Handloomed Striped Fringed Cotton Scarf in Ivory and Pink - Weaving Glamour

Artisan Organization: Liliana Barquero

Country: Central America

"My name is Liliana Barquero, and I’m from the beautiful town of San Sebastián, San Vicente, El Salvador, a place renowned for its artisanal crafts. Growing up, I was surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of pedal looms, as my parents dedicated their lives to this traditional craft. The sight of artisans at work brings back fond memories and deepens my appreciation for the time, effort, and love that goes into every woven piece.

"After spending a decade abroad, I returned to El Salvador during the pandemic with a renewed sense of purpose. I made the bold decision to leave behind my career and pursue a dream close to my heart—establishing my own workshop to create handcrafted textiles using traditional pedal looms. This journey has not been easy, but the fulfillment I find in supporting local artisans and preserving this cherished tradition makes every challenge worthwhile.

"The first piece I ever made was a beige poncho, which I still treasure to this day. It symbolizes the beginning of this exciting adventure. I’ve now been running my own workshop for a year, driven by positivity, hard work, and a passion for what I do. I love experimenting with colors, textures, and designs that break from tradition, allowing us to adapt to new trends while maintaining the essence of our craft. It brings me immense joy to know that these handmade pieces, created with care by Salvadoran artisans, are reaching people around the world.

"My parents taught me the art of weaving, and my dream is to pass this knowledge on to the younger generation, ensuring that this tradition endures. I believe that with patience and dedication, anyone can learn this craft. We work with recycled cotton made in El Salvador, giving new life to this precious material and creating sustainable, beautiful products.

"What I cherish most about this journey is the connection I have with the artisans I work with and the customers who appreciate our creations. Seeing the joy on their faces when they receive our finished work motivates me to keep moving forward. Although the path has been difficult, I’ve met some truly genuine people who have shared similar experiences, reminding me that I’m not alone in this endeavor.

"We use pedal looms, one of the oldest weaving traditions, introduced by the Spanish during the conquest. Sadly, this art is fading as fewer young people show interest in learning it. But I’m committed to keeping it alive, for it’s more than just a craft—it’s a way of life for many families. Through our work, we provide these artisans with the means to support their homes and continue this beautiful tradition.

"When I’m not weaving, I cherish spending time with my family and friends, and I love to travel. I’ve learned that sometimes, the opportunities we seek are right in front of us, rooted in our heritage and passions. By embracing what we love, we can create jobs for ourselves and others in our own country.

"Thank you for supporting our work and choosing handmade, artisanal products. It’s an honor to share a piece of El Salvador with the world.""