These beaded ornaments are made by a women’s co-operative in a small village on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. The women work in groups of five or so to produce these designs. The glass beads are placed in a multicolored pile upon a flat surface in front of each woman and are picked up on needles held between each woman's thumb and index finger in a process so quick and precise that it seems like sleight of hand. As beads accrue, the sculpture emerges. Beaders must learn to weave or sculpt each new design separately and to achieve the uniformity necessary they must memorize hundreds of steps for each figure. Experienced beaders can produce up to two pieces in a day.

In small workshops around the globe, skilled artisans bring these whimsical designs to life.  They have been working the same artisan groups for over 10 years and have developed long-term, committed partnerships that help promote sustainable income, environmental awareness, and greater economic equality.  They pay fair prices in the local context, offer fair credit terms and prompt payment; they promote safe and healthy workplaces and respect cultural diversity.

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IMPACT:

• Supports Artisans
• Fair Trade/Wage
• Creates Jobs
• Socio-Economic
• Employment
• Worker Safety