Jessica

I wanted to take a slower-paced vacation where I could soak up some of the local culture while learning a new craft. I was drawn to this particular VAWAA because I've always loved braiding and weaving since childhood, and was excited by the idea of harvesting the actual material (palm leaves) to get a better understanding of how the craft is rooted in nature.

This experience allowed me to develop a much greater appreciation for the time, skill, and care that goes into creating beautiful and functional works of art like those made by Araceli and Antonella. I now have a better understanding of how to embrace the variation, challenges, and beauty that come with working with natural materials.