Blue

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.

29-30" long and 0.25" wide

Czech glass beads

Professional beading thread

Durable and re-usable, these beautiful contoured masks are handmade with an outer layer of hand-dyed lightweight bamboo handwoven on a backstrap loom and an inner layer of cotton fabric. The color ways are consistent, and how the colors flow in the weaving is unique—no two are exactly alike. The elastic goes behind the ears. They are hand-sewn by the co-op’s amazing tailors.

You can now get a mask to match your bamboo scarf or poncho!

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 prior to first use and after each use. Hand-wash or place in a garment bag if using a washing machine. Hang or lay flat to air dry. Make sure the mask is completely dry before using it again.

This size fits most people, but may not fit those with very large faces. Check out our full selection of masks of different styles and sizes.

5 1/2" from top of nose to chin along the curve of the fabric

7" from elastic to elastic, along the bottom of the mask

6 1/2" black elastic around one’s ears, and stretches to up to 12 1/4"

This mask does not have metal at the nose. The inside and outside are easily identifiable.

All mask sales are final, for hygienic reasons.

Here are helpful videos to learn how to safely wear a face mask—or to get a refresher. We found it worth spending the time to review! These videos are both worth watching as they review slightly different aspects:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwPWdkbyizw (5 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVJbenwzR1s   (6 minutes)

Help keep us all safe by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands. Be well!

Our beaded hummingbird 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

4" wide x 3 3/4" high x 1 1/2" deep, with 2" high beaded loop. 

Hand-crafted from high-quality vibrantly colorful Czech glass beads by Maria and Juan and their extended family members in Santiago Atitlan, these beaded hummingbirds are stunning decorations for your tree, windows, or anywhere in your home. They also make great backpack charms. Fairly-Traded.

The bodies are filled with recycled plastic bags. Their movable wings have various intricate patterns. Their tails have nine single strands of glass beads, each ending with a beautiful Czech glass crystal.

Not a toy. Intended for decoration only.

Each ornament is handmade, so variations are possible.

4.75" wing span

6.5" long

Loop with 2.5" drop for hanging

Inspired by beautiful Lake Atitlán, Mayan Hands weavers combine shades of blue for our for the distinctive Indigo & Blues Table Runner. A broad center indigo stripe is bordered by stripes of soft blues. A great accent for any table, any time of day. Matching placemats and coordinating napkins and coasters available. 

• 100% cotton
• 14" x 60"
• Cold water wash separately, line dry

Our beaded lizard pin 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

5" long x 1 5/8" high x 3" wide

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. 

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. 

Our 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

7 3/8" - 7 3/4" long and 1" wide

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

Our beaded peacock table ornament 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!

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

4 1/2" long x 4" high x 1 1/4" wide with tail flat or 3" wide with tail open

Our 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

7 3/8" - 7 3/4" long and 1" wide

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

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. 

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

Coated copper wire

The design is 1 5/8 "high and 1 1/8" wide, with a 2 5/8" drop from the top of the earring wire. 

Our 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

7 3/8" - 7 3/4" long and 1" wide

Not appropriate for children under three years of age.

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