crafts from guatemala

Members of the Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Association find a new take on a symbol originating in 1958. Crafted of silver, the pendant depicts the peace symbol so popular in the 1960s and '70s, and they add a heart, an olive branch and a creamy cultured pearl.

"We're inspired by what we're living today, and this made me think that we need to be united to create a better world and united to achieve peace," the Guatemalan artisan says. "This pendant represents the strength of union needed for us to achieve, together, the victory of peace. This image was designed for one of the first marches for Nuclear Disarmament in London, and later became widely used as a symbol for peace."

She displays the pendant on a brown leather cord.

Who said men can’t celebrate their special bond with their best pals? They can do just that with this set of three handmade friendship bracelets crafted by Maria Canil in Guatemala using intricately braided acrylic yarns in attractive colors. The bracelets feature adjustable tie closures that can be tailored to your preference, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

The rainbow's colors are diverse and can transmit different emotions, but together they form a harmonious and beautiful unity that shows the world that our differences make us a stronger, happy and prouder society. Inspired by this tender message from nature, Guatemalan artisan Álvaro Ratzan crafts this leather-accented cuff bracelet with glass beads forming a precious rainbow.

Golden snowflakes glisten with a message of peace in a set of greeting cards from Guatemala. Magdalena Women Artists craft each card by hand, featuring stenciled snowflakes and emerald green bows. The set of four blank cards includes the corresponding envelopes and is tied with a reed ribbon.

A golden wreath glistens with festive spirit in a pair of greeting cards from Guatemala. Magdalena Women Artists craft each card by hand, featuring a stenciled wreath with a white and gold bow. The set of two blank cards includes the corresponding envelopes and is tied with a reed ribbon.

Expressing their love for Mother Mary, Guatemalan artisans Juan and Carolina create this reverent statuette. Hand-carved from a single piece of pinewood, this tall statuette features colorful floral motifs and other designs that are painted entirely by hand. In one hand, Mary holds baby Jesus.

"I convey peace with beautiful crystals that reflect the sunlight and illuminate our hearts and souls. Let's look for peace, which is what gives meaning to our lives. Let's be light, not darkness," says Alejandra Paiz, who crafts this one-of-a-kind beaded suncatcher depicting the universal symbol of peace — a dove holding an olive branch.

"This suncatcher represents hope and the desire for a new and peaceful beginning on Earth, made of components 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. Here I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul."

The artisan handcrafts this stunning suncatcher from crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, nickel chains and a zinc dove pendant.

Celebrating the beauty of Mayan jewelry, Guatemalan artisan Zandra Lorena Sajbin designs this pair of dangle earrings. Crafted of sterling silver, each earring features a round stone of darkest green jade, known as ya'ax chich to the ancient Mayans.