Bird Mobile

Artists from the cooperative La Semilla de Dios in Chaletenango created this rustic step stool. It is made in their signature La Palma folk art style. First an artist draws the design, which is then handpainted by a different artist. After touch-ups, the work is varnished. This painted pine stool has bark exterior on the four legs. Family Tree of Life Stool, $48. www.tenthousandvillages.com

This speckled glaze vase is also a fair-trade-guaranteed art piece. It was created by ACOGIPRI, an association of young El Salvadoran artisans with physical disabilities. Artists create the ceramic work on a potter’s wheel. It is then dipped in a mustard-yellow-and-brown-speckled glaze. The simple, sturdy vase measures just under 10 inches high. Speckled Glaze Vase, $38. www.tenthousandvillages.com

A bright bird mobile makes a cheery and thoughtful addition by a bird-lover’s favorite window. The mobile evokes the vibrant hues El Salvadoran mountain villagers paint their homes. As an added bonus, People of Hope Crafts offers the piece, which ensures the artisans get fair market value for their work. Colorful Bird Mobile, $39.96. www.peopleofhopecrafts.org

This striking note card is more than just an elegant way to communicate. It’s also a lifeline. As with each piece in the Portraits of El Salvador collection of Hope for Women cards, it was handmade by a woman whose home in the highland cloud forest was destroyed by earthquake and mudslides. Each card is unique. Hope for Women “Eva” card, $5 each. www.hopeforwomen.com