gifts for artists

"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.

"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.

Inspired by the colonial art styles of the "Cuzco School", artisan Gliseria Soto crafts a distinguished wall mirror. The frame is carved by hand from mohena wood and embellished with bronze leaf. Preserving a time-honored technique, Soto adds small panels of reverse-painted glass with floral motifs to the frame. The result is stunning.

Inspired by the colonial art styles of the "Cuzco School", artisan Gliseria Soto crafts a small but impressive wall mirror. The frame is carved by hand from mohena wood and embellished with bronze leaf. Preserving a time-honored technique, Soto adds small panels of reverse-painted glass with floral motifs to the frame. The result is stunning.

In designing this traditional spirit house, Thai artisan Jaifah Aksornsri draws inspiration from the architectural styles of temples from the ancient Lanna kingdom. It is customary for people in Thailand to build a san phra poom, or "guardian spirit house" when they finish building their own house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place, inviting a protective spirit to live inside the small house. These spirit houses are believed to bring luck, happiness, success, and security to those within the home. Handcrafted from mango wood, red stairs lead to a spirit house that is given a bronze-tone finish with colorful mirrored glass accents.

In designing this traditional spirit house, Thai artisan Jaifah Aksornsri draws inspiration from the architectural styles of temples from the ancient Lanna kingdom. It is customary for people in Thailand to build a san phra poom, or "guardian spirit house" when they finish building their own house. A Buddhist ceremony takes place, inviting a protective spirit to live inside the small house. These spirit houses are believed to bring luck, happiness, success, and security to those within the home. Handcrafted from mango wood, a small set of red stairs leads to a spirit house that is given a bronze-tone finish with colorful mirrored glass accents.