The Fallen Moon
Fair and Fine Textiles at Threads of Life
Besides its excellent textile classes, Threads of Life sources exquisite woven pieces from Bali, Sumba, Flores, Lembata, and Sulawesi . Threads of Life sponsors traditional textiles purchased directly from weavers, most of them women, arranging advance payments for pieces that often take years to complete. The aim is to restore pride in their culture and promote the aesthetic value of traditional textiles. By supporting hand spinning and use of natural dyes, they also support local organic farming of cotton and indigo.
Herbs and Scrubs at Utama Spice
Ni Wayan Lilir and her husband I Made Westi of Herb Walks work with village women to make natural products for home and spas - body scrubs (lulur) massage oils, relaxing bath salts coloured with natural dyes, perfumed candles, and a tasty herb tea. The ingredients are locally produced under the most demanding standards of quality and freshness. For a bit of do-it-yourself Balinese medicine, buy a pack of boreh, a time-tested ointment used by farmers to relieve muscle pains. Made of powdered rice, pounded rhizomes of galingale (kencur) , a nd ginger, mixed with hot water, clove and coriander, the paste is applied and left until it dries, enabling the soothing heat to penetrate the skin.
Eco-Friendly Gifts at Kertas Gingsir
Opened in 1992, Kertas Gingsir sells a wide range of paper products - books, journals, stationery, cards, albums, photo frames, incense, and spa products. All are locally made from recycled materials with inclusion of agricultural by-products such as fibers of pineapple leaves.
Ubud also has a few great bookshops with good titles about Bali and Indonesia , such as the Ganesha Bookshop , which also sells rare CDs of traditional and contemporary Indonesian music. Another - good address is Ary's Bookshop , also on Jl. Raya Ubud.
