Steph, owner of Wild You, with Gilma, leader of Artesanías Arte Colibrí planning new colors for earrings in Gilma's home in Sibundoy Shopping ethically can be tricky, especially online. If you are new to Wild You Handmade, we aim to be transparent about our work with artisans in Colombia. When I'm in the shop, these the questions I hear the most. We hope you’ll learn something new, and if another question comes up, add a comment below and I'll answer! Q: What’s Your Mission? A: Wild You Handmade cultivates awareness of traditional crafts made by women & Indigenous communities in Colombia while encouraging vibrant creativity. Q: What’s your connection to Colombia? A: I lived in Colombia full-time from 2017-2021,...
Filigree is the art of delicate, lacelike ornamental metalsmithing composed of intertwined threads of gold or silver. The metal threads are curled, twisted, or braided and soldered at points of contact without a metal groundwork (background). This creates an open design that light can shine through to highlight the intricate weave of metal threads. Filigree is also known as “the art of patience”. The work of Filigree has been one of the oldest trades of mankind beginning around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. The English word filigree is shortened from the earlier use of filigreen which derives from Latin "filum" meaning thread and "granum" grain. At the time of the Spanish colonization, the large amounts of...
People around the world admire the colorful mochilas (bags) of the Wayuu Indigenous Peoples. If you know nothing about them or their art, here's a starter guide for you!
More than ever before you can find small brands that are working with artisans all over the world claiming to be “ethical”... but what does that really mean? Read about what Ethical Fashion means to us!
The Carnival of Forgiveness (English), El Carnaval del Perdón (Spanish), Bëtscnate (Kamentsä), and Atun Puncha (Inga): all of these names are used to represent what Kamentsä and Inga peoples say in their own languages is “The Big Day”. Both the Kamentsä and Inga indigenous communities call Sibundoy Valley home. Although they have distinct origins, they both celebrate this day. The Kamentsä have their big day in the town of Sibundoy, and the Inga have theirs in the smaller town of Santiago, both ocurring on the days before Ash Wednesday. When my husband and I were planning a trip to visit our artisan partners in Putumayo, they welcomed us to come during this grand celebration where they forgive one another for all...
