SE1-based Latin American craft business launches new website

Eleanor Marriott returns every year to South America and Guatemala for her fair trade crafts business which she founded in 2007. She buys directly from artisans or from established fair trade organisations, paying a deposit in advance to enable the producers to source the necessary materials.

"Our suppliers know that we will pay a fair price as soon as they need the money so they are happy to put in time and effort to make quality items for us," explains Eleanor. "It is our hope that the regular income coming in from Chicken Bus orders will provide a financial cushion to enable our suppliers to be more demanding when dealing with those less scrupulous purchasers."

After the success of a temporary shop at Oxo Tower Wharf, selling colourful hats, children's clothes, bags and purses, Eleanor launched the online shop.

Chicken bus is becoming well-known for its 'beadies' -characterful beaded tree decorations and key rings that are intricate works of art.

It also sells a range of hand-crafted children's toys and accessories such as colourful crochet purses and Guatemalan worry dolls. (Tell a problem to each doll, put it under your pillow at night and let the doll do the worrying for you while you get a good night's sleep!)

New stock includes woven place mats, colourful notebooks, cushions and even mouse mats.

Special offers include the Brown Shopper, a fabric shopping bag (£5), and bright orange knitted bags (£8).

Now available online are Eleanor's photographs taken on her trips.

This month there are two pre-Christmas opportunities to see and buy goods direct from the SE1-based business.

Chicken Bus will have a stall at Southwark Cathedral Christmas Market on Saturday 6 December and at the Bankside Winter Festival from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 December.

• www.chickenbus.co.uk