earth friendly gifts

Earthy stripes of brown, orange, red and ocher distinguish this cozy 100% alpaca scarf from Peru's Ulloa Family. The scarf is woven on a traditional loom and features hand-knotted fringe on both ends.

This set of four macrame bracelets evokes the pleasure of traveling off the beaten path - finding hidden treasures. The attractive quartet features hand-knotted cord in various earth tones, while two feature small dark golden beads. They are the creation of Guatemalan artist Carmina Giron.

Effortlessly chic and endlessly practical, this spacious and fashionable foldable cotton tote bag is your new favorite grab-and-go accessory. Handcrafted by Fernando and Ana Cecilia in Guatemala, its generous interior carries all your daily essentials with ease while the hand-woven pocket on the exterior, adorned with lively striped accents, adds a pop of color and flair. A secure bronze button closure keeps belongings safe while doubling as a fastener to keep the bag neatly folded when stored.

Rich earthen colors come together to create an ethereal illusion in this handwoven shawl. Working on a backstrap loom, Maya artisans from K'amolon K'i K'ojonel transform rayon made from bamboo fiber into a cozy lightweight wrap. Threads of brown, russet, moss green, forest green and ochre distinguish the design, which is finished with lavish fringe.

Two is always better than one, that is why you can’t go wrong with this pair of colorful wrap bracelets where sparkling crystal and glass beads intertwine in perfect harmony. Crafted by Guatemala's Domingo Reanda, these fashionable accessories are woven with meticulous precision on a special bead loom. Polished Tibetan-style pewter buttons add a touch of sophistication and elegance.

Artisan Domingo explains, "The first bracelet is inspired by the colors of water and the harmony found in earthy tones, symbolizing balance in both nature and life itself. In addition to enhancing any ensemble, this bracelet convey a profound message of self-awareness, self-care, self-love, and gratitude. They serve as a constant reminder of the importance of balance in life, both internally and externally.

The second beautiful bracelet is crafted using blue, reminiscent of water, and earthy tones symbolizing paths. I created it with inspiration from the guidance we sometimes need to make life's decisions. Just as water flows and finds its way, and the earth lays the groundwork for our journey, may this bracelet serve as a reminder that guidance and direction are always within reach, helping us navigate life's twists and turns. Trust in your inner compass, and you'll find your way to brighter horizons."

Take any look to new heights with these eye-catching wrap bracelets showcasing a chic color palette of black and blue. Crafted by Guatemala's Domingo Reanda, the meticulous interweaving of gorgeous crystal and glass beads, fashioned on specialized bead looms, breathes life into these exquisite designs. Polished Tibetan-style pewter buttons provide a fashionable finishing touch.

Artisan Domingo explains, "The first beautiful bracelet is inspired by compassion. I've incorporated dark-colored beads to symbolize challenging moments, while the metallic and transparent beads represent understanding and concern for the well-being of others, especially when they're going through tough times. Just as these elements come together to create a harmonious piece, may this bracelet serve as a reminder of the beauty of compassion, how it brings people together, and the comfort it offers during life's darker moments.

The second beautiful bracelet is crafted using blue, reminiscent of water, and earthy tones symbolizing paths. I created it with inspiration from the guidance we sometimes need to make life's decisions. Just as water flows and finds its way, and the earth lays the groundwork for our journey, may this bracelet serve as a reminder that guidance and direction are always within reach, helping us navigate life's twists and turns. Trust in your inner compass, and you'll find your way to brighter horizons."

Unleash your unique style with this lively duo of wrap bracelets boasting an energizing color palette dominated by orange, purple, brown and yellow hues. Shimmering crystal and glass beads, meticulously interwoven by Guatemala's Domingo Reanda using a specialized bead loom, make these vibrant designs come to life. Gleaming Tibetan-style pewter buttons add a fashionable final touch.

Artisan Domingo explains, "In the creation of these bracelets, my inspiration was drawn from two distinct color palettes. For the first bracelet, I combined earthy tones with metallic hues, symbolizing the grounding essence of the present moment and the promise of abundance. I wholeheartedly believe that focusing on positive thoughts and nurturing an attitude of gratitude is a powerful way to beckon more abundance into our lives, whether in the realm of emotional well-being or in material aspects such as wealth and possessions. This bracelet serves as an open invitation to embrace a positive and appreciative mindset, a companion you can carry with you at all times.

In crafting the second bracelet, I carefully selected vibrant tones interwoven with metallic hues, signifying the radiant energy of the present moment and the protective shield against negative influences and physical harm. It is my sincere hope that this bracelet will stand as a perpetual reminder to maintain a positive perspective and to live fearlessly."

"The colors that we chose for this poncho are inspired by how San Pedro Volcano looks when the sun is setting," say the women of K'amolon K'i K'ojonel, who boast their pride in their classic weaving techniques. Working on a back strap loom, the design of this poncho is at once classic and contemporary . A rich blend of cotton and rayon made from bamboo fiber assures the soft warmth of this trendy poncho in brown, dark red, orange and green.

Since the threads are dyed by the women, please expect slight differences in the color tone and arrangement.

NOVICA artisan Saktut Raitawati and Threads of Life have collaborated to presented this beautiful shawl. The shawl is made from 100% rayon and woven in East Java. It is naturally dyed by Threads of Life using dye plants from indigo (Strobilanthes cusia) and a mangrove species (Ceriops tegal).

• Eco-friendly fabric dyes produced with all-natural and non-polluting methods; friendly to your skin, the artists, and the earth. Many natural dye plants also have healing properties.
• Sustainable cultivated and harvested plants, to ensure the continuation of the forests and plants that produce leaves, barks, roots, and these beautiful dye colors. These dyes are diligently, responsibly sourced; protecting the forest, livelihood, and traditional rituals of which they are an ancient part.
• Empowering women and protecting families. Generating income for local Indonesian women, farmers, and artisans. When the women can generate income at home, often the men do not have to leave to support their families by working off-island.
• Supporting indigenous communities and traditional weaving and dyeing techniques for over 1000 women on 12 islands across Indonesia.
• Contributing to research and development of new techniques using natural dyes to generate more income for all these people, in the Threads of Life dye studio.
• Treat them with respect and these clothes will be with you for many years. Natural dyes do not like harsh laundry soaps. Dry cleaning recommended, or gently hand wash with very mild PH balanced soap. Dry flat, out of the sun.

NOVICA artisan Saktut Raitawati and Threads of Life have collaborated to presented this beautiful kimono. The kimono is made from 100% rayon and woven in East Java. It is naturally dyed by Threads of Life using dye plants from indigo (Strobilanthes cusia) and a mangrove species (Ceriops tegal).

• Eco-friendly fabric dyes produced with all-natural and non-polluting methods; friendly to your skin, the artists, and the earth. Many natural dye plants also have healing properties.
• Sustainable cultivated and harvested plants, to ensure the continuation of the forests and plants that produce leaves, barks, roots, and these beautiful dye colors. These dyes are diligently, responsibly sourced; protecting the forest, livelihood, and traditional rituals of which they are an ancient part.
• Empowering women and protecting families. Generating income for local Indonesian women, farmers, and artisans. When the women can generate income at home, often the men do not have to leave to support their families by working off-island.
• Supporting indigenous communities and traditional weaving and dyeing techniques for over 1000 women on 12 islands across Indonesia.
• Contributing to research and development of new techniques using natural dyes to generate more income for all these people, in the Threads of Life dye studio.
• Treat them with respect and these clothes will be with you for many years. Natural dyes do not like harsh laundry soaps. Dry cleaning recommended, or gently hand wash with very mild PH balanced soap. Dry flat, out of the sun.

NOVICA artisan Saktut Raitawati and Threads of Life have collaborated to presented this beautiful shawl. The shawl is made from handspun cotton and woven in East Java. It is naturally dyed by Threads of Life using dye plants from indigo (Strobilanthes cusia) and a mangrove species (Ceriops tegal).

• Eco-friendly fabric dyes produced with all-natural and non-polluting methods; friendly to your skin, the artists, and the earth. Many natural dye plants also have healing properties.
• Sustainable cultivated and harvested plants, to ensure the continuation of the forests and plants that produce leaves, barks, roots, and these beautiful dye colors. These dyes are diligently, responsibly sourced; protecting the forest, livelihood, and traditional rituals of which they are an ancient part.
• Empowering women and protecting families. Generating income for local Indonesian women, farmers, and artisans. When the women can generate income at home, often the men do not have to leave to support their families by working off-island.
• Supporting indigenous communities and traditional weaving and dyeing techniques for over 1000 women on 12 islands across Indonesia.
• Contributing to research and development of new techniques using natural dyes to generate more income for all these people, in the Threads of Life dye studio.
• Treat them with respect and these clothes will be with you for many years. Natural dyes do not like harsh laundry soaps. Dry cleaning recommended, or gently hand wash with very mild PH balanced soap. Dry flat, out of the sun.