home gifts

Guatemala's Lopez Garcia Family creates this delightful embellished table runner that is sure to be a conversation starter. The ivory cotton runner is embellished at both ends with quitapenas, or Guatemalan "worry dolls". According to legend, the princess Ixmucané was granted the ability to solve people's problems by the Sun God. Over time, people began to make tiny dolls in remembrance of Ixmucané. They would tell the dolls their problems in the hopes that Ixmucané would solve them. The custom became very popular, and continues to this day. The charming table runner is completed by ivory tassels at both ends.

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.

Worn close to the heart, this jade pendant necklace features a nahual glyph, a personal spirit tied to each individual according to the ancient Mayan calendar. The Aj nahual represents strength, justice, protection of the home, the energy of leaders and connection with ancestral roots. Suspended on an adjustable waxed cotton cord with sterling silver accents, Ruben and Gilda Perez’s stunning design brings history and symbolism together in a timeless, everyday accessory.

These adorable dolls are here to bring some love into your home. Elias Garcia arranges them in two interlocking heart-shaped wreaths covered with colorful handloomed fabric and finished with a wooden plaque reading "Connected Heart to Heart." Each doll is handmade by Elias' sister, Aura, and she dresses each one in a unique handwoven dress.

Quitapenas or "worry dolls" represent Ixmucane, a princess who was gifted with infinite wisdom. Children are instructed to confide all of their worries to their quitapenas and then place them underneath their pillow at night. The dolls will impart their wisdom to them while they sleep and in the morning they'll wake up knowing what to do.