I hear from many of you that you’re always on the hunt for new twists on staple products like basketry. Today I wanted to share something that’s perfect for new lines of summer bags and home accessories. My partner in Thailand recently launched this new basketry collection using a fiber called grey sedge. Traditionally, this natural grass was woven to be used in various ways throughout the home. As interest in handicrafts has increased over the years, communities of Thai weavers have been developing new baskets, mats, lighting pendants, ornaments, and more. Some of the weavers get up each morning to pick the grey sedge themselves, which is then dried for two or three days. After, the stalks are pressed by machine and dyed before being woven into specified designs.

This week, I’m delighted to dive into the craft behind fique rugs and to showcase the work of one of my Colombian partners who makes them. When I first traveled to Colombia many years ago, these are one of the products that really stood out. I’m excited to share for those of you looking for a new, chic line of rugs. You might be wondering, what is fique? It’s a fleshy tropical succulent plant native to Colombia – you’ll often see it planted next to other crops as many Colombian families plant it to sell to their local artisan markets. The fiber takes three years to grow.