gifts we love

"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.

Offering their song, elephants decorate this ceremonial bell from Thailand. Terrasak Chaiwong creates this bell, crafted from brass with oxidized accents for an antique aesthetic. Perfect as a wind or door chime, as well as simple home decor, the bell swings from a satin ribbon.

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.

Adi Noviantara honors Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts who symbolizes the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati rides a swan, symbolizing purity and her four hands represent four aspects of learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She plays the music of love and life on a veena. This highly detailed bronze sculpture with a greenish black antiqued finish.

The sculpture may present miniscule pores resulting from the crafting process. The antique finish may result in slightly different coloring.

Working with recycled metal auto parts carefully chosen and welded together, Mexican artisan Armando Ramirez designs and crafts this magnificent sculpture that depicts a fearsome shark. The sculpture is an ideal gift for all ocean lovers.

A love story forged from metal, this handcrafted figurine transforms nuts, bolts and gears into an affectionate female robot holding a bright red heart in her hands. The welded details capture movement and charm, making this recycled creation both playful and expressive. Peruvian artisan Miguel ‘Metal’ Mejia proves that even industrial scraps can tell a heartfelt tale.