sun

"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.

Handwoven in the traditional Pic'bil style, the Ixbalam Ke Women Weavers's newest creation captures the serene essence of the regional forests in the leafy details decorating this distinguished placemat. Made from cotton, the piece features a combination of yellow and green hues arranged in the geometric pattern that decorates the accessory, whose white base tone allows for a graceful illusion.

For a nature-inspired, artistic touch to your home decor, this sculpture is designed by artisan duo Margarita and Fernando Llort from El Salvador. Through a meticulous process, a beautiful tree is crafted by hand from art glass. Colorful pigments add abstract designs to the tree's leafy silhouette. This sculpture is displayed atop a pinewood base.

This delightful decorative accent from Costa Rican artisan Jorge Leiton will infuse your home with color and warmth. Meticulously handcrafted from pinewood and painted by hand, it depicts a country landscape of two farmhouses by sundown with a majestic volcano in the background, evoking the lively culture and abundant nature of Leiton's homeland. Compact in size yet big in visual impact, this lovely accessory comes with a stand and brass hanger so you can display it anywhere you like. It is coated for a durable finish, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy and charm.

If you hold the Christmas holidays close to your heart, then this set of six heart-shaped ornaments crafted and painted by hand will be the perfect decoration for your tree. Guatemalan artisan Jose Arriola designs the ornaments from ceramic in red, yellow, blue, light blue, purple and green with lovely floral, leaf, animal and sun motifs. Each one comes with stainless steel hooks and waxed polyester cords to hang from the tree and can be safely stored in the accompanying striped bag made from 100% cotton.

Working with molten glass, Costa Rican artisan Rosario Ramirez creates a truly beautiful pendant necklace. The round glass pendant depicts a tree with colorful leaves against the light of the setting sun. Says the artisan, "This little tree of life, with its multicolored leaves, displays the beauty of the continents, the harmony, and the love between nations."

Discover the soul of Antigua Guatemala in Filiberto Chali's oil rendition of the iconic Las Animas Street. Bathed in soft, serene tones, this painting whispers tales of peace and tranquility. Gaze upon the charming cobblestones and the sun-kissed, earthy brick homes, punctuated by bursts of vibrant bougainvillea – the very essence of this colonial jewel. Completing this idyllic vista, the majestic Volcano of Water (Agua Volcano) and emerald mountains kiss a pristine, cloudless blue sky.

Titled Calle de las Ánimas in Spanish.

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.

Flowers fill life with a cheerful and sweet sensation, inspiring Costa Rica's Rosa Molina to create a charming accessory for the everyday. Working with cotton textiles, the artisan creates an ivory tote bag with strong straps that allow for comfortable use. As the centerpiece, the artisan paints a floral scene at the front, all in a warm palette for a gracious look.