What's new at Handmade

Handmade by Friendship Bridge® chose nahuales, a concept important to the Indigenous Maya, as the theme for a unique artisan project called Beading Wonders, generously supported by our donor, Betty Chambers Toguchi. We commissioned our Indigenous Mayan client, Maria, to create hand-beaded artwork that showcases her skills while also bringing to light a part of her ancestral culture that is often overlooked. This art piece, representing the nahual known as Tz’i, is one example from the Beading Wonders Collection.

What really goes on in Handmade by Friendship Bridge® training sessions? Learn more about how our staff prepares artisans to grow their businesses and thrive in a competitive artisan market.

Learn how Guatemalan artisans create this age-old weaving style that is still popular today.

Create vibrant colors using natural materials like the ancient Maya did, and learn about the natural dyeing process used by our artisan, Elena.

In Mayan culture, you are born “under” a specific date on the Mayan calendar, known as a nahual. Your nahual is believed to reveal details about who you are, and is an important concept to the indigenous Maya. Our Handmade by Friendship Bridge® artisans are inspired by their nahuales, and this is reflected in their work.

Handmade by Friendship Bridge® looks back on individual and organizational achievements and moments worth celebrating in 2023.

The online women's magazine, Daily Mom, recently featured Jacinta's Quiché Small Backpack in the article, Support Healthy Living With 15 Great Lifestyle Products This Fall.

Use these unique wine charms when you gather with friends, and start a conversation about the empowering women who inspired them.

Rosario and the Handmade by Friendship Bridge® team worked on the dress over a span of eight weeks (80 hours), designing and manufacturing each piece, and Edna won the competition!

The Patzun huipil has 10 rows of embroidery with different shapes, all rich with symbolism that represent the world view of the indigenous Maya.

5 Springtime gift guides from My Four and More featuring Handmade by Friendship Bridge® products

Learn what the women of Handmade by Friendship Bridge® have overcome, and how they are working #EmbraceEquity in different ways.