Elena Ixtamer

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I enjoy my art. Each step is an adventure and I discover new things every day that lead to better results and better designs to offer you.

I'm Elena Ixtamer. I love being able to introduce myself to you. I was born in 1975 in a small town in Guatemala. I grew up admiring my country's natural beauty, and what place could be better than on the shores of Lake Atitlan? My mother was an artisan who wove on a backstrap loom and my father was a day laborer.

"When I was eight, my mother began teaching me to weave with patience and love. This art is learned by most women at a very young age. Due to its complexity, and because it is part of our traditions and customs, it is also part of a family legacy. Just as I learned from my mother, my mom learned from my grandmother. Now I'm teaching my own daughters, because weaving by hand is an art that represents us as Guatemalans. It has given my family much joy, since it has been our main source of income, and not just for me, but for many families.

"I have been weaving since 2004 and I really love it. I have learned many more techniques that have allowed me to experiment and grow. I dream of knowing that my designs are highlighting feminine beauty in other countries, and that these women know that they are made with love and dedication because, when I weave, I'm always thinking of shoppers who are looking for a handmade, quality textile."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

For best chance of delivery for Christmas, place orders using Standard Shipping by December 14th. United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.