Category Archives: Handcrafted

Chila Bags

The Wayúu (aka Wayu) people inhabit the arid Guajira Peninsula straddling the Venezuela-Colombia border, on the Caribbean Sea coast. Weaving and crocheting make up a large part of their daily life, especially for women.  The tribe produces millions of high-quality artisan products every year playing a vital role in the local economy. They are mostly known for their woven Wayuu bags.  

Found this beautiful collection of bags from Chila Bags, Japan.  “Chila Bags” not only pays legitimate wages, but also provides livelihood support for the contracted ethnic groups.  Bags are an important source of income for the Wayuu people with large families. Purchasing bags packed with great traditions and techniques helps to protect their lifestyle. And Chila Bags ship internationally.

You can find Chila Bags on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

Images:  Courtesy of Chila Bags.

Special FRESH

We like this line of handmade bags from the Japanese brand, Special FRESH.  The maker creates them with a collage of fabric scraps embellished with stitches, embroidery, appliqué and pom poms.  Each item is one-of-a-kind and impossible to mass produce.  Her line includes bags, pillows, book covers and scarves. As per most of the Japanese maker sites the creator remains unknown.  

However you can view more of her work on her website, Facebook and Instagram.  Items  can be purchased on Japanese handmade market sites, Creema, Iichi and Minne.  For overseas shipping, please contact them before purchasing. 

Images:  Courtesy of Special FRESH.

Shiratani Kobo

Been looking at hearts for the upcoming holiday and found these in one of Japan’s lifestyle blog.  The brand, Shiratani Kobo, makes their products using recycled scrap wood from dismantled houses and construction sites. They create household goods, stationery, accessories and furniture.   Each piece is carefully handmade with carpenter’s designs and techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years. The name of the workshop comes from the place name of Shirotani village where their workshop is located.  

More of their work can be viewed on their website, Facebook and Instagram.  They sell their work in the Japanese handmade market sites, Iichi and Minne.

Images:  Courtesy of Shiratani Kobo (aka Shiroitani Koubou).

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