Feb 22, 2022

Amarte's Palm Baskets Merge Mexican Culture And Style For The 908!

It’s a local merchant kind of Monday! Today we’re highlighting Claribel Valdovinos of @___Amarte who featured a beautiful hand-made palm basket in our most recent “Life is Great in the 908” Subscription Box!

Claribel started Amarte as a way to merge her Mexican culture and fashion sense while working to preserve its ancestral artistry and crafts. Amarte is a curated collection of apparel, accessories and décor selected intentionally by Claribel from artisans in Mexico with whom she partners directly. Everything in the Amarte collection is hand made by somebody she knows personally and produced under fair trade conditions.

The palm basket is from the central valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. One family (The Martinez Family) completes the entire production from planting the trees, to cutting and drying the leaves, and weaving the palm. Many customers use these baskets as a storage solution — organizing drawers and shelves. It can also be used as a fruit basket, gift basket, or in any other way you can imagine!

Claribel is passionate about making a personal connection with the people who make all of Amarte’s various products. She showcases that passion when talking about the Martinez family.

“My connection to the Martinez family started when my friend & I were walking in a street market in Oaxaca. The transformation of local palm into intricate every day objects caught my attention. I bought some pieces to bring home and still wanted to learn more about their craft. Today the Martinez family and I share a fair trade partnership and friendship.”

The Amarte collection lives at @Fairtradelongbeach in Parkview Village! Check them out during your next local shopping trip!