jot" Stationary items including journals, notebook, and my fav long list books. Eco chic designer stationary. Sustainable, renewable.
Looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend!

Recycled Spring Bonnet Contest.

2009-04-11T13:50:00.001-04:00

Bella Luna and Treehouse are sponsoring a Spring Bonnet contest. First prize in the over 18 category is $100 gift certificate. $75 for under 18. This is an annual Spring rite. Come visit and see some amazing creativity with re purposed items. Egg cartons, newspaper, soda cans and much more.

Sustainable Luxury

2009-04-08T15:45:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Treehouse Blog!

"Stylish, green and affordable"
That is what they say in the recent edition of our local paper, the Coast Press.

Here is the link to the article.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904020367

The picture you see is one of our new line of organic cotton t-shirts printed using soy based ink. This kind of shirt has a very low environmental foot print. They are hand made by artists here in the USA and we have many creative designs.

Please sign up for the blog. We will be highlighting just a few items every week, and some links to resources we hope you will enjoy.

David Elder
Treehouse