dark home decor

This singular table runner is decorated with elements of Guatemalan culture, such as corn and a cross. Woven of cotton on a traditional pedal loom by the Artisans of Panabaj, the deep blue runner features motifs in dark red, cyan, green, yellow and sepia. The artisan cooperative provides job opportunities to women in rural communities.

Carmen Ruiz designs this twin size bedspread in neutral beige with dark brown contrasts. After dyeing the cotton yarn with natural pigments, she weaves the bedspread on a telar de chicote (whip loom), just like her parents taught her. This type of loom was introduced to Zapotec communities by the Spanish colonizers.

Precise geometric motifs alternate with birds in an exquisite design. From talented members of Women United for Artisan Development, the cushion cover is woven by hand on a backstrap loom. Cording defines the borders, and the back is solid red. "We love birds," the artisans confide. "This design was woven by women who live in Quiché, a forested region in western Guatemala."

Should one of the threads snag, they suggest you pull it back into place from the back of the fabric with a fine crochet hook.