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Blanca Padilla

Blanca Padilla

"I was born in 1967 in the south of El Guarco, Costa Rica. I work with cabuya, a fiber extracted from the agave plant.

"The cabuyera trade came to me through my grandfather, whose craft was handed down to him from generation to generation. From the time I was a child, I helped my parents with this craft, which was our family's sustenance for many years.

"My father processed the cabuya fiber and sold it to a business but, unfortunately, this company shut down and we lost our main source of income. We had to look for other ways to earn a living.

"My mother was always quite skilled in handicrafts — she could transform anything into a work of art. Thanks to her we began to create decorative items of cabuya fiber that we could sell. With her, I discovered my creative skills and they are a gift from God. I was so afraid people wouldn't like my first but, little by little, I gained confidence in myself and in what I could do.

"Thanks to my father, I learned to plant, harvest and prepare the cabuya fiber, and I was able to teach my husband, who helps me prepare the material. My father and mother were my two great teachers, and I owe them everything I am today. Thanks to this art that they taught me, I can work and bring home an income without having to neglect my children, who are my greatest source of inspiration.

"Today I continue with this tradition — telling a story, rescuing a legacy, and leaving in each design a bit of the history, struggle and love for what I do.

"My biggest dream is to be able to use this art. I want to teach and offer work to people in my community, so that we can develop our skills and achieve a better income. We hope to make this craft known in many parts of the world.

"For me, it's an honor to show you a little of Costa Rica, a bit of myself, and a family legacy that I want to preserve and teach to my children."

Central America Artisan Empowerment Hu

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.
Maker BadgeEmpowering Women
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Maker BadgeCaring for Children
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
Maker BadgeOvercoming Cancer
Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities
This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.
Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs
This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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    Blanca Padilla

    January 11, 2021
    F Florencio
    Es un gran honor tener en mi colección una obra realizada con tanto gusto, y me atrevería a decir, con tanto cariño.Muchas gracias y Enhorabuena.
    Reviewed item
    March 1, 2023
    S Sandra
    This lovely handcrafted piece fit perfectly in the middle of my Christmas wreath. It has become a treasure!
    Reviewed item
    January 11, 2020
    K Kim
    Love how unique this is and the beautiful color. Love that it's one piece.
    Reviewed item
    January 11, 2020
    K Kim
    Fun and unique
    Reviewed item
    November 22, 2023
    R Roger
    The minute this fiber crèche arrived, I had to display it although it wasn’t even December yet. Friends who viewed the scene from a distance thought it was porcelain; but, on closer inspection, they could recognize the handcrafted fiber and marvel at the meticulous artistry. We appreciate it so much.
    Reviewed item
    September 23, 2018
    B Barb
    I have a small collection of Fair Trade Nativities from around the world and saw this one and wanted to add it to my collection. It is even more BEAUTIFUL in than the photograph can possibly portray. I was simply astounded by the simple elegance of this nativity. The craftsmanship is superb. I wish that I could give this six stars as it surpass the expectations I had when I ordered it. Thank You f... read more
    Reviewed item
    January 24, 2018
    F Francis
    Is beatiful
    Reviewed item
    November 17, 2022
    M Mary
    The Angels with Bouquets are made with such care and intricacy!It's literally mindboggling how detailed each Angel is. The work that has gone into each one is apparent. The creativity and quality is out of this world! They are absolutely HEAVENLY AND DIVINE!An afternote...I sent the Angels to my Goddaughters for Christmas and ALL of them were so impressed and taken by the workmanship and artistry... read more
    Reviewed item
    January 5, 2022
    T Teresa
    I bought this as a gift. The person I have it to loved it. Very well made.
    Reviewed item
    September 23, 2018
    B Barb
    I have a small collection of Fair Trade Nativities from around the world and saw this one and wanted to add it to my collection. It is even more BEAUTIFUL in than the photograph can possibly portray. I was simply astounded by the simple elegance of this nativity. The craftsmanship is superb. I wish that I could give this six stars as it surpass the expectations I had when I ordered it. Thank You for your fine work in making this.
    November 17, 2022
    M Mary
    The Angels with Bouquets are made with such care and intricacy!It's literally mindboggling how detailed each Angel is. The work that has gone into each one is apparent. The creativity and quality is out of this world! They are absolutely HEAVENLY AND DIVINE!An afternote...I sent the Angels to my Goddaughters for Christmas and ALL of them were so impressed and taken by the workmanship and artistry!

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