In this handcrafted collection, each piece tells a story
Opposite of off-the-shelf
Our new handcrafted collection spans four countries to create sustainable income for nearly 200 skilled artisans. That means each piece tells a story.
“It unites global artisans to celebrate their craftsmanship, culture and generations-old techniques,” says West Elm’s artisan craft consultant, Diego Olivero. “This cross-country collaboration creates positive impact in their communities.”
Guatemala
Marla Chanta, master artisan weaver
Antigua
About an hour from Guatemala City, 20 macrame weavers create these wall hangings by hand. They’re part of Wakami, an artisan collective that transforms communities by empowering women with skills training, income opportunities and education for their children.
“Each piece has a lot of hopes and dreams,” says Marla Chanta, a master artisan weaver. The venture has already seen powerful results: 60% of the artisans’ children improved their nutritional status, and nine of every 10 are in school—a rate 75% higher than the national average.
Guatemala City
Nearby, 25 artisans make up Meso Goods, focused on celebrating Latin America’s artisanal traditions through modern design interpretations, sustainable sourcing and cultural preservation. “For me, this [wool-spinning] technique is ancestral,” says master artisan Luis Poncio. “Our grandparents left it, and we don’t want it to get lost because it’s so beautiful.”
Honduras
Sabanagrande
In the mountains of Honduras, Atuto artisan collective produces handcrafted goods with local clay, wood, metal, fiber and stone. “My favorite part of my job is working with other women from my community and teaching them the process,” says Patricia Diaz, one of 30 artisans who create this abstract metal and wool wall art.
“Showing Honduran culture to the world is a source of pride.”
Norma Lilian Cruz, master artisan
Philippines
Taguig
For over four decades, wicker weavers, carpenters and metal workers at Durus have been handcrafting baskets, accessories and furniture. Now—with 450 artisans and six techniques in its repertoire—the artisan group is applying its expertise to natural fiber wall art.
Las Pinas
Meet Robles: a family-owned business that supports local Filipino artisans and traditional capiz craft. To make this wall art, each capiz shell is harvested, hand cut and hand strung by one of 30 artisans.
Haiti
Port-au-Prince
Caribbean Craft creates training and jobs to address the country’s high unemployment rates. The papier-mache workshop sources almost all its materials locally (90% of which are recycled!).
Dumas Jeannot, papier-mache artisan
“You take a piece of cardboard, a little water and starch, cook it, dry it … and see Haiti standing in front of you.”
Marie Marthe, master artisan