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Voices and Visibility in Rural Guatemala

Voices and Visibility in Rural Guatemala

The products we sell are a tangible form of self-expression. When a Guatemalan beadworker creates a bracelet, for example, she instills that piece of jewelry with her personality.

Unfortunately, many women in rural Guatemala feel voiceless and invisible. This is the subject of a recent article by Melisa Kljuca, who writes about "Well-Being Clubs" in the villages of Departamento Baja Verapaz. ("De...

Update: A New School for Santiago Atitlan

Update: A New School for Santiago Atitlan

As we reported in last month's post, La Puerta Abierta is raising funds to build a preschool in Santiago Atitlan. This month, we have two exciting milestones to share!

During September, we raised $4,600 for the project -- all thanks to you! With your purchases, you made a major contribution to innovative education in rural Guatemala. (La Puerta Abierta has been developing programs there for nearl...

A New School for Santiago Atitlan

A New School for Santiago Atitlan

All this month, your purchases will help build a preschool in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. La Puerta Abierta, a force for innovative education in rural areas, is raising funds to construct a two-story module, including three classrooms, a multipurpose room, and an open area for special events.

As part of our commitment to the communities that create our products, we'll donate 15% of all Septembe...

Crossing the Ocean: A Creative Journey from Ghana to Guatemala

Crossing the Ocean: A Creative Journey from Ghana to Guatemala

Our collection celebrates all kinds of handmade treasures. We proudly showcase a diverse range of artisans, from weavers and potters to bead makers and textile designers. Most excitingly, we promote cross-cultural creations.

Let's take a peek behind the scenes, using one great example: we source recycled glass beads in Ghana, then journey to Guatemala, where they're transformed into fun fusion je...

New Colors: Handwoven Cotton Shirts, Pants, and Tunics from Guatemala

New Colors: Handwoven Cotton Shirts, Pants, and Tunics from Guatemala

We are excited to tell you about the arrival of new color fabrics for the popular handwoven cotton ikat men's shirts and pants from Guatemala!

This latest collection brings an array of hues that showcase the best of Guatemalan textile artistry.  The fabrics are woven in the highlands near Totonicapan. The weavers use floor looms to weave each fabric, ensuring that every piece is unique and of the...

The Latest from Ghana

The Latest from Ghana

This month, we're excited to share some fascinating news and insights from Ghana, a country renowned for its vibrant culture. As Ghana celebrates its Independence Day on March 6, marking its liberation from British colonial rule, we're reminded of the rich history and resilience of this beautiful nation.

In recent news, Ghana inaugurated its president, John Mahama, for a second term. His inaugura...

A Journey Behind the Scenes: Discovering the Artistry, Essence, and Spirit of Guatemala

A Journey Behind the Scenes: Discovering the Artistry, Essence, and Spirit of Guatemala

This month, we invite you to celebrate some of the skilled individuals behind the products you enjoy. Unique Batik will shine a spotlight on these remarkable artisans of Guatemala. We will be introducing new products from Marta, Anabela, and Diego.

Our journey will take you to some of the 11 villages around picturesque Lake Atitlan, where local artisans create stunning pieces, from handwoven and ...

New Year, New Wardrobe: How to Build a Sustainable and Ethical Closet

New Year, New Wardrobe: How to Build a Sustainable and Ethical Closet

As we step into the New Year, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes and adopt a more sustainable and ethical approach to fashion. Building an eco-conscious closet not only benefits the environment, but also supports ethical practices within the fashion industry. Follow these tips to curate a wardrobe that aligns with your values and makes a positive impact:

 

1. Choose Sustainable and E...

Back-to-School Basics

Back-to-School Basics

"E" Is for "Ethical"

And "F" is for "Fair Trade!" With another school year fast approaching, you may be wondering how to make ethical and sustainable choices for back-to-school items. Here are some ways you can do this when you shop:

Choose Fair Trade

Look for backpacks, bags, and pencil pouches made by artisans who are fair trade certified. These bags are often handmade by means of tradition...