All Products

Our beaded reindeer ornament/key ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

" long x " high, with beaded loop. 

Our reindeer beaded ornament ring/backpack charm is handmade by Creaciones Chonita, a group of Maya women artisans, using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

2 7/8" high x 2 1/4" wide x 1/2" deep, with 1" beaded loop. 

Soft like butter! Our customers have been gobbling these up!

Skeins of bamboo thread made from organically-grown* bamboo fiber in China are hand-dyed in four to six colors, in small batches. All these colors show up in the fringes and in a unique jaspe pattern throughout the scarf. (Each scarf is unique!) Each scarf is then warped on a warping board. The warp is then put on a backstrap loom and handwoven. When completed, the fringes are hand-knotted, the scarf is hand-washed, and fabric softener added. It is then dried, first laid out in the sun, then in a dryer. The fringes are then finished, and the scarf is packed to send to A Thread of Hope!

The process is virtually the same as the process used to make chenille scarves shown in the PowerPoint here.

* The bamboo fiber has three certifications: Forest Stewardship Council, which  encourages environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests; OEKO-TEX to ensure that chemical residues in the fabric do not exceed certain limits; and certified organic by ECOCERT SA. We have copies of these certifications on file.

* Bamboo thread is not manufactured in Guatemala. For that matter, virtually no thread is manufactured in Guatemala. For example, the vast majority of cotton thread also comes from far away -- India. (The most arable land is used for export crops such as pineapples, bananas, and African palm oil for biofuels. Severe maldistribution of arable land in Guatemala is a significant problem, with one impact being the 4th highest rate of child malnutrition in the world.)

* Cellulose is extracted from the bamboo by heating and with the addition of sodium hydroxide in a closed system. This method is approved by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) certification guarantees that the personnel and the environment are not adversely affected and that the process takes place in a closed system.

Product Care
Hand wash in cold water with mild soap such as hair or baby shampoo, and rinse with fabric softener. Hang to dry. Iron as needed, using rayon setting. If your scarf is open-weave, be careful not to get the tip of the iron caught in the weaving. 

Andres first learned hand embroidery, then taught himself how to do thread painting on a sewing machine. He uses photos of birds and butterflies that we have chosen from books or online as models for his embroidery. The fabric is hand-woven on backstrap looms, then placed in an embroidery hoop to stretch it during the embroidery process. He then “thread paints” the design using his sewing machine, moving the fabric in various ways to get the desired texture and effect. Quickly “painting” then changing the thread color and “painting” again, it is amazing how expertly he produces the embroidery. He then tailors the coin purse, adding zippers and linings. We have watched his work improve over the years, and nowadays he has reached the peak!

He usually is found wearing traditional men’s pants of Santiago Atitlan, mid-calf and embroidered with birds.

5.25” W and 4.25” H
Zipper closure
Extra zippered pocket on back 3.25” high and 5.25” wide
Cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom.
Many colors of cotton thread and acrylic “brilliante” threads.

Andres first learned hand embroidery, then taught himself how to do thread painting on a sewing machine. He uses photos of birds and butterflies that we have chosen from books or online as models for his embroidery. The fabric is hand-woven on backstrap looms, then placed in an embroidery hoop to stretch it during the embroidery process. He then “thread paints” the design using his sewing machine, moving the fabric in various ways to get the desired texture and effect. Quickly “painting” then changing the thread color and “painting” again, it is amazing how expertly he produces the embroidery. He then tailors the coin purse, adding zippers and linings. We have watched his work improve over the years, and nowadays he has reached the peak!

He usually is found wearing traditional men’s pants of Santiago Atitlan, mid-calf and embroidered with birds.

5.25” W and 4.25” H
Zipper closure
Extra zippered pocket on back 3.25” high and 5.25” wide
Cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom.
Many colors of cotton thread and acrylic “brilliante” threads.

Lined.

Our beaded rooster ornament/key ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

" long x " high, with beaded loop. 

Twelve years ago we met Rafael selling his beautiful hand-carved coconut shell jewelry to tourists on the shore of Lake Atitlán. Eliza and her mom visited Rafael and his family and watched in marvel as he showed us the entire process of creating a necklace. We then worked with him to develop a line of over 100 designs. We continue to add new designs to the website every week. Suggestions? Let us know!

Each piece is approximately 1.25” in diameter. There is some variation in the tone of the natural coconut shell. There is also some variation in the metal ring. Each pendant is attached to an adjustable black necklace cord.

You can wear these like friendship necklaces, i.e., leave them on 24/7. The tone of the coconut will evolve with exposure to moisture.

The Rosa Basket is made with pine needles bound together in an intricate design executed in raffia. It's both practical and beautiful.  Handmade and fair trade.

• Pine needles and raffia
• 10" x 8" wide top opening; 6 3/4" x 4 1/2" wide at base; 3 1/4"H

Andres first learned hand embroidery, then taught himself how to do thread painting on a sewing machine. He uses photos of birds and butterflies that we have chosen from books or online as models for his embroidery. The fabric is hand-woven on backstrap looms, then placed in an embroidery hoop to stretch it during the embroidery process. He then “thread paints” the design using his sewing machine, moving the fabric in various ways to get the desired texture and effect. Quickly “painting” then changing the thread color and “painting” again, it is amazing how expertly he produces the embroidery. He then tailors the coin purse, adding zippers and linings. We have watched his work improve over the years, and nowadays he has reached the peak!

He usually is found wearing traditional men’s pants of Santiago Atitlan, mid-calf and embroidered with birds.

5.25” W and 4.25” H
Zipper closure
Extra zippered pocket on back 3.25” high and 5.25” wide
Cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom.
Many colors of cotton thread and acrylic “brilliante” threads.

Lined.

Andres first learned hand embroidery, then taught himself how to do thread painting on a sewing machine. He uses photos of birds and butterflies that we have chosen from books or online as models for his embroidery. The fabric is hand-woven on backstrap looms, then placed in an embroidery hoop to stretch it during the embroidery process. He then “thread paints” the design using his sewing machine, moving the fabric in various ways to get the desired texture and effect. Quickly “painting” then changing the thread color and “painting” again, it is amazing how expertly he produces the embroidery. He then tailors the coin purse, adding zippers and linings. We have watched his work improve over the years, and nowadays he has reached the peak!

He usually is found wearing traditional men’s pants of Santiago Atitlan, mid-calf and embroidered with birds.

5.25” W and 4.25” H
Zipper closure
Extra zippered pocket on back 3.25” high and 5.25” wide
Cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom.
Many colors of cotton thread and acrylic “brilliante” threads.

Lined.

Deep Pine Needle Basket can contain an abundance of fruit or a knitting project, but you may want to keep it empty so you can admire the decorative lattice corners. Handmade and fair trade. 

• Pine needles and raffia (natural and dyed)
• Base: 7" Top Width: 11" Height: 4 3/4"

Lovely subtle tones and handwoven texture to enhance any meal, any time of day. Features solid stripes in soft sand and sage in a variety of widths, with traditional peine ("comb") stripes providing even more visual interest.  Pair with matching table runner, handwoven napkins, and brocade coasters from our Madre Tierra collection for a complete table setting.

• 100% cotton
• 14" wide x 20" long

Lovely subtle tones and handwoven texture to enhance any meal, any time of day. Features solid stripes in soft sand and sage in a variety of widths, with traditional peine ("comb") stripes providing even more visual interest. Hand-twisted fringe. Handwoven on the traditional backstrap loom by Mayan Hands weavers in Sololá. Pairs beautifully with matching placemats and handwoven napkins.

• 100% cotton
• 14" x 72"
• Cold water wash, line dry

Our Santa ornament/key ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

" long x " high, with beaded loop. 

Our Santa ornament/key ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

" long x " high, with beaded loop. 

These beautiful masks are handmade with an outer layer of foot-loom woven cotton with an inner layer of cotton twill fabric. The elastic goes behind the ears. They have sewn-in metal (a coated paper clip) at the nose for a better fit.

The fabric is handwoven on large foot looms using jaspe techniques. 

These masks are durable, washable and re-usable. Handmade by the small group of women organized by Candy, the Maya social work student who helped with the food and hygiene products distribution in Santiago.

Choose the size you would like: 

Regular:  5" H x 7.5" W

Large:  6.5" H x 8" W

Extra Large: 7" H x 8" W

Please note these masks are not medical grade or N95. However, they do follow the CDC's recommendations for cloth face masks. Follow all recommended face-covering guidelines. Wash after each use. Hand-wash or place in a garment bag if using a washing machine.

All mask sales are final, for hygienic reasons. Please wash your mask before use. 

Pine needle bowl basket handwoven of longleaf pine needles and natural raffia will hold anything from precious items to keys... but also good simply as is, to display its intricate interior pattern.

• Pine needles and raffia
• Approximately 7" wide at top, 5" wide at the bottom, and 2 1/4"high

Our Scarlet Tanager bird beaded ornament ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

A perfect gift for bird-lovers! Perfect as a key ring, backpack ornaments, and ornament for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

3 7/8" long x 1 1/2" high x 1" wide, with 1 3/4" beaded loop. 

Twelve years ago we met Rafael selling his beautiful hand-carved coconut shell jewelry to tourists on the shore of Lake Atitlán. Eliza and her mom visited Rafael and his family and watched in marvel as he showed us the entire process of creating a necklace. We then worked with him to develop a line of over 100 designs. We continue to add new designs to the website every week. Suggestions? Let us know!

Each piece is approximately 1.25” in diameter. There is some variation in the tone of the natural coconut shell. There is also some variation in the metal ring. Each pendant is attached to an adjustable black necklace cord.

You can wear these 24/7, including in the shower. The tone of the coconut will evolve with exposure to moisture.

Each scrunchy is made from elastic and covered in vibrant and gorgeous handwoven Guatemalan fabric. Our scrunchies make the perfect gift and are a great addition to any outfit! And best of all, they stay in your hair!

• 100% Handwoven Cotton
• Elastic Band
• One Size
• Assorted Colors - let us know any color preference, with second choice.
• Each sold separately

Our skilled UPAVIM team put their hearts into crafting the Sea Otter Skillet Handle Holder, adding a delightful touch to your cooking routine. Constructed from 100% cotton, it keeps your hands protected while handling hot skillet handles. Its clever design makes it practical and fashionable at the same time. With charming embroidered details resembling a lovable otter, this pot holder is the perfect addition to your quirky kitchen collection. Whether you're a fan of otters or just appreciate unique and useful items, this Fair Trade friend is sure to make a splash!

By purchasing from UPAVIM, you're not only getting a high-quality and stylish kitchen accessory, but you're also supporting UPAVIM Crafts' mission to empower women and families in marginalized communities in Guatemala. It's a fabulous way to make a positive impact!

• Hot Skillet Handle Cover Size: 6" L and 3" W. Long enough to fit most pot handles. Before buying, check your handle size. Removable handle cover slips easily onto hot frying pan & pot hand grips.
  
• High Heat Resistance: High quality sustainable cotton material; creates insulating layer of protection, keeping you and your family's hands from being burned. DO NOT use holder when coming in contact with open flames. Not intended for use in the oven.
  
• Multiple Uses: Pan handle holders for hot food has strong compatibility, suitable for most pot, cast iron woks, griddles, frying pans, skillets, oven trays, plates, the pot handle covers are general size, fits for most pot handle
  
• Easy to Store and Clean: The pot handle holder can be washed in the washing machine or warm water. Designed with a loop for convenient hanging storage.
  
• Unique Designs Printed: our Skillet Handle Covers are perfect for any event (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Housewarming, etc.) and are designed with UPAVIM's most popular fabrics.

Twelve years ago we met Rafael selling his beautiful hand-carved coconut shell jewelry to tourists on the shore of Lake Atitlán. Eliza and her mom visited Rafael and his family and watched in marvel as he showed us the entire process of creating a necklace. We then worked with him to develop a line of over 100 designs. We continue to add new designs to the website every week. Suggestions? Let us know!

Each piece is approximately 1.25” in diameter. There is some variation in the tone of the natural coconut shell. There is also some variation in the metal ring. Each pendant is attached to an adjustable black necklace cord.

You can wear these 24/7, including in the shower. The tone of the coconut will evolve with exposure to moisture.

Our beaded seahorse ornament/key ring/backpack charm is handmade by Maya women artisans using high quality Czech glass beads and professional beading thread. Czech glass beads, when viewed under a microscope, refract light in complicated ways, leading them to be quite vibrant. They are durable, colorfast, and smooth.

Stuffed with recycled plastic bags to help it keep its shape!

Super-popular with kids and adults alike! Perfect as key rings, backpack ornaments, and ornaments for the tree or around the house.

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Beading in Guatemala expanded greatly after a beading artist came from California several decades ago and started a beading group in Santiago Atitlán, training the women to make high quality beaded items. A number of the women who worked with her have started their own groups. Now there is so much beading done in Guatemala that there are bead importers and wholesalers in Guatemala City.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Recycled plastic bags

Durable professional beading thread

3 1/2" long x 1 1/2" deep x 7/8" wide, with 1" beaded loop. 

Cooking is love made visible! What better way to send love than by giving the gift of our favorite kitchen items? 

The set includes:

• Macawood Measuring Spoon Set
• Festive Heart Pot Holder
• Macawood Tasting Spoon

Upavim products are all handmade in Guatemala and proceeds support their community school located on the outskirts of Guatemala City. UPAVIM Crafts is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation.

Handwoven Shadowed Jaspe Placemat will add a happy pop of color to the table, breakfast lunch or dinner. Mayan Hands weavers incorporate subtle traditional jaspe (also known as ikat) stripes into this multi-color design. Coordinating napkins and matching table runner and tablecloth available and sold separately. Handmade and fair trade.

• 100% cotton
• 14" wide x 20" long

Shadowed Jaspe Table Runner brings the vibrant colors of Guatemala to your table. This beautiful design alternates color gradations with jaspe (also known as ikat), a time-consuming resist-dyeing technique that creates a distinctive pattern. Handwoven on the backstrap loom with hand-knotted finish. Matching placemats and coordinating napkins available. Handmade and fair trade.