Elevate your greetings with a handmade card created by the Magdalena Women Artists Association, featuring exquisite Guatemalan textile designs. This ivory Lino paper card pays homage to the region's stunning natural beauty, making it an exceptional choice for sending warm wishes.

Please note, you will receive one design at random from the ones pictured, adding an element of delightful surprise to your purchase.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 11.5 cm L x 15.5 cm W
• Weight: 0.05
• Color: Multi
• Material: Cotton textiles, ivory lino paper, card stock, reed ribbon
• Made in Guatemala

Story Behind the art:
The association was born in 2009 when three Maya women joined CREER, which offers micro-credits to people in need. These women artists create greeting cards in different designs, which are handcrafted with recycled textiles. Some use remnants from large lots of traditional Guatemalan apparel; others use weavings from huipil blouses and rebozos.

We enjoy creating art through cards, and we believe each one helps preserve our culture through our distinctive textiles, the women explain.

In the beginning, the women had no experience in handicrafts. An artist in their community volunteered to train them.

Luz, one of the artists, recalls, I was a little scared at first because I had never painted before and found it very difficult. But with the help of God and the patience of Carlos, we learned to paint. He taught us the primary and secondary colors, and showed us how to create shadows.

Leti says, It was very tough at first because we didn't know anything. Before we became involved with the project, the only things we knew how to do were cook, clean and take care of our children. I never imagined I'd do art work but, thanks to God, creating our cards has become much easier with practice.

This association represents the only opportunity for the women to craft the cards. Most jobs available in the area don't offer sufficient flexibility to accommodate their needs. For me, the greatest blessing is that I don't have to leave my baby while I work. Although I'd like to have a different job, I can't because of my baby. Here, I carry him in a shawl on my back and he can take a nap in the afternoons while I'm working. We work from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. I like that because I cook and clean the house in the mornings so I can work in the afternoon, Luz says with a smile.

Leti agrees, and adds, I work half a day, four days a week, and it's close to my house. I thank God that I can take care of my children and have a job at the same time. Now I can spend more time with them I did before.

The income from the sale of the cards helps augment the family economy for people of generally low income. I always wanted to earn some money to be able to help my husband with the household expenses, and now I can, Leti says. Sometimes we need to buy school supplies for our children, and now I can. If someone gets sick, we can afford the medicines we need.

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported