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Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Durable professional beading thread

Stainless steel wire and stainless steel earring wires

Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Stainless steel wire

1" 1/4 wide and 1 1/2" long, with a 2 1/4" drop from earring wire at earlobe hole

Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Stainless steel wire

1 1/2" long and 1 1`/8 " wide, with a 2 1/4" drop from earring wire at earlobe hole

Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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. She still has a Fair Trade beading group and 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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Durable professional beading thread

Stainless steel wire

Coated copper wire

1 1/8" long and 2" wide, with a 2 3/4" drop from earring wire

Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Stainless steel wire

1 1/2" long and 1 1`/8 " wide, with a 2 1/4" drop from earring wire at earlobe hole

Our beaded earrings are super-popular! They are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, durable professional beading thread, and stainless steel earring wires. 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.

Our stainless steel earring wires are nickel-free and considered hypo-allergenic for the vast majority of people.

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.

Earrings are shipped in a gift box.

Czech glass beads and crystals

Stainless steel wire

Coated copper wire

1" 1/4 wide and 1 1/2" long, with a 2 1/4" drop from earring wire at earlobe hole

This distinctive crocheted kippah (yarmulke) is handcrafted by our artisan partners. Featuring bold jewel tones in teal and blue.  This kippah coordinates with our handwoven tallit.

Some use an upside-down kippah on their bureau to keep their jewelry in.

• 100% cotton (recycled and new)
• Approximately 6" diameter

Our woven Guatemalan aprons are a colorful, beautiful necessity for any home cook! Each apron is expertly hand-woven in a variety of Guatemalan handwoven fabrics that match our other gorgeous kitchen items. As always.... Handmade & Fair Trade!

• 27''L x 36'' W
• 100% Cotton
• Machine Washable 
• Adjustable String Neck & Waist Ties

Our customers, for years, have returned to our sales events and shown us their "Best Cotton Wallets." After years and years of use, they still hold up! This wallet is not one designed for planned obsolescence. 

The fabric is tightly woven on traditional backstrap looms using 100% cotton yarn hand-dyed in small batches. Exceptionally well-tailored by the co-op’s tailors, some of the best in Guatemala.

Please note the color way you would like. Currently in stock: rusty reds/gold/black stripes, purple stripes, brown stripes, slate blue and red stripes, green stripes, tan stripes, fuchsia/blue/ivory stripes, brown/black/turquoise stripes.

4”W x 4.5”H. 

100% cotton

Velcro closure, zippered compartment for coins. Several pockets that fit ID and credit cards. Long compartment for bills and receipts.

Product Care
Spot clean with mild soap. Hand wash in cold water with mild soap such as hair or baby shampoo, lay flat until dry.

Our tiger 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 toucan beaded ornament / 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our macrame and beaded bracelets are handmade by Maya women artisans using the highest quality Czech glass beads and crystals, and durable 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.

Our bracelets close easily with a toggle closure: one end has beaded loops and the other a T-shaped piece that slips into one of the loops, depending on how tight or loose you would like the bracelet to be. All very sturdy! 

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. She still has a Fair Trade beading group and 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

Durable professional beading thread

Rayon macrame thread

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Our scarves are gorgeous, comfortable, of the highest quality, and affordable. They drape beautifully. Suitable for wearing as an outdoor winter scarf or indoor ornamental scarf. They are colorfast and the chenille will not rub off onto your clothing.

The process of making a scarf is labor intensive. The 100% bamboo chenille is wound into skeins on a hand-powered machine, then hand-dyed with dyes imported from the US. The yarn is then warped onto a warping board. The scarf is then handwoven on a traditional backstrap loom, a process which often takes a full day of work. The chenille is made from sustainably-grown organic bamboo thread in China.

Product Care
Hand wash in cold water with mild soap such as hair or baby shampoo, lay flat until almost dry, then “fluff up” briefly (three minutes) with a fabric softener sheet in a dryer set on low-heat gentle.

Always use fabric softener and minimize agitation and heat. Agitation will eventually remove the pile from the chenille and the tassels, and tangle the tassels. Heat could shrink your item.

For creases or a too-worn look, freshen up by spritzing with water and drying as above. Or hang in a steamy bathroom.

The fabric has already been washed by hand and dried as above, in Guatemala.

Or you may professionally dry clean your scarf. 

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.