earthy decor

Saint Benedict, patron of good fortune, infuses valiant energies into this suncatcher, whose colors evoke Earth's beauty. Artisan Alejandra Paiz of Guatemala uses crystals in ivory, yellow and brown hues to form the piece—crowned with a pewter Saint Benedict medallion. A brown polyester cord completes the design with convenience, whereas stainless steel wires ensure a glorious illusion.

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.

"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.

Square tiles of dark orange and forest green combine with earthy appeal in this wall mirror from Kamal in India. The round mirror is crafted by hand with glass mosaic tiles on a wood base. Adding to its unique design are square mirrored tiles and splashes of silver that catch the light.

Glass mosaic in deep rich green and brown evokes the earth illuminated by sudden lightning. Placed by hand, the tiles surround a wall mirror by Kamal in India.

Shining from afar onto the planet Earth, the sun centers this decorative plate by Kobina Asmah. "It gives us energy and sustains life," he explains. "The blue represents the oceans while the green symbolizes vegetation. Brass inlay becomes sun rays. This is a reminder of the importance of the sun to human existence. We must be wary of the depletion of Earth's ozone layer." The Ghanaian artisan depicts the symbol in beadwork on a decorative plate of sese wood. It arrives with an iron stand.

This lovely octagonal mirror features a frame made of reverse painted glass. In this technique, the glass is painted on the underside then mounted to a wood frame, both protecting the painted image and giving depth to the artwork. Flora Polo of Peru designs this mirror with floral and medallion motifs in a variety of earthy colors such as green, rose, and dark cream, with the wood frame separating the glass panels painted gold. A brass hanger on the back makes it easy to display the mirror on the wall.

This decorative box features beautiful reverse-painted glass with maps of the world on its lid and four sides. Peruvian artisan Asunta Pelaez handcrafts the box from plywood and paints by hand the world map scenes on the reverse side of glass panes, that are then secured to the box surface. You'll appreciate the careful choice of color to represent the various geographic features of the Earth. The hinged lid opens to reveal a single compartment, painted black.