Last December we flew down to Santiago de Chile in search for new gifts and independent artisans. We were welcomed by a sunny and warm Monday morning and after checking at the hotel, we visited several workshops around town.
The Republic of Chile is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far south.
Chile is the world’s largest copper producer and its also known for its exquisite lapis lazuli, a relatively rare semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense blue color. So we focused on those natural materials to incorporate new items into our catalogue.
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We also discovered a gifted wood-carver who designed elegant Tea boxes in a variety of beautiful woods: Teka, Rosewood and Sandal among others are part of his stunning beauties. This gentleman carefully designs and hand produces a wide range of wooden artifacts and kitchen ware that are exquisite to see and use since you know that no artificial element or machinery has been part of the manufacturing process.
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Chilean Andes are a very popular spot to visit during winter time. Winter at the Southern hemispheres is opposed to the northern hemisphere, so the season goes from June 21st to September 21st. If you have the opportunity to explore during the cold season, you will be able to see locals wearing colorful alpaca wool hats and bean hats with intricate patterns. They are simply adorable, practical and very very warm!
It was a short but very sweet visit to Chile, but we promised ourselves we would soon be back exploring its many regions and markets.
You will surely be able to learn from our trips to that country at Stitches & Threads and at Nativa Store.
See you soon!
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Stitches & Threads 