Artisan Impact: San Juan De Oriente, Nicaragua

Women of the Cloud Forest has been working in fair trade since 2001. We have direct, long-term relationships with small family workshops and cooperatives in Nicaragua. We have featured stories about four groups of artisans here.  Look for links to videos of each group on each page:

Don Leopoldo Potosme and Sara (Ceramicists)

Dona Myra and Don Jose (Recycled Aluminum Sand Casting)

Duilio and Damarias (Ceramicists)

Isla Solentiname Balsa Cooperative (Balsa Ornaments and Jewelry)

NOTE: As the pandemic continues, we are currently supporting our artisan families in Nicaragua with a monthly donation of rice and beans. Add any donation amount to your order to support this cause! $20 can provide a donation for a family of 4 for one month.

This beautiful ceramic luminary is handcrafted in a family workshop in the community of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua. The intricate geometric designs are etched by hand using a sharpened bicycle spoke. Each luminary is created out of local clay, turned on a kick wheel, hand-painted, and wood-fired in a beehive-shaped kiln.: