gifts made by women

Javanese artisans handcraft a beguiling design from leather. This shoulder bag, designed by Ang Hermana, comes in a solid brown tone and has an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. In addition, sturdy handles allow you to carry the bag easily. Equipped with a zippered opening, the cotton-lined interior displays several pockets for neatly storing your items.

Braided knit accents decorate the elegant v-neckline that crowns Pia Zavala's newest design. Made with a soft combination of alpaca, acrylic and wool yarns, this graceful grey pullover captures Peru's sophistication in the motifs adorning its comfortable style, whose long sleeves and ribbed cuffs allow for a cozy sensation perfect for a winter outing.

A fast-paced lifestyle needs the handy assistance of a fancy accessory that securely carries your items, such as Erick and Ivania's newest design. Using leather in an elegant black tone, the Guatemalan artisans handcraft a dapper cosmetic bag equipped with a handle and a zipper closure that allows you to maintain everything in place and at hand.

This caramel-brown hobo bag wears its adventurous spirit with pride, as evidenced in the whiskered, buttery-soft leather that only gets richer with age. Made in Mexico by Ricardo Hinojosa, the bag features a central zip compartment and two with snap closures.

With side and front pockets, this saffron backpack is a charming accessory ready to help you in your everyday. Designed by Alonso and Jazmin from Costa Rica, this leather and acrylic bag has adjustable straps, a convenient handle and a lined interior. The final touch is in the cotton drawstring and the magnetic snap closure for a secure design.

A sandy hue evokes the tranquil moods of an isolated beach, as Yucatan artists present this distinguished hammock swing. Woven by hand from 100% cotton, the sturdy design reflects the unmatched perfection of Mexican craftsmanship. Featuring a sturdy rod of pinewood, this piece makes an appreciated addition to the front porch or backyard. Intended for one person.

With side and front pockets, this brown backpack is a lovely accessory ready to help you in your everyday. Designed by Alonso and Jazmin from Costa Rica, this leather and acrylic bag has adjustable straps, a convenient handle and a lined interior. The final touch is in the cotton drawstring and the magnetic snap closure for a secure design.

"We chose fresh and vibrant shades of blue for this poncho," 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.

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

"Black is the night that cloaks us and inspires this poncho," 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.

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 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.

So many details make this double-layered cotton gauze blouse something special: from the soft and light texture to the delicate mint shade, from the asymmetrical design to the beautiful ruffle accent at the hemline. The three-quarter-sleeved blouse presented by Ying and Joy and hand-crafted in Thailand will fill your look with style and make you stand out.

Soft, natural ivory evokes the powdered sugar sands of the Mexican Caribbean. Woven by hand, this king-size off-white hammock is bordered with crocheted lace and tassels. Maya Artists of the Yucatán create it in the same way they have for centuries.

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honored customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

Please note: The accompanying extension ropes may vary in color from those shown in the images.

It easily packs for travel to the beach or lake. Extender ropes (measuring 1 meter), hammock hooks ("S" hooks), and step-by-step instructions included for easy installation.

NOTE: Because each is woven individually by hand, measurements may vary by as much as ten centimeters. There may be slight color variations from hammock to hammock.