handmade things

There are few things more festive than a piñata, as Martha Fonseca in Mexico demonstrates with these unique handmade Christmas ornaments. The two piñata ornaments are crocheted by hand with polyester yarns in assorted colors. The ornament pair makes a cheerful addition to any Christmas tree.

There are few things more festive than a piñata, as Martha Fonseca in Mexico demonstrates with these unique handmade Christmas ornaments. The two piñata ornaments are crocheted by hand with polyester yarns in assorted colors. The ornament pair makes a cheerful addition to any Christmas tree.

El Salvador's Marcela Moran creates this charming and natural nativity sculpture celebrating love and tranquility in Bethlehem. Atop a round base of cortez wood, Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus are crafted from jute, dried gourd and agave fibers. The holy trio is clothed with 100% cotton attire hand-woven in a traditional loom.

"This nativity line was created as a way of reevaluating an underestimated and little valued natural fiber which has great potential. It can be used for many things and we transform it into decorative pieces with multicoloured touches from the handmade fabric that complements it," Moran says.

Riris Mahanani creates this charming pair of figurines using recycled magazines. Thin strips of rolled paper are arranged in the shape of a traditional Christmas tree, complete with paper stars on top. The Javanese artisan's creative technique is the perfect use of otherwise discarded materials.

Riris Mahanani of Indonesia creates this charming holiday ornament using paper from recycled magazines. Thin strips of rolled paper are arranged in the shape of a traditional Christmas tree, complete with a paper star on top. Maharani's creative technique is the perfect use of otherwise landfill-bound material.

When you think about it, dolphins are really torn between two worlds. They live underwater but they have to surface to breathe. Dolphins are honored for their brains and beauty in this set of four ornaments by Komang Sri. Coconut shell is hand-carved and painted with gold-toned floral and stripe motifs.