| |
handMADE is MADE by DWC’s line of unique products created locally by homeless and low-income women at the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. Products are designed through collaboration between DWC program participants, staff members, and community artists. Product development workshops equip women with social and vocational skills in a supportive environment where women rebuild self-esteem, discover talents, develop skills and earn income. MADE by DWC's one-of-a-kind gifts are handmade using recycled and repurposed materials with a commitment to connecting social profit to environmental sustainability.
One hundred percent of proceeds from MADE by DWC go directly to programs and services for homeless and low-income women at the Downtown Women's Center.
View our product lines:
All-Natural Soaps, Reclaimed Fabric Pouches, Decoupage Household Art, Soy Candles, Repurposed Journals, Sustainable Succulent Arrangements, Seasonal Recycled Paper Planter, Hand-Designed Greeting Cards, Seasonal Felt Ornaments.
 |
|
 Women hone their mathematical skills of calculation and measurement conversion, while learning the therapeutic importance of aroma therapy. Our soaps are great for your skin and are scented with 100% pure essential oil:
- Lavender - Relax and promote a good night’s sleep with calming lavender oil
- Sweet Orange - Ease skin irritation and boost energy with purifying orange oil
- Goat’s Milk & Honey - Gently cleanse and moisturize sensitive skin with nourishing goat milk and honey
|
|
 |
|
 The women develop sewing and manufacturing skills using salvaged fabric and materials to create multi-use zipper bags perfect for the home or travel. The fabric, which would otherwise go to a landfill, finds new life in organizing cosmetics, pens and pencils, and other personal supplies.
|
|
 |
|
 The women develop and cultivate a sense of composition when repurposing household items like frames and mirrors into beautiful decoupage art. Offering style and function, each one is handmade with a different lifestyle theme uniquely conveyed through words and pictures. |
|
 |
|
 During the creation process, women experiment with fragrance while honing method and precision. Our candles come in upcycled vintage teacups or our standard beveled glass containers. These clean-burning, high-quality candles are made with non-toxic biodegradable soy wax and pure essential oils in three therapeutic scents:
- Lavender - Relax and enter a peaceful state of bliss with the calming scent of lavender
- Sweet Orange - Uplift your spirits and promote good health with the purifying scent of sweet orange
- Oatmeal & Honey – Create a warm and cozy environment with the soothing fragrance blend of oatmeal and honey
|
|
 |
|
By learning the Japanese method of bookbinding, women repurpose discarded and donated hardcover books into one-of-a-kind journals that maintain the integrity of the original cover. With many different covers and titles to choose from, these are unique and customizable gifts that lend decorative ambience to any home or office. |
|
 |
|
Women learn gardening and composition skills to create one-of-a-kind household plant arrangements with beautiful succulents. These drought-tolerant plants are easy to care for and will soak up sun on windowsills or patios.
|
|
 |
|
 Through the art of paper pulping women work collaboratively to create pastel-colored treasures. The pages of discarded library books are transformed into petite planters that are used to house succulent arrangements. These planters come in a variety of spring colors, making a great accent to any home or office. |
|
 |
|
These cards come in packs of nine and 15, with three designs: Giving Tree, Friendship Print with Leaves, & Flowering Tree. |
|
 |
|
Women learn hand-sewing techniques to create felt dogs, roosters, fish, cats and penguins. These classic shapes are perfect as ornaments during the holiday season yet transition seamlessly to everyday use as a decorative piece or child’s toy.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
OUR PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
MADE by DWC retail stores, as well as in the stores of community partners such as Bloomingdale’s Century City , Hudson News, Raven + Lily, and the Skirball Cultural Center.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
MADE by DWC Participants:
“It has become more than the making of a candle—it is about the making of my own candle to make my life shine again. It has given me ideas about how to be creative in society and in the marketplace, and it’s unlocked some of myself worth.
– Louise, Product-making Workshop Participant
“When I got into soap making, the fragrances made me so relaxed—it changed my life. I learned how to make products and how to be patient, and I felt encouraged. It has improved my life a lot.”
– Magdalena, Product-making Workshop Participant
|
|
| |
|
|
|
