exquisite decor

White rabbits chase glowing orange deer around an exquisite nierika, or votive beadwork composition by Kupihaute, which takes the shape of a flower with five wide petals.

The artisan, who writes fluently in the Huichol, Nahuatl, Spanish and English languages, talks about this work in his own words. "This nierika/mirror represents the duality of our existence. The rabbit symbolizes the permanent movement of earthiness reflected in the lunar mirror. The deer is the spirit that animates the movement of our wise memory, marking the spiral path of our ancestral cultures in permanent transformation and adaptation around the peyote-maize." The artist has created the word "eARThiness" to emphasize the word "art" found inside "earth." "For me, this eARThiness is very important and meaningful."

The intricate images are formed with tiny seed beads. Kupihuate patiently places them one at a time with a needle made of abalone shell onto a huanacaxtle wood backing. Beeswax is used instead of glue.

The process is totally spontaneous, with no previous sketch or design. It is guided by the artist's unconscious to tell the stories that remain in our collective ancestral memory. He signs his work with the symbol of a butterfly on the reverse side of the nierika.

Formed of three blue peyote buds, a lighted candle is radiant in this exquisite nierika, or votive beadwork painting by Kupihaute. A butterfly alights on either side in his composition, which takes the shape of a flower with five wide petals.

The artisan, who writes fluently in the Huichol, Nahuatl, Spanish and English languages, talks about this work in his own words. "The nierika is a mirror that is offered to the sea together with the first corn that has been harvested, in order to renew the cycle of rains that will give life to the next crop cycle. As in most of the ancient cultures of our planet, the candle represents our trajectory between being born and returning. For this reason, even today, during the celebration of our birthday, it is customary to light and blow out as many candles as solar cycles have elapsed. The butterflies and spirals are indicating that existence is energy in permanent transformation between arising from and returning to earth."

The intricate images are formed with tiny seed beads. Kupihuate patiently places them one at a time with a needle made of abalone shell onto a huanacaxtle wood backing. Beeswax is used instead of glue.

The process is totally spontaneous, with no previous sketch or design. It is guided by the artist's unconscious to tell the stories that remain in our collective ancestral memory. He signs his work with the symbol of a butterfly on the reverse side of the nierika.

Exquisitely embroidered by hand, dragonflies hover on gossamer wings. Parvez A. Warsi showcases India's glittering zardozi work on a set of five ornaments. Beadwork complements each one.

Crafted by hand, four golden hearts host long tassels. Beadwork covers the front of each one, and glittering golden zardozi embroidery accentuates the outline. Seema presents this exquisite set of Christmas ornaments.

Crafted by hand, four velvet stars host long tassels. Beadwork, sequins and glittering golden zardozi embroidery accentuate the outline. Seema presents this exquisite set of Christmas ornaments.

The reverse side is plain.

Crafted by hand, four golden paisley motifs host long tassels. Beadwork adorns the front of each one, and glittering golden zardozi embroidery depicts flowers and vines. Seema presents this exquisite set of Christmas ornaments.

Make a splash this Christmas with an exquisitely handcrafted octopus ornament that's sure to turn heads. Guatemalan artisans at the Santiago Atitlan Women's Group patiently assemble countless tiny blue, light blue and clear glass beads to create this colourful sea creature, complete with shimmering crystal-beaded eyes. Let this unique accessory bring joy and wonder to your holiday celebrations.

Add a burst of colour to your Christmas tree with this pair of exquisite peacock ornaments crafted with care by the artisans at the Santiago Atitlan Women's Group in Guatemala. Each glass bead is meticulously arranged to form a kaleidoscope of bright hues that shimmer beautifully. Boasting a playful design, these accessories are sure to be a standout feature in your holiday decorations.