study decor

Inspired by the flora of the city of Sarchi, Costa Rica's Chaverri Brothers create this magnificent and eye-catching bookmark. The main section of this bookmark is carved from teak wood, featuring a thin opening that allows it to hug a page. A majestic flower is hand-carved from mora wood with a beautiful natural grain.

A patchwork of floral artistry brings Rajasthani elegance to this upholstered ottoman from India's Ganpat Mehta. Underscored by shades of blue, recycled swaths of fabric are diligently embroidered by women artisans in Rajasthan. Beads and sequins accent the upholstery. Featuring sturdy iron rivets, the footstool stands on acacia wood legs, which are removable.

Recycled materials will vary, so please expect variations in patterns and color placement.

This triangular barro negro pencil holder is handcrafted by artisan Anakarem of Oaxaca, who works as a team with his father. Barro negro, literally translated as "black mud," is a type of pottery from clay only found in Oaxaca, Mexico, and crafted using traditional methods. The black color comes from the clay itself, enhanced during the firing process. This pencil holder has two quarter flowers on a diagonal on each side made through a combination of embossing and decorative cutouts.

A single marguerite daisy flaunts petals of pristine purity in this lovely flower study. To the left, abstract foliage suggest stained glass on a sunny afternoon while red and yellow convey summer's warmth. Sylvia Fournier creates an enchanted vision of Costa Rica with this mixed media painting. She calls her technique "photo art," digitally printing one of her original photographs on canvas, then painting over parts of it with acrylics, pastels, chalk and marking pens. The result is beautiful.

Titled "Margarita" in Spanish.

Women working in textile studios in Rajasthan embroider and hand-bead the vintage fabric that adorns this colorful footstool, designed by Ganpat Mehta. Removable acacia wood legs make it easy to store, but a piece this versatile is likely to always find a use. Try it as a footstool, low table, or even extra seating at a party. Each footstool uses upcycled textiles in blue-green tones, but the unique materials ensure that no two designs will be exactly alike.