In preparation for Jamie’s upcoming trip and year in the U.S., a shopping spree at the local handicraft market was necessary. The variety of beautiful handmade items is a reminder of one of the advantages we have living in Ecuador.
At the end of the day, Jamie had selected some truly lovely items. Take a look at the lovely shawls, scarves, hats, coin purses, and tagua, balsa, and straw jewelry. What seems hard to believe is the price…. all of this for a little under US $90!!!
These tiny balsa earrings measure only 1/4″ across!
I love the bright colored tagua beads in these key chains:
But I am especially impressed with the ingenuity of local crafts people. Look at this necklace made of seeds and – of all things – orange rind!
And my absolute favorite of the lot… this knit danzante mask. Isn’t it a riot?
I am a self-learner. I taught myself to sew and to quilt. And I taught myself how to draw. I am learning how to dye my own fabrics and am dabbling with mixed media. I am a quilt designer and teacher, and design and publish my own line of quilt patterns. With this blog I would like to share the bits and pieces of my life. 
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