Not pretty: rugs from child labor
While we often worry about the working conditions of the people who make products we buy, the South Asian rug industry is notorious.
Several groups are working to help these children, some as young as 4 years old, and end this practice.
And progress has been made.
RugMark Foundation, which certifies rugs as made by adult artisans, reports that the number of child laborers in the South Asian industry has declined from 1 million to 300,000.
RugMark and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF are sponsoring a traveling photography exhibit that shows the lives of these youngsters. The photographs were taken by U. Roberto Romano in India, Nepal and Pakistan from 1996 through 2007. The good news is that many of the children shown were rescued from these dreadful conditions.
A trip to the Chicago area is not yet scheduled, but the photos can be seen at facesoffreedom.rugmark.org.
The Web site also tells where you can buy rugs that carry the RugMark label.
Learn what's in style at home this spring
It's spring or will be any minute, and Mangels of Long Grove wants to help you get your house ready.
Doug Clark will give free demonstrations on refreshing older seasonal arrangements and revitalizing areas of your home by changing accent pieces and accessories.
Advance registration is required, and Clark encourages you to bring in older arrangements so he can give you advice after class.
The classes are 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Long Grove Cafe, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road. The dates are Saturday, March 7 and 14; Wednesday, March 11; Thursday, March 12; and Friday, March 13. Call (847) 634-9287.
Step right up and get that color right
Do you have a design issue in your home? Maybe you don't know what to put on a wall in the family room or need help arranging the furniture in the living room.
Anne Honan of Anne Honan Interiors in Bartlett will try to help.
She plans a question-and-answer session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Starbucks Coffee Co. at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg.
Bring photos, floor plans and swatches.
Coffee and treats provided. Registration is required.
Call (630) 205-1616.