ARTISAN HANDCRAFT
The Art of Felting
One of the oldest forms of fabric, felt served as an essential feature and necessity of life for the nomadic tribes of Asia where the technique is thought to have originated. Ganesh Himal Trading’s producer partners use the “wet felt” technique in which warm water, soap and friction are used to matte the natural fibers found in wool. This felt is then used to create the many beautiful products we offer.
Learn More about our Featured Artisans:
CBA Handcrafts
After rising through the ranks at the Association for Craft Producers, Hari Basnet dedicated his life to empowering underprivileged Nepali women through fair trade. In 2005, he founded CBA Handcrafts in partnership with Ganesh Himal Trading, creating popular felted products while offering women artisans fair wages, steady employment, and a self-managed social benefit fund. Following Hari’s sudden passing in 2010, his son Ishwor took over the business to ensure uninterrupted work and preserve his father's legacy of women's empowerment.
ND Handcrafts
Years of shadowing his uncle Hari Basanet at CBA, Netra Basanet mastered core fair trade principles, worker advocacy, and livable wage structures. In 2016, he established his own handcraft business with support from Ganesh Himal Trading, creating complementary products that expanded opportunities without altering CBA's order capacity. Today, Netra employs 12 women artisans, demonstrating how accountable, long-term partnerships drive meaningful community development.
ACP
Years of shadowing his uncle Hari Basanet at CBA, Netra Basanet mastered core fair trade principles, worker advocacy, and livable wage structures. In 2016, he established his own handcraft business with support from Ganesh Himal Trading, creating complementary products that expanded opportunities without altering CBA's order capacity. Today, Netra employs 12 women artisans, demonstrating how accountable, long-term partnerships drive meaningful community development.
Love the story? Shop our Felt Products
Bring a piece of this legacy into your home. Each item is handcrafted with care by Nepali artisans receiving steady work, fair pay, and community support
