Bird Mobile
Artisans from the La Semilla de Dios cooperative in Chalatenango crafted this rustic step stool in the traditional La Palma folk-art style. One artist draws the motif, a second artist hand-paints it, and after final touch-ups the piece is varnished for durability. The stool is made of pine, and the four legs retain a natural bark exterior for a rustic look. Family Tree of Life Stool, $48.
This speckled glaze vase is a fair-trade certified piece made by ACOGIPRI, an association of young Salvadoran artisans with physical disabilities. The vase is thrown on a potter’s wheel, then dipped in a mustard-yellow glaze flecked with brown for a warm, earthy finish. Simple and sturdy, the vase stands just under 10 inches tall. Speckled Glaze Vase, $38.
The colorful bird mobile brings a cheerful note to any window. Its palette reflects the vivid colors mountain villagers in El Salvador use to paint their homes. Produced through People of Hope Crafts, the mobile is sold under fair-trade arrangements that ensure artisans receive fair market value for their work. Colorful Bird Mobile, $39.96.
This striking note card serves both as an elegant means of communication and as a source of livelihood. Part of the Portraits of El Salvador collection from Hope for Women, each card is handmade by a woman who lost her home in the highland cloud forest to earthquake and mudslide. Every card is one of a kind. Hope for Women “Eva” card, $5 each.