Journal

Journal

A Workshop: How To Make Hooked Baskets & Footstools

21st Feb 2017

Greetings from Panajachel Guatemala! We are back in Guatemala to help with a “product development” workshop for the artisans of Multicolores, the NGO here in Guatemala that supports and develops the women artisans.

The workshop is being led by our friend Mary Flanagan, a textile artisan who is also a brilliant product designer. Mary is that great combination of maker, designer and teacher. Learn more about Mary at mfwoolens.com.

As you know, we have worked with Multicolores artisans for a few years. The ability of the women artisans to design and hook rugs is expanding all the time. We continue to be awed by their creativity. We picked up a few new rugs that can only be described as stunning. We will post them on the website ASAP.

This trip we are working with the artisans so that they can learn how to make a Hooked Basket and a footstool. The artisans used a provided template and hooked the basket sides and bottom. The footstool has a wooden box as a base.

This week Mary is teaching them how to assemble their items. The women are excited to learn something new and expand their earning potential. We will be selling the Hooked Baskets and footstools on the website as they are available.

As always … there is a little time left for fun and silliness. The women loved playing the Balloon Game. The courtyard setting is perfect. The birds were singing and the flowers are so beautiful. Spring is already here.