A Glossary for Traditional Textiles from Guatemala
A Guatemalan textile glossary created by our friends at Casa Flor Designs. As cultural mediators, they help artisans and designers understand each other, show mutual respect and work together with clarity. This glossary is meant to be a resource to better understand the complexities of Guatemalan textiles: the tools and processes required to make them, the parts that comprise them, and how to speak about them appropriately and with respect.
Practical Tips for Long Flights
We know a long flight can sometimes be a travel deterrent. So, we caught up with some of our favorite frequent travelers to ask their tips for making the most of the long journeys.
Frequent Traveler Program
To show our gratitude for guest loyalty, we are very pleased to launch our Frequent Traveler Program. Guests who attend 5 trips receive a discount code for 15% off all future trips.
The Color of the Mountains
An exploration of henna pigment extraction during a natural dyes workshop with Ahmed in southern Morocco. Written by Maria Jose Gomez and photographed by Andrea Tamayo for Thread Caravan.
El Color de la Montaña
Ahmed lleva tres años tinturando con henna, un tinte natural que proviene del árbol de henna y que crece en el mismo lugar donde él nació, Zagora, en el sureste de Marruecos. Ahmed hoy en día vive cerca de Marrakech y aunque está lejos de su ciudad natal, de alguna forma fue acá donde se reconecto con su territorio, a partir del proceso de la tintura y la materialidad.
Indigo cultivation in Santiago Niltepec, Oaxaca
In Santiago Niltepec, a quiet town in Oaxaca’s Isthmus region, indigo thrives under the intense sun, grown and processed using centuries-old, chemical-free methods. Visitors during the annual féria cultural del añil can witness the full dyeing process, from early morning harvests to fermentation in historic pilas. This experience offers a deeper connection to the rich heritage of indigo and the people who continue its tradition.
On Vastu: Jaipur’s Best Kept Secret
Himanshu Verma is an arts curator, artist, and independent scholar based in Jaipur. He leads heritage walks across the country and is the founder of Red Earth, an independent arts organisation that works with Indian contemporary visual art, design as well as diverse forms of cultural expression. Here, he discussed Jaipur’s best kept secret: Vastu.
Crafts of Kutch: Trip Recap
In Thread Caravan’s inaugural Crafts of Kutch experience, participants were fully immersed into the rich and storied craft traditions of Gujarat’s Kutch region, a land shaped by centuries of nomadic movements, trade, and artistic heritage. Over the course of eight days, we connected with master artisans and learned textile techniques through hands-on learning experiences. Below, we dive into the unique experiences included in the trip itinerary.
Team Interview: Artist Johanna Palmieri
We are so lucky to call painter Johanna Palmieri both a friend and team member.
While I’ve had the personal privilege of getting to know her, I wanted our extended community to have a deeper introduction to her and her work. Here, I talk with Johanna about the start of her creative journey, where she finds inspiration and more.
imazighen wool traditions
We were privileged to host artist and storyteller Maya Poon and photographer Kate Berry in the beautiful Atlas Mountains foothills earlier this year, on our Morocco Wool Weaving Workshop. Here, Maya shares about the experience, accompanied by Kate’s beautiful photos.
Photo Series: Guatemala by Céline Gaiardo
Céline Gaiardo is an entrepreneur and creative who has spent the past decade living between France and Central America.
As a photographer, Céline has documented her life, work, and travels through Guatemala and Mexico, capturing rural landscapes, the slower pace of life, and artisans at work, showcasing their craftsmanship.
Photo Series: Oaxaca by Thayer Gowdy
We were fortunate to have artist and photographer Thayer Gowdy attend our Oaxaca Ceramics trip, hosted in collaboration with Colectivo 1050.
Thayer’s photos paint the full picture of our trip: rural countryside ceramic studios and Hierve el Agua mineral springs blended with fine dining and art gallery visits.
Seek Collective in Colombia
Our team brought a collection of handwoven, natural fiber clothing by Seek Collective on our recent craft retreat in Barichara, Colombia, combining perfectly with the quality craftsmanship of the region.
Our best trips for Interior Designers
Our favorite Thread Caravan trips for interior designers -- and what the past interior design clients have to say!