A few months ago I told you about how I spruced up our holidays with a Heart of Haiti piece. This month, Macy’s sent me a late Christmas gift to further beautify our home. I’m taking that as a kindness rather than as a suggestion that I need extensive decorating guidance. Although — who am I kidding? — I definitely need extensive decorating guidance.

Anyway, they sent me one of their Heart of Haiti recycled metal baskets. The pieces are made in Crois-des-Bouquets by metal artisans who forge bowls, lanterns and other decorative items out of recycled oil barrels. Here’s a short video that demonstrates how it’s done:

I didn’t know much about Macy’s Heart of Haiti initiative when I first agreed to write about it a few months ago. The more I’ve learned about it, though, the more I love the idea.

Macy’s started the program after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti as a way to help the artisans rebuild, and for many it has become a sustainable livelihood.

Heart of Haiti was and still is a “trade-not-aid” program. Rather than a one-time charitable event, Macy’s program is an ongoing partnership with individual artisans in Haiti. Today is the 6th anniversary of the 2010 earthquake, and the Macy’s program is still giving back. Specifically, the Heart of Haiti artisans get 50 percent of the wholesale cost of their handmade goods, which helps them feed their families, send their children to school and help support their extended families.

The Heart of Haiti line is available online and at select Macy’s stores.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Macy’s Heart of Haiti line in conjunction with Everywhere Agency. Nichole was given a product from the Heart of Haiti line in exchange for the post. All opinions are Nichole’s own.