Relationships through experiences
Classes in Antigua
Join us in our central Antigua Guatemala courtyard for a 2-3 hour workshop on a traditional textile craft. Looking for something more intensive? See our Textile Travel options which include week-long courses for more intensive learning.
Travel -> Production
Our workshop-filled itineraries provide rare cultural insight and hands-on textile learning. We love getting creative together! This revenue source is reinvested into local artisan production, generating sustainable and diversified income, always supporting the makers.
See upcoming itinerariesNew garments!
Trust + respect
With relationships based on trust and respect in Guatemala, we provide unique products and experiences that honor the craftsmanship of the talented makers behind them. Many of our artisan partners have deep-rooted intergenerational relationships with Kakaw's founder Mari and her family.
Meet the team
Design with us
Increasing impact through collaborative design. Through our network of talented artisan partners, we're able to design and produce for you and your brand. With 10+ years of experience in Guatemala, we understand possibilities and limitations of each regional partner group, and can guide you through the process. We'd love to work with you!
Let customers speak for us
The women that work at Kakaw designs are beyond friendly, genuine, and accommodating to specific situations. The space and the people are incredibly welcoming and I would have loved to be able to take additional classes there. They were skilled at what they do and in teaching others how to do it.
I enjoyed talking to Mari and listening to her suggestion about possibility hosting Acupuncture Wellness Retreat in Guatemala.
I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a ton during a weaving class at Kakaw! The instructors were incredibly nice, patient, and knowledgeable. It was so much fun that I had to buy a practice loom to try more at home! The loom is beautiful and fully set up to begin weaving immediately. I highly recommend the class and will definitely take more classes with them!
This little bag was able to take all my essentials with room to spare. I love it.
Deep, rich Indigo!
Comfortable width with the bag as a surprising eye-catcher! Summer can come !
It is well-made, stylish and a perfect size to be a tote bag or a weekend get away bag.
The Coban adventure was my second trip with Kakaw Designs. Previously most of our group visited weavers in the Ixil region of Nebaj, Chajul, and Cotzal. The experience was so much fun and unforgettable we signed up again. The Coban trip was equally unique and special--the chance to meet and observe expert weavers practicing their craft was once-in-a-lifetime. I can't wait to see where Kakaw travels next.
I enjoyed myself so much spending time with Claribel & learning her embroidery techniques. Claribel is an excellent instructor & it was so lovely sitting & embroidering in the courtyard. I would not hesitate to return if the opportunity presents itself for a more lessons. Thankyou Claribel❤️
Amazing class! Beautiful shop/space and the staff were so nice. Products they sell are handmade and beautiful!! Melany helped me get into backstrap looming and was so patient. I loved this experience!
It was an inspiring week in a lovely garden, baskets full of yarn in bright colors waiting to be embroidered. With our cheerful and patient teachers it was a wonderful experience which I don't want to miss: Gliding in a foreign cuture, it was great!
Very cool, well made, and unique top.
Great advice! Made our trip extra special. Thanks Mari!
This was such a fabulous experience! Claribel and Anita were such patient teachers and so encouraging. I would absolutely take another class from Kakaw Designs!
This was an amazing experience. I went from a complete novice to an artisan in three hours! I was left with my new loom, a new project, and a deep respect for this craft. Thanks, Kakaw!
Should go with all my spring/summer clothing. Looks and feels light and airy!
