nice decor

Designed by Shashi Sehgal, these lovely pillow shams tell a story of ancient life in India. Herders guided their flocks to graze in lush grasslands bordering the Thar Desert. For coverlets, the women created quilts of layered fabric, stitched by hand in a technique known as gudri-making or hand quilting. These quilted pillow shams are created in the same way of cotton voile.

The motifs are created with block prints, applied by hand in blue on ivory. Neat rows of flowers represent the unbroken lineage of tradition handed down over generations. Finished with piping, the edges are scalloped and the stitching is done by hand.

A zipper at the bottom of the shams opens them to insert the cushions.

Precise geometric motifs surround two red deer in an exquisite design. From talented members of Women United for Artisan Development, this cushion cover is woven by hand on a backstrap loom. Cording defines the borders, and the back is solid black.

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

Intricate wavy textures adorn the surface of this throw blanket from Peru, woven from an acrylic and alpaca blend for a warm, durable blanket. With fringes on the ends and a solid sand color, the blanket is presented by Nestor Yana, who carries on the weaving traditions of his Peruvian hometown.

Indian designer Amit Moza presents this gorgeous bedspread to celebrate the magnificence of animals while bringing a traditional craft into the modern home. The antique white cotton bedspread is skillfully crafted by local artisans with intricate chain stitch work that can take up to 20 days to complete by hand. The wonderful design features an eclectic selection of wildlife living together in harmony; from ducks swimming happily in a pond, to graceful deer roaming the grassland. The solid cotton backing adds durability to the beautiful textile.

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 grey. "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.