Our goal as a boutique event rental house is to capture the Austin spirit in our offerings — what we describe as “modern, but with warmth and plenty of personality!” We see this definition at work in local small businesses, at parties held in one-of-a-kind venues, and in the people we were introduced to in the event industry. And if we feel like something is missing, we buy or custom-build artful and well-designed pieces to make the Austin spirit a rental reality. Often, we come across pieces outside of Austin that we feel resonate with our modern-eclectic style and need a home in our warehouse.
During a recent trip to Guatemala with the Heart of Travel, we were introduced to Delfina, who is a part of a group of weaving women in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala called CASA FLOR IXCACO. Here, we were introduced to the art of backstrap weaving and educated on the incredible amount of time and attention to detail that goes into each product that is made. From growing their own organic cotton, pulling the seeds, spooling, creating balls of yarn, dying the cotton with natural plant and organic material, spinning, threading to weaving — the process results in an infinite number of design and pattern possibilities. Walking through their store, there was not a single repeat color scheme or weave pattern. Attached to each purchase is a tag with what type of material was used, which woman made the item, and how long it took to make. Every single item has a story and direct connection with one of the ladies from the cooperative.
Casa Flor Ixcaco was formed in 1990 with the goal to keep the culture and craft of Mayan backstrap weaving alive — as well provide livelihood opportunities for the widowed, poor, and young. Today, Casa Flor Ixcaco is entering the global market and by choosing to wear and showcase these artisan crafts in our homes, you help support present-day livelihood development, environmental sustainability, and a rare and surviving Mayan culture of women in the arts.
We spent the day admiring every piece, touching every textile, and calculating how much we could fit in our suitcase. It was truly a design-lovers playground. We’re always looking to introduce work like this to our rental line-up, as it definitely exudes personality and will undoubtedly make events shine. Keep your eye out for their pillows listed in our textiles inventory soon!
