country decor

For this design, I chose a symbol of peace in practically all cultures and countries — a dove with an olive branch." says Alejandra Paiz of this delicate and unique beaded suncatcher. "It represents hope and the desire for a new and peaceful beginning on Earth. It's associated with purity and spirituality.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.

"A dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace recognized virtually in all cultures and countries. It represents hope and our aspirations of achieving a new, peaceful beginning. It is also associated with purity and spirituality," says Alejandra Paiz of this breathtaking suncatcher.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.

These serene wings flutter with hope and peace—the wishes of the Salvadoran people. Artisan Sandra Alvarado represents her country's dreams in this steel wall art, which assumes a butterfly shape in the colors of El Salvador's turquoise and blue morning skies.

These mysterious wings flutter with hope and power, the qualities that characterize the spirit of the Salvadoran people. Artisan Sandra Alvarado represents her country's wishes and dreams in this steel wall art, shaped like a butterfly and decorated with the colors and patterns of El Salvador's nights.

Ghana's famed gye nyame symbol emerges in this decorative plate by Kobina Asmah. Known as an adinkra symbol, this image is revered throughout the country; its rotating form means "I fear none except God." The Ghanaian artisan depicts the symbol in aluminum repoussé on a decorative plate of sese wood. It arrives with an iron display stand.