garden art

Thailand's Teerasak Chaiwong handcrafts a stunning wind chime inspired by the dragon turtle, a creature of Chinese mythology said to bring harmony. Teerasak makes gorgeous pendants and bells from aluminum, brass and a metallic alloy composition, adding a gold tone. A polyester cord joins the whole accessory and raintree wood beads bring a natural accent, making a high-quality home decoration.

Gathering around baby Jesus in his crib, Joseph and Mary are joined by two angels, the three wise kings, a shepherd and two farm animals. This charming nativity scene by Thai artisan Duangkamol is the perfect home decor accent to usher in the holidays. Each figurine is crafted by hand from ceramic and finished with a crackled green celadon glaze.

Meditating serenely on a lotus throne. Buddha is a beautiful presence. Gulam Rasool captures his peaceful features and posture in a soapstone sculpture. A floral chakra wheel surrounds the master's head like a halo.

Marveling at a garden of flowers and peacocks, Hindu Goddess Radha and Supreme God Krishna leave a trail of love and compassion emblematic of their eternal bond. Inseparable since their love began, Radha and Kirshna exist within each other, making their existence mutually inclusive. Their pure consciousness in the garden scene demonstrates their inner peace, symbolized by each flower, swirl and bird. Krishna's leftward-facing peacock feather crown alludes to the presence of two peacocks who mirror their respective deities, with one looking right and the other left. Each vine of the garden spirals into its own unique shape, providing foliage and a home for colorful flowers and little birds. Kirshna becomes one with this garden, mingling with the spiral vines, seemingly floating across the scene. Bharti Dayal paints 'Eternal Love of Radha Krishna' in a two-dimensional contemporary style to concentrate on narrating one of Hinduism's greatest love stories for a modern audience.

"Madhubani paintings are in fact a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace; the quest of all beings," Dayal says.

Guatemala's jaspe fabrics are varied and beautiful. A type of ikat weaving, the threads are tie-dyed before they are placed on the floor loom. Members of the Women Artisans of Santa Cruz cooperative place 15 jaspe flags in assorted colors and patterns on a decorative garland. "These represent Tibetan prayer flags," the artisans say. "Their colors have meanings of their own — blue is a symbol of water, red is for fire, green for air and yellow for the earth. The cloth is woven by hand with much love. Many Maya hands have touched each textile, and we're proud to use recycled fabric. For us, recycling is another form of promoting peace and prosperity for ourselves and for our Mother Earth. Please remember that your attitude when installing these prayer banners is very important, and we ask that you take a moment to wish for peace for people everywhere so they can receive the benefits of our blessings. We want everyone to be free and at peace."

"The lily flower is a symbol of peace, and wearing it can be interpreted as a sincerity to live a life of peace. This symbolic flower describes purity, modesty, and peace. I hope this jewelry set helps spread peace, as a reminder to the wearer and observer that the character of a lily flower needs to be applied by the community to achieve world peace."

Inspired by that symbolism and determined to spread a message of unity, Balinese artisan Arta Pradana handcrafts this marvelous sterling silver and cow bone jewelry set featuring a pendant necklace and dangle earrings.

Enjoy the serenity just as peace-loving doves find tranquility in the sky's idyllic gardens. Andean artisan Asunta Pelaez creates 'Blue Doves' at her Lima, Peru workshop mastering the centuries-old reverse painted glass technique. Incorporating floral motifs, Pelaez paints her design on the reverse side of the pane of glass, which she then sets in the outer frame. For Pelaez, her artistic style and techniques have become her way of life as she seeks to dedicate her time to what satisfies her most.

Guatemalan artist Alejandra Paiz brings us a lovely suncatcher featuring a ring with glass beads and crystals. Its design in warm tones makes it perfect for adding a merry touch to your environment, and its nickel chain allows a secure hang.

For this design, I chose a symbol of peace in practically all cultures and countries — a dove with an olive branch." says Alejandra Paiz of this delicate and unique beaded suncatcher. "It represents hope and the desire for a new and peaceful beginning on Earth. It's associated with purity and spirituality.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.

"A dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace recognized virtually in all cultures and countries. It represents hope and our aspirations of achieving a new, peaceful beginning. It is also associated with purity and spirituality," says Alejandra Paiz of this breathtaking suncatcher.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.

"I convey peace with beautiful crystals that reflect the sunlight and illuminate our hearts and souls. Let's look for peace, which is what gives meaning to our lives. Let's be light, not darkness," says Alejandra Paiz, who crafts this one-of-a-kind beaded suncatcher depicting the universal symbol of peace — a dove holding an olive branch.

"This suncatcher represents hope and the desire for a new and peaceful beginning on Earth, made of components associated with purity and spirituality.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress. Here I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul."

The artisan handcrafts this stunning suncatcher from crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, nickel chains and a zinc dove pendant.

Guatemalan artist Alejandra Paiz brings us an elegant suncatcher featuring a ring with glass beads and crystals. Its design in cold tones makes it perfect for adding a mystic touch to your environment, and its nickel chain allows a secure hang.