OUR NEW DOWNTOWN STORE

Terressentials recently opened a new retail outlet in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The Frederick store is located at 116 East Patrick Street between the Library and Post Office. At present our Frederick store is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00.

Naturally, we offer our complete line of artisan-crafted USDA certified organic Terressentials products and we also feature the finest array of Fair Trade and Fair Made beautifully handwoven raffia sun hats, and unique handwoven and hand-dyed silk and cotton scarves and creative high-style artisan handbags. Fair Trade is a business and social philosophy which insures that artisans are paid a fair price for the work performed, working conditions are comfortable and healthy, and people are treated well. The Terressentials team always tries to go a step or two further and places a premium on those exceptional goods that are sustainable, recycled and organic, and that support minority and/or disadvantaged or women-owned businesses, businesses that provide work and training for disabled individuals, and enterprises that build community through providing education and/or medical care. Additional Fair Trade colorful artwork offerings include home decor, boxes, decorative ornaments, jewelry, note cards, and hand crafted papers.

On a sweet organic note, for the adventurous chocolate aficionados we have traveled the country to find the newest and most deluxe certified organic gourmet chocolates...more on these later! We also offer a yummy assortment of different organic snacks and teas.

We have a number of new products and plans for our Frederick store (and our Middletown store) so, for a little taste of something fresh, do visit the shop soon! Stay tuned to our blog for exciting upcoming products and events.

HANDMADE PAPERS FROM NEPAL

These beautiful papers are hand made from "Lokta.” Lokta is interesting as it grows in abundance at altitudes over 6500 feet in the Himalayas. The papers we sell are handcrafted from the bark of the lokta plant. The village co-operatives and local farmers in Nepal collect the lokta bark from the community forest. To make paper the bark is cleaned, trimmed, and beaten with a wooden hammer. The fibers are then placed into a metal drum. Water and ash are added to to the fibers which are then boiled into a pulp. This pulp is poured into wooden frames and dried in the sun light. This drying process gives the paper a natural cream coloration. The paper is then ready to be colored, many colors from vegetable dyes, and then are hand-blocked or screen printed to create the beautiful designs offered in our stores. The papers are handmade by village co-operatives and small cottage industry in Nepal that employ mostly women and also promote women co-operatives. The raw lokta and natural papers are purchased from co-operatives who are engaged in cultivation and reforestation of the lokta plant in the forest. By removing only the bark from the plant, new growth is promoted which is beneficial to the plant. Like other plants, lokta naturally re-grows after peeling off its bark within 4 years. The controlled harvest and reforestation of lokta makes this paper a wonderful and eco-friendly, truly sustainable natural product.

These beautiful works of art can be used for collage projects, art matting, drawer liners, lamp shades, scrap booking, wrapping paper, cards, table runners, and many other craft projects. Be creative and be inspired!

INGREDIENT OF THE MONTH: Patchouli oil

Patchouli oil is an essential oil that has been used throughout history for its healing and aromatic and aphrodisiac properties.

In the 1960-70's, patchouli oil and patchouli incense became wildly popular among the baby boom generation. Patchouli oil had long been used for centuries by various cultures for stimulating the growth of new skin cells as well as a wide variety of other therapeutic applications. As a key aroma element in our 100% Organic Seductive Spice Anointing Body Oil, the patchouli radiates as a luscious earthy aromatic with a light lingering scent and makes the Spice body oil one of our more popular massage and moisturizing products.

Patchouli grows as a bush with stiff and satiny leaves and purplish white flowers. The plant, which can grow up to three and a half feet tall, emits its intoxicating aroma from its large fragrant leaves. It is cultivated in Paraguay, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and China. The patchouli oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant and the highest quality patchouli oil -- USDA certified organic -- is one of a few essential oils that, like a fine wine, can age well and, when aged, develops an even more intriguing warm and woodsy complex aroma with just a hint of a spice note.