Flower Brooch

Everyone who sees one of these cotton flower brooches on Nels’ lapel wants one on theirs.   Please visit the Marzipan Website for more information or just email nels@stylites.net.

Hand Knit Scarves

Our chunky wool scarves are more than warm enough for the coldest months of the year in Beijing, Berlin or Boston.  That thin woven number may not be enough if you are planning a trip to the Harbin ice festival this year.  Marzipans woolens would be just as good for your mid-winter train trip through the Chita region of Siberia as for your next sleigh ride through the Yukon.

Our nubby tweed scarves – knit from Scottish yarn – have a rustic charm and a sophisticated color palette. Marzipan scarves can be custom-made according to the taste of our clients.  We offer a large range of knits and yarn.

Please visit the Marzipan Website for more information.

Marzipan and the Community

Marzipan scarves and other accessories are made by hand in the heart of Beijing’s historic and lovely Shichahai area.  Those seeking a glimpse of life in the old Beijing should visit Shichahai, stroll beyond the tedious bars and noisy tour groups, and get lost in the winding hutongs with their water-stained walls and wind-beaten red doors.  Some corners remain where life has changed little since the Qing Dynasty even as China as somersaulted wildly and brilliantly out of its past.  These days, most Shichahai residents are senior citizens, many of whom do not have regular employment.

Marzipan scarves and other accessories are made by senior citizens living in the Shichahai neighbourhood.  They are volunteers at a community-based sustainable development project called the Green Life Home, which aims to:

1) Raise eco-awareness among local residents through various educational programs and workshops;

2) Improve low-income families’ financial condition through community-based employment opportunities and business models; and

3) Foster the development of a healthy relationship between original residents and “new-comers” (especially the small business owners and migrant laborers) now settling in the community.

While these volunteers do receive part of the service charge paid by Marzipan, the rest of the fee is re-invested into Green Life Home’s programs. These Programs are created and managed by the volunteers themselves.  Marzipan also works together with the Green Life Home to design and develop eco-friendly accessories and homeware, which will be available here.

In addition to the funds that go toward the Green Life Home’s programs, with every purchase you make with Marzipan, 2% of the price goes to a fund supporting underprivileged children in China.  The two Beijing-based NGOs we support are Stars and Rain, an educational institute for autistic children (more information from cri.english and on youtube in Chinese), and Sun Village, a foster home and education centre for children of convicts (more from China Daily).

Photo: Courtsey of Mitja Rietbrock (It’s Our World)

Sure, glitzy brand names attract some, but why not do your bit to help our local community while getting high quality one-of-a-kind scarves and other gifts?

With Marzipan, you select what you are getting, and most importantly, know to whom you are giving.

Thank you.

Heart Link

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Our handmade bands, called “heart link”, demonstrate solidarity with the people of Wenchuan, Mianyang, Dujiangyan and other parts of Sichuan devestated by the May 12, 2008, earthquake.

The lively colours and fabrics of the “heart link” sends a message of hope and encouragement to the young people affected by the quake, reminding them that our hearts and thoughts are with them.

Made of cotton fabric, one end is the top of a heart and the other is the bottom. Each band has a unique character, but can be tied to another “heart link” to form a chain representing unity and compassion. From sales of the “heart link” and other Marzipan creations, 50% of revenue will go to the China Children and Teenager’s Fund for relief efforts.

The price for one is RMB 120.  Please email me at nels@stylites.net or send a text to 13910092410 to arrange for pick-up.