gift for an artist

Miriam and Debora are two Guatemalan designers who work with a number of artisan women to create new products and provide work for traditional weavers. This 100% cotton throw pillow cover is handwoven, with an opening in the back to insert the pillow.

Artisan Elena Ixtamer uses the traditional waist loom to create this breezy open-weave poncho. Made of pure cotton yarns in a berry shade, the poncho is the perfect topper when you just need a light extra layer. The artisan hails from San Juan la Laguna in Guatemala, an area known for its use of natural textile dyes.

"Yellow diamonds are stars," members of Women United for Artisan Development explain. Meticulously handwoven on a backstrap loom, this beautiful burgundy cushion cover features corded edges and a solid back.

Should one of the threads snag, the artisans suggest you pull it back into place from the back of the fabric with a fine crochet hook.

"Red, purple and green evoke crimson fruits, like apples, strawberries and raspberries," members of Women United for Artisan Development confide. Meticulously handwoven on a backstrap loom, this delightful cushion cover features corded edges and a solid red back.

Should one of the threads snag, the artisans suggest you pull it back into place from the back of the fabric with a fine crochet hook.

Arrows of burgundy and beige hues embellish elegantly this pair of cotton tea towels crafted in Armenia by the talented artisan Hasmik Margaryan. As an expert in embroidery techniques, the artisan adds each geometric detail by putting her expertise into practice, creating a sublime design for an elegant kitchen.

Block printing in India is an ancient textile art form that dates back centuries. The labor-intensive process requires great skill and precision along with multiplesteps to create each piece. These lightly quilted,100% cotton reversible throws are an example ofthis ancient art form featuring subtle colors andcomplementary patterns.

Let your mornings hoot with a statement of capricious style with this owl-themed shoulder bag from Thailand. Keawpankanlaya and talented artisans present this practical accessory, whose cotton and polyester blend textiles create a sweet scene of owls on a peaceful morning. Burgundy straps allow a dapper look, while the main zipper closure secures the generous interior and inner pocket.

Let your evenings hoot with a statement of whimsical style with this owl-themed shoulder bag from Thailand. Keawpankanlaya and talented artisans present this convenient accessory, whose cotton and polyester blend textiles create a lovely scene of owls in a vibrant evening. Burgundy straps allow a chic look, while the main zipper closure secures the generous interior and inner pocket.

Burgundy and beige are woven into a hammock that promises a delightful rest. Mexico's Maya Artisans of the Yucatan keep tradition alive by weaving this cotton hammock with the same techniques developed by their Maya ancestors. The hammock's loops are crafted with nylon threads. Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honored customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

Please note: For best results, store indoors when not in use. Colors may bleed when wet.

Please note: The accompanying extension ropes may vary in color from those shown in the images.

NOTE: Because each is woven individually by hand, measurements may vary by as much as ten centimeters. There may be slight color variations from hammock to hammock.

To wash, hook the loops together and keep out of the basin to avoid hammock from getting tangled.

Rich shades of burgundy and rose make this batik shirt by Balinese artisan Agus Suryanto a stylish standout. The button-down design, short sleeves, and patch pockets are perfect for summer vacation, casual Friday, or any laid-back summer day, but it's the color that's truly eye-catching.

Vinita of Thailand presents this lovely striped scarf in burgundy and white. Thai artisans masterfully weave this cotton infinity scarf by hand, creating the perfect accessory for a chilly day.

The colorful genus of flowers known as "lily of the Incas" was the inspiration for the hand-embroidered design of this organic cotton blouse. Peruvian artisans hand-stitch a handful of petite flowers along with a wealth of soutache embroidery and crocheted lace details at the bust and cuffs. Button-and-loop closures and a V-neck collar make this blouse perfect for work or weekends.