handmade gift

Emma Gutierrez's work as a designer has led her to work with some of the most disadvantaged communities in her home country of Guatemala, with her goal being to combat hunger and poverty through traditional handcrafts. This tote bag combines traditional backstrap loom weaving of 100% cotton fiber with a subtle, modern, geometric design.

Thick yarns add rich texture to this fascinating kente cloth shawl by Gobah Tengey-Seddoh. Strips of black, white and Delft blue make a dramatic and handsome color combination. Designed and woven of coarse local cotton in the 12th century, the lokpo pattern means "heavy or thick in texture."

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. However patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Update your poncho game with this unique creation from the weavers of the K'amolon K'i K'ojonel organization of Guatemala. The poncho features a draped twist at the front and a fringed hem for an overall softer look. Blending cotton and bamboo rayon for both lightness and ease of care, and dyed in shades of purple to create a random abstract pattern.

Soft cotton yarns and recycled denim textiles create a marvelous design from Guatemala. Luisa Villavicencio works with traditional techniques to create this handle bag accented with a sweet striped pattern of azure and alabaster hues. In addition, a magnetic snap closure secures the lined interior, while two open pockets on the sides allow for handy use.

Leaves in vivacious green and orange hues grow around this stunning piece from the always-beautiful Guatemala. The Ixbalam Ke Women Weavers use the ancestral Pic'bil technique to adorn this white cotton scarf with gorgeous embroidery work, complementing the graceful fringes.

It is time to add a modern and graceful touch to your days with this exquisite shopping bag. Guatemalan artisan Luisa Villavicencio works with cotton and recycled denim to create this convenient accessory, whose natural hue is beautifully accented with the recycled textile's blue hue. Charming tassels crown the design, which is also equipped with a magnetic snap closure.

A master artisan of handmade dolls, Iliana Hernandez creates this wood decorative doll to celebrate her Mayan heritage. Perfect for brightening the living room, this doll catches the eye with its handmade yellow huipil, dark multicolor striped skirt, purple necklace and vibrant headdress. The brown-stained wooden base features a felt lining to protect soft surfaces.

Pack your things and get ready for a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or a roam around the market. This drawstring backpack is the perfect companion for all your day-trip needs. Presented by Mexican artisan Ingrid Garcia, the bag features hand-loomed cotton fabric in dark blue and antique white. Adjustable cotton shoulder straps make it easy to carry on any adventure. The bag also feature a vinyl bottom for extra durability.

Knitted from cotton and recycled denim in a stylish combination of indigo and olive hues, this chic poncho showcases an asymmetrical design with a graceful fold-over collar that is sure to show your dapper side. Designed by Guatemala’s Luisa Villavicencio, this must-have accessory is ideal for complementing your favorite outfits with style.

Woven by hand on a backstrap loom, this elegant table runner depicts the quetzal, Guatemala's emblematic bird. Its splendid plumage was prized by the ancient Maya, and the shy bird can still be glimpsed in the rainforest of Central America. Mayra Leticia Hernandez shares her textile expertise and love of colors with this beautiful weaving.

Designed by a fisherman around 1898, this intricate kente cloth pattern is inspired by beach pebbles. The tiny blocks of pattern represent the thoughts of that ancestral craftsman. Kpekui states a proverbial refrain: "pebbles of the shore are hard to crack." Handcrafted by the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family, this extraordinary double weave textile is one of the most difficult patterns to achieve.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. But patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns, where the warp design is hardly visible, can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging, and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Natural indigo dyes and a handmade batik print distinguish this short-sleeved men's shirt from Rudi Wijoyo. Styled like a classic camp shirt, it features a notched collar, patch pocket, and button placket. The shirt is crafted from a blend of linen and cotton to keep you cool and comfortable.