'Hands Up' - An exciting new initiative for Tinkered by

We are very excited to launch a new initiative for Tinkered by...we are calling it 'Hands up' (until someone says that is way too corny & comes up with something better...we have till mid October!)

From time to time, we come across ‘stand out’ groups running projects that are practical, people orientated, and are inspirational in the ‘good’ they are achieving. We want to get behind these groups, and give them a 'hand up'. Every 6 months, we want to partner up with a new group, whose SOLE purpose is to improve lives! Tinkered by will promote their wares and send all proceeds directly back to the hands that created - every little cent(minus shipping!). Introducing LIFTED Uganda, a group of 5 women, our first partnering up!

We came across LIFTED Uganda on a recent trip and fell in love - they make the cutest ever little paint shirts! They are made from the beautiful & bold African Kitenge - a waxed cotton fabric - with a plastic lined front panel making them easy to clean - They have a kid friendly Velcro closure for quick on and off! Fun, practical, and made with love from Ugandan mum’s. 

We will be selling these paint shirts for $12.50, online - and promote the idea of bulk purchases through childcare centres and schools around Australia (please feel free to share this blog to any contact you may have in Australian education!)

This income helps these ladies provide for and educate their children. For Australians, it is a chance to make a direct impact and an opportunity to introduce cultural awareness and equity to our Aussie children. A connection between kids on opposite sides of the world. I'm sure we could even arrange for letters to be sent between the schools.

A little about 'LIFTED Uganda': Brought together by Katie Borchert, an American super mum, living in Uganda. The project aims: to lift lives, families and villages out of poverty through income generating businesses. LIFTED began in 2010, opening the way for a group of Ugandan mothers to earn an income by using their skills and being creative. All profits go directly to the Ugandan artist mama's so they can care for their families and educate their children. While small, they have a grand and simple vision - growth - so that more mum’s just like them, can earn an income using their hands and by being creative. You can find out more about this fab group of women at www.lifteduganda.org 

As for us...we are still dreaming large where ever we can...we imagine classrooms full of Australian children wearing their cute little Ugandan paint shirts, having loads of art time fun and making connections with Ugandan children on the other side of the world. We imagine the Ugandan mammas, with loads of orders = more money = more employment opportunities for others = the ability to achieve their dreams for their children.

A universal truth…we all want the best for our children. The sale of these paint shirts, will lead to improved lives and increased opportunity AND cleaner clothes when your kids come back from school! 

Live it, love it, dream it up big!

Comment below if you are interested in ordering a paint shirt and I'll get back to you asap (or comment if you can talk your school/ pre-school into a bulk order for a class - that would be sooo awesome!) Our Site is currently being re-vamped by the best ever web team in NZ ( After months and months of searching that muddy pool... we found mogul.co.nz - And I wholeheartedly give them the thumbs up!) ...we'll be launching mid october and you'll be able to buy the paint shirts online then! Kate xx