Artisan Spotlight @ New World Crafts: La Casa Cotzal + Topis Ceramica
This week, I am excited to continue my promotion of talented enterprises exhibiting at the New World Crafts online fair, a wonderful sourcing opportunity for those interested in working with artists from Guatemala and throughout Central America. The work of these two vendors – La Casa Cotzal and Topis Ceramica – really stands out to me so I wanted to share a bit more about each of them.
I have followed the work of La Cosa Cotzal for some time. They are an excellent go-to for sourcing Guatemalan craft as they have 29 years of export experience and work with artists that span the entire country. They do it all: from sourcing within their artisan network to product development to professional packaging and the consolidation of various products. Plus, they offer competitive shipping options. The organization employs anywhere from 600 to 1,000 artists per year. They specialize in the production of custom products for your brand, working with wood, beadwork, textiles, natural fiber (wall art), and ceramics.
Topis Ceramica is new to my attention but stands out if you are looking for the more traditional blue and white style ceramics for which the region is known. They are based in Antigua, Guatemala and have been exporting since 1995. Their best-sellers continue to be their gorgeous tiles, dinnerware, and vases. All are beautiful reflections of the vibrancy of the city and the culture that surrounds them. Opening wholesale orders are just $500, allowing for you to test these products in your shop.
Artisan Spotlight with Casa Cotzal:
What sets your company apart from your competitors?
What sets us apart is the wide range of artisans we work with. Our network of over 1,000 artisans spans the entire country, with a vast diversity of techniques represented.
Where are you based?
Guatemala City
What are your best-selling products?
Textiles, ceramics, glass beads, jewelry
What is the product you are most excited about this year?
Brocade and embroidered pillow covers
What products and techniques do you offer?
La Casa works with artisans to develop furniture, home décor, art, apparel and accessories in the following categories: textiles, wood, ceramics and clay, metals, Czech and Japanese glass beads, leather, basketry, stone, natural fibers, recycled glass and other recycled materials.
What is your minimum opening order?
$500 and we usually ship via DHL
Artisan Spotlight: Topis Ceramica:
What sets Topis Ceramica apart?
Topis was born from a desire to showcase Antigua´s beautiful colors and architecture, combined with our love for ceramics. Each of our handcrafted pieces is made by local artisans that we have personally trained. Each piece is different and tells a unique story.
What are your best-selling products?
Our beautiful handmade, hand-painted tiles, dinnerware, and vases
What is the product you are most excited about this year?
Our line of textured vases and our new Areca Gold dinnerware collection
What is your minimum opening order?
The minimum opening order is $50 for retail and $500 for wholesale. We ship from Antigua (Guatemala) via UPS for our retail orders. We ship our wholesale orders with different carriers depending on the size of order.
It's a pleasure partnering with New World Crafts as a way to help promote talented and reliable exporters from this part of the world. You must try to get to their show next year to meet these artists in person. You won't regret it as this show is filled with incredible talent. See additional photos and info about these groups below and email me to put you in touch!