IFAM Online Blog

"We want our work to inspire an appreciation of the diversity and the beauty of the authentic, of the genuine and unique." Luis and brother Raul, are the master artists behind Luis Mendez Artesanos in Salamanca Spain. The brothers took over the family business from their father and are continuing on the proud family tradition of silver filigree jewelry. Here he shares with us the story and history of his family.   These are our father's parents. Our grandmoder Julia Vieira, Our grandfather José Mª Mendes (1*) and the boy is our uncle Antonio Mendes. In our home town Tamames...

We're getting ready for Halloween with some of our folk art in fashion pairings. While these styles will make you the talk of any Halloween party, we think they're pretty perfect for the colder months ahead. Find your fall inspiration here!   Bewitching Hour    Black is such a perfect color for this Holiday becomes it allows for so much room for creativity. We're keeping this look simple with interesting Sardianian fabric earrings and matching pendant. Again, we're throwing in a pop of color with this beautiful leather coin purse with its playful brass button. Featured: 7 Sisters Scarf. KOKKU...

"Domestic violence thrives when we are silent; but if we take a stand and work together, we can end domestic violence." -National Network To End Domestic Violence  To honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are sharing the story of La Mega, a women's cooperative from Ecuador we are proud to support on IFAM Online. A portion of the co-op's profit goes towards to supporting a women's shelter in in the community, built to help victims of domestics violence. La Mega (La Mega Cooperative Artesanal de Los Saraguros), Ecuador has produced Czech glass bead-weavings in the form of earrings, necklaces, and...

Everyday our lives are becoming more connected with people around the world and a common thread in our global community is folk art.  Folk art can serve to create a new awareness of our emerging sense of a world community, with art in all its forms serving as a universal language-as a means toward understanding the history, culture, and values of other peoples. Having a piece of folk art on our walls, in our kitchens, or decorating our couches is great reminder of the stories of the artists who created them. Here are just a few of our favorite artists...

We’re gearing up for the colder months with some fresh new ways to wear your favorite scarves, shawls, and wraps. Here we are featuring our newest 7 Sisters Scarves, just in from Kyrgyzstan.   Get ready to bundle up in style! The Classic Wrap    Take your One Sided Bordeaux Shawl, wrap it around your shoulders and simply loop once to stay in place. A simple yet elegant way to dress up any outfit.    The DIY infinity   Tie a small semi loose knot at the ends of your Sage Aitoklun Scarf to double up the fabric creating an instant infinity...