work coat

An aquatic realm full of marvels and surprises lives inside Costa Rican artisans Lorena and Marcela's newest jewelry set. Made with waxed polyester cords handwoven with macrame techniques, the set includes a necklace and bracelet in matching black and beige hues, both with adjustable lengths. The pendants that decorate each piece showcase an exquisite resin work that coats a marine scene where a turtle swims around leaves and rocks, allowing for a serene tropical aura.

A tortoise mother, father and son compose this set of three figurines designed by Guatemalan artisan Jose Arriola following ancestral Mayan techniques to work ceramics. The figurines are given a coat of acrylic paint and feature a rustic finish that makes them really unique.

Waves of gold dance across a black surface in this wood photo frame. India's Kamal designs it with a round shape, fascinated with the way that a piece of work transforms during the creative process. The frame is designed to hold a 4 inch diameter photo.

A work of hypnotic beauty, this handcrafted pot adorns with rustic elegance. Daeng Thanunchai confides that to create this piece, he based his design on the idea of setting one's mind free - as if flying through the skies. The pot's neutral color is adorned by centrifugal flashes, resulting in a most versatile decorative item. Not intended to hold water.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is firstly carved on a lathe into the desired shape. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface and the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.

From Argentina and Francisco, this delightful box is crafted by young people from the Asociación ADISA. The box is crafted by hand by recycling local Guatemalan newspapers and finished with several coats of varnish protect the piece. The lid features a section of a cotton huipil blouse worn by women in San Lucas Tolimán that has been woven on a back strap loom.

Like an ancient vessel found on temple altars, this handcrafted vase preserves an aura of rustic elegance. Presented by Nantana Sompamitre, the mango wood vase features a carefully affixed eggshell mosaic - evidencing Thailand's sumptuous lacquer ware legacy. Not watertight.

To craft a piece such as this one, mango wood is carefully hand-shaped upon a lathe and then a mixture of lacquer - obtained from trees and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks - is applied. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal which is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper and several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

Next, chicken or duck eggshells are thoroughly cleaned and finely cracked to be patiently arranged in a mosaic pattern upon a fresh coat of lacquer. The work again lacquered twice, and when dry it is sanded in water until the eggshells slowly appear. The piece is finally rinsed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, resulting in an alluring distinctive gleam.

Care Instructions: Lacquerware is not dishwasher safe. When cleaning is needed, simply clean with a damp cloth and never use any type of abrasive cleaner.

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.