dragonfly gifts

Alebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

It is said that Oaxaca's alebrije tradition descends directly from Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became seriously ill and fell into a sort of coma. While he was unconscious, he had a most fantastic dream. He was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije, and when Linares woke up, he recreated these figures in vivid colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes . His work became famous and eventually influenced artisans in the state of Oaxaca who decided to craft alebrijes using traditional wood carving methods and according to that region's world vision.

These sese wood bead dangle earrings are stacked with joyful color. Rita Addo Zakour of Ghana designs these earrings with a translucent recycled plastic bead on the top and bottom of each colorful stack of wood discs. and brass hooks.

Balinese artisan Sarwaedi presents this lovely decorative box. Hand carved from suar wood into the shape of a dragonfly, the box is composed of several pieces which lock together like a puzzle. The box can be used for decoration or to hold small items such as jewelry.

A realm of peace, resilience and dragonflies lives inside the heart-shaped pinewood pendant that beautifies Josefina and Cecilia's newest creation. This gifted duo draws inspiration from the Mexican region's floral scapes and paints them on this necklace using a palette of vibrant hues. The accessory also has classic metallic details and a comfortable waxed cord accented by a dragonfly-shaped toggle clasp.

Edged with golden color, this beautiful decorative box is the work of Gelacio Girón. Dragonflies dance amid blossoms on a bright turquoise background. Painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes, the motifs reveal a colorful clarity in this traditional Andean art form.

Gorgeously crafted from mango wood in the breathtaking Thailand, Prathin's newest creation arrives to embrace your beloved items with the region's essence. The artisan works with sublime artistry on this round decorative box, whose palette of golden and black hues unites the portrait of a dragonfly on a rice ear, representing Thailand's rich and tender nature. As a touch of fineness, the piece has a lacquered finish.

A realm of love and beauty lives inside the heart-shaped pinewood pendant that embellishes Josefina and Cecilia's newest creation. This gifted duo draws inspiration from the Mexican region's spring season and paints it on this necklace using a palette of vibrant hues. The accessory also has classic metallic details and a comfortable waxed cord accented by a dragonfly-shaped toggle clasp.