practical decor

Guatemalan artisan Liz Oliva skillfully sculpts the colorful flowers and leaves that grace the lid of this charming decorative jar from papier mache. Boasting a palette of delicate pink, purple, yellow and green shades, the glass jar is both beautiful and practical as it transcends its ornamental purposes and can be used to store beloved trinkets.

Peruvian artisan Flora Polo shows the world her talent with an exquisite design crafted from wood. After assembling the pen holder's sturdy structure, the artisan puts her expertise into practice and creates a tender scene of a bird on a flowery branch, all on a green base hue reminiscent of spring. The image is made using the traditional reverse glass painting technique, which allows the item to have that glamorous aura.

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.

Gorgeous leaves go all over a traditional design by Carlos Mendez from Mexico. Putting his woodworking techniques into practice, the artisan creates a vibrant hand mirror from copal wood. Then, the artisan chooses a colorful palette to paint a stunning pattern inspired by nature, all on a red base that enhances every little detail.