About Us

Hello

What about ya? Earth Works is an ethical company based in Belfast Northern Ireland supplying cool hand-crafted exciting things from different parts of the globe.  Our range of goods includes ethnic musical instruments, handrolled natural incense, handmade gemstone jewellery, handcrafted wooden and stone items. We buy our exciting things from families, small groups and recognised IFAT – fair trade – suppliers in different parts of Asia.  We started off in 1993 in a little shop in Botanic Avenue in the University area of Belfast – now we supply lots of shops all over Ireland and GB.

Who are “we”?

“We” started out as Paddy and Una who had travelled the globe quite extensively in student days “interailing” our way around Europe and dipping into North Africa, then spreading our wings out further to Africa, Asia and South America.  We brought back beautiful crafts from all the countries we had visited.  Eventually combined with a desire to work with people in developing countries and also earn a living while continuing to travel to fascinating places in the world – we decided we would bring these crafts back home and add a little extra culture to the Emerald Isle

There are now other like-minded people who have joined our “wee” company who all share the same aspirations and possible madness

The Serious Stuff

Earth Works is very personal to all of us and reflects a way of thinking and living and the business reflects our value system. Our products reflect our ethical and environmental principles -  our newspaper bags are made from recycled material, our paper products from India are made from recycled cotton rags (off-cuts from the underwear industry if you must know!) and our little drawstring sari bags are made from old saris at the project supporting ‘street kids’.  All our products are made from either natural or recycled materials and they are sourced from small scale family run or IFAT recognised suppliers.  We are also members of BAFTS Importer’s Directory.

We believe strongly in business that provides mutual benefit to all involved in the trading chain. Again our way of thinking has led to a business that puts people first.  We believe our friendly approach does make us different from other businesses in a trading environment that is getting increasingly hard sell and intrusive.

Back to business and Pleasure!

So if you want jewellery we have beautiful hand-made silver jewellery with gemstones made by artists in India.  The guy who owns the business provides great working conditions for his staff and he makes two great pots of Dahl and feeds 150 people living on the streets every day! That’s why we continue to buy from this nice guy.

If you want ethnic musical instruments we have a range made by family producers in the tropical island of Bali using natural materials including bamboo and coconuts!

We have recycled sari pouches and newspaper bags made in a project that supports Delhi's street kids - we have hand carved stone products made by our IFAT partners in Delhi - these include boxes, incense holders and oils burners - we have incense handrolled in the traditional way in South India all packaged in recycled cotton paper pouches. And we have so much more - so please have a look and enjoy!