traditional anniversary gifts

By Luisa Villavicencio, this handsome men's sweater is attractive and lightweight. Ribbed textures are knitted of natural cotton, with three palo blanco wood buttons. "My family cultivates cotton in several natural colors – jade, cocoa ixcaco and ivory, or crude cotton," the Guatemalan designer says. "In fact, people are surprised to learn that no dyes are used. The family is involved in the entire process, from growing the cotton, to weaving it and transforming it into apparel."

By Luisa Villavicencio, this handsome sweater is cozy but lightweight. Ribbed textures are knitted of natural cotton in ivory with subtle green hues, with three capirona wood buttons. "My family cultivates cotton in several natural colors – jade, ixcaco (cocoa) and ivory, or crude cotton," the Guatemalan designer says. "In fact, people are surprised to learn that no dyes are used. The family is involved in the entire process, from growing the cotton, to weaving it and transforming it into apparel."

Mirna Hernandez develops the traditional shape of a hammock into an inviting. Woven of sturdy cotton and finished by hand, the cozy swing evokes the sands of Montelimar beach. It is suspended from brass rings and a guacimo wood rod, and finished with hand-crocheted trim.

The subtle tonal variations of natural cotton bring beauty to this hand-woven Yucatecan hammock. Its weave molds to the contours of the body for unparalleled comfort.

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-honoured 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.

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.

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

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

A rich blend of luxurious alpaca wool becomes a handsome men's sweater from the Orkocraft Artisan Association. Blue contrasts with the sleek brown jersey knit to trim the sleeves and hem and form a braid at the neck