fair trade crafts

By Fida Hussein in India, this petite decorative design is covered with blossoms. The rectangular box is crafted of weeping willow wood and covered with papier mache. It is then carefully painted by hand with colorful oil paints, and completed with a coat of lacquer. The box is lined with velvet to hold small treasures.

Guatemalan artisan Elias García offers this piece of wall decor that celebrates the tradition of quitapenas, or worry dolls. This wreath features an array of decorative quitapenas wearing colorful clothing that is handwoven from cotton on the floor loom. They are arranged into the romantic shape of two hearts.

This wonderful cotton blend wall hanging is the original creation of Leonor Quispe in Peru. She works in the traditional folk art of arpillera, using applique to create the scene of a farmer with his herds of sheep and llamas. A brilliant sun shines over the scene, and two Andean condors soar overhead.

Wood carvers in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, crafted animal figurines for generations before the area's alebrije tradition took hold, mostly as children's toys. It's the gorgeous way even real animals are decorated that shows how the Oaxacan artisans have truly embraced the handicraft style. This hand carved copal wood elephant from Jesus and Roxana Hernandez is hand painted in green, with elaborate geometric motifs on its legs and ears in black combined with lovely purple, pink, and blue tones.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. He was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The creatures repeatedly uttered the word alebrije, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision.

All is color and happiness on an Andean farm. Children play amid carrot beds and cornfields beneath a sunny sky. Women of the Santa Magdalena Association create this delightful wall hanging. They work in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork), crafting each tiny embroidered figure in three dimensions. The tapestry serves to measure a child's growth.

A display rod can be slipped through loops at the top.

The Women Weavers of Tecpan in Guatemala honor the peaceful days in these paradisial lands by creating this convenient basket crafted from natural regional elements. Equipped with a lid, the piece captivates with a classic look and a tropical appeal, present in its traditional handwoven structure made of pine needles. Adorning the top, a cotton pompom in a marigold hue adds a joyous aura.

The Guatemalan region provides artisan Angelina Roquel with inspiration and unique materials to craft marvelous pieces. Profiting from natural paja fibers harvested in the rich regional fields, the artisan handweaves this basket, adding a sturdy structure, handles and an adorable lid accented with orange blooms as a symbol of joy.

Guatemala's arts and traditions unite in a lovely design made with natural fibers to honor the region's rich nature. Artisan Angelina Roquel crafts this stunning paja fiber basket whose sturdy structure, handles and lid are accented by acrylic blooms in a pink hue, a known symbol of sweetness and compassion.

Guatemala's arts and traditions unite in a charming design made with natural fibers to honor the region's rich nature. Artisan Angelina Roquel crafts this adorable paja fiber basket whose sturdy structure, handles and lid are accented by acrylic blooms in a red hue, a known symbol of romance and passion.

The Guatemalan region provides artisan Angelina Roquel with inspiration and unique materials to craft exquisite pieces. Profiting from natural paja fibers harvested in the rich regional fields, the artisan handweaves this basket, adding a sturdy structure, handles and a lovely lid accented with colorful blooms as a symbol of diversity and nature.

The Women Weavers of Tecpan in Guatemala honor the peaceful days in these enchanting lands by creating this convenient basket crafted from natural regional elements. Equipped with a lid, the piece captivates with a classic look and a tropical appeal, present in its traditional handwoven structure made of pine needles. Adorning the top, a cotton pompom in a kiwi hue adds a harmonious aura.

Peruvian artist Maria Ramos Sanchez crafts a charming cosmetic bag whose scene transports us directly to the Andes on a calm, sunny day. Small homes nestled among trees and flowers accompany grazing alpacas, while a single cloud and a flock of birds float overhead. The applique case with embroidered details is lined in solid black, and the reverse side is black.