Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/artisan-animal-lover-gift-guide/
‘Tis the season of giving, so we have compiled a list of handcrafted goods that give back in more than one way.
We have chosen a few of our favorite animal-themed gifts made by artisans from around the world.
There is something for “crazy cat ladies”, bird lovers, and those wild at heart.
Just be warned, you will probably want a few items for yourself.
Aside from getting an original gift, your purchase at The GreaterGood Store will also fund people, pets, or the planet (you choose) and support the hardworking artisans.
Check out the gift ideas below and learn more about the skilled people who created the one-of-a-kind gifts with their own two hands.
Jewelry
Sea Turtle Earrings
$22.95
Wadarat Supasirisuk handcrafts baby sea turtles from sterling silver to create these adorable stud earrings.
Honeybee Earrings
$22.95
Delightful honeybees sparkle in sterling silver. These stud earrings are handcrafted by Wadarat Supasirisuk. Bee-uitfully designed these earrings are sure to create a “buzz”.
Meet The Artisan:
Designed and created by Wadarat Supasirisuk in Thailand.
She has spent years in the industry and makes high quality silver jewelry. The artist told us, “Earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets – I design all these products myself, sometimes adapting patterns I see in magazines and catalogues, sometimes simply through asking clients and professionals about the current trends.”
She is proud of her creations and said, “My products are nice and of good quality. I feel confident that, regardless where you are from, you will like them.”
Check out more of her jewelry here.
Filigree Necklace
$37.95
Shine brightly with this stunning filigree kitten pendant necklace. Pichaya crafts this pendant by hand using sterling silver.
Created by Pichaya who designs simple jewelry that people of any age can wear. She told us, “I have always loved wearing nice jewelry and I knew that one day I would create my own designs. My dream is to sell my jewelry all over the world and become well-known as a designer so that my parents won’t have to work anymore and be proud of me.”
Check out more of her work.
Paw Print Ring
Express your love for animals with this band ring from Bali. Handcrafted of sterling silver, the ring features paw print motifs around the band, given a contrasting combination of finishes. Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) presents the ring as part of an effort to promote the safety and humane treatment of animals.
Crafted by Janice:
When not designing jewelry, Janice manages BAWA, which is located next to the Janice Girardi Design office. It was founded in 2007 to rescue sick, injured and abandoned animals from the streets and beaches of Bali, heal them and find them loving homes, and is funded only by donations.
Home Goods
Flower Pot
$59.95
Gazing up at his person with wide eyes, a kitten stretches his short little legs. Ceramists from the House of El Salvador Artisans craft the cat as a charming flower pot. Geometric motifs adorn the original planter.
Created by a group of craftsman known as House of El Salvador Artisans. “We are 15 artisans comprised of nine men and six women in El Salvador. Our town is known as a ceramics village that has worked in clay for hundreds of years. We are a new generation of artisans with experience in the area. We are seven young entrepreneurial and creative artisans, as well as eight artisans with more than 20 years of experience.”
See more of their goods here.
Playful Wooden Statue
$37.99
Zeny and Reyna transform copal wood into a whimsical blue kitten statue. This sculpture is crafted in the traditional Oaxaca folk art style.
Designed by a married couple in Mexico. “We both come from families dedicated to carving and painting wood in a style known as alebrije. Our parents were master carvers and they taught each of us when we were children.”
Check out more of Zeny and Reyna’s work.
Ruby Breasted Hummingbird Wall Hanging
$39.99
Cutout motifs define the lovely plumage of this handcrafted hummingbird. J. Blas works in steel to create the wall sculpture, adding inlays of glass on the breast. When someone sees a hummingbird in flight, it is tradition in Mexico to make a wish.
Meet J. Blas:
“From the time I was small, I’ve enjoyed arts and crafts. I loved to dig and prepare clay to make my own pieces and, from that time on, I began to experiment with ceramics.”
See all of his amazing pieces here.
Holiday Decor
Ceramic Cat Ornaments
$38.95
Jose Arriola in Guatemala creates this delightful assortment of six festive cat ornaments, each in a different color. The hand-painted ornaments are crafted of ceramic and ready to hang on the tree with red polyester ribbons. The ornament set arrives in a hand woven cotton storage bag.
Forest Birds Hanging Ornaments
$44.95
Colorful tropical bird ornaments that will liven up any room. Working in ceramic, Jose Arriola creates a set of six ornaments. The ornaments arrive with a pouch of handloomed cotton.
Ornament Designer: Jose Antonio Arriola Rodenas from Guatemala.
He finds inspiration in his surroundings. “I am inspired by my country: the tranquil life of my city, our extensive culture, the colors, the designs on our traditional costumes, the flora and fauna. I consider it a privilege to have been born in Guatemala.”
See more of his ornament sets by clicking here.
Robin Tree Topper
$12.99
This cheerful little robin will perch atop the Christmas tree this holiday season bringing joy and happiness. From Rajesh Gehlot, he topper is designed in off white, red and greyish brown wool felt. Features a conical sheet for fitting the bird on top of the tree.
Renu Rani shares how she creates her unique items.
“Giving shape to the fabric ornaments is the best thing about this craft. We design and craft each ornament out of felt fabric. Each piece is then stuffed with polyfill to give the right shape and size. We create felt ornaments, garlands and buntings for Christmas.”
Check out all of her adorable wool creations.
Accessories
Elephant Shoulder Bag
$37.99
Thai artisan Jiap Rojjana designs this stunning cotton blend shoulder bag that closes with a coconut shell button. Traditional Thai elephants march across a vibrant sapphire background, with blue and white embroidery completing the design.
The craftswoman said, “I want to offer as many colors, styles, and patterns as I can and I want my customers to be overwhelmed with the selection and beauty of my handmade cushions.”
Her adorable shoulder bags come in a variety of colors and styles. Check them all out here.
Owl Eyeglasses Holder
$29.95
Hand-carved of jempinis wood in the shape of an eagle owl atop its roost, this charming and whimsical eyeglasses holder makes the perfect addition to your home decor. Bali’s Yudi Suardi designs the holder, given a natural finish. Your eyeglasses fit perfectly atop the owl’s beak.
Yudi, the designer of the piece, told us, “My father is a wood sculptor. He taught me how to choose good woods, carve and finish them. Sadly, the young generation today rarely wants to carry on with Bali’s sculpture traditions. This is why I was especially interested in learning.”
Check out all of his beautiful hand-carved pieces by clicking here.
If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, check out all items by artisan artists here. You can get all of your holiday shopping done at GreaterGood and make a difference for people, pets, and the planet at the same time.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
