Hand Woven Zapotec Wool Area Rug (5x8), "Sunset Stars"

We began working with you in 2015, primarily to increase our income. Maintaining your quality standards was a challenge, since we initially focused on crafting simple textiles quickly. But, we managed to do it with you, our best ally. Today, we are more disciplined and our focus is on creating durable and beautiful weavings.

We managed to increase the size of our team, which helps us craft each quality design in a timely manner. Before, we worked with three looms. Today, we use seven looms to create the variety of designs. I now work alongside five artisans who support me through busy times.

I want each person who wants to learn this beautiful art to be able to learn it properly. Because of this, I train them myself. Logically, this helps us with the crafting process in the long run.

You have helped us create a large selection of many different items, giving us the motivation to continue creating colorful and quality handwoven textiles. I want to increase my sales so that people in more countries can know my work. Today, my focus is on creating more colorful and useful designs.

Original Artisan Story

Hola, I'm Alfredo Ruiz Ruiz. I was born in 1989 in a small Oaxaca town where I grew up with my brothers and sisters. We spent our childhood playing and learning the handicrafts that my parents have practiced all their lives. From the time I was a boy, I wanted to weave the beautiful rugs my family crafted. When I was 12, I created my first rug in 100% wool. I still have it in my bedroom to look at it every day and motivate myself to continue doing good work.

From that moment on, I haven't stopped doing what I love. I finished junior high school, and now I have my own workshop. I believe the art of weaving Zapotec rugs is unique. My inspiration comes from everything I see around me – the landscapes, nature, people and animals.

Now my greatest challenge will be to weave more complex designs of excellent quality each day for you. I invite you to choose my rugs – I know you're going to love my beautiful designs.