Worry Dolls
Worry Dolls, or muñecas quitapenas, are handmade Guatemalan dolls made of wire and yarn. Worry dolls originated from a Mayan legend which tells of a princess named Ixmucane who received a special gift from the sun god that would allow her to solve any problem a human could worry about. Guatemalan children share their worries with their worry dolls then hide them under their pillows at night. While they sleep, the dolls are said to take away all their worries. Create your own worry dolls to take home and help ease all your troubles!

Flying Quetzal
Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and has a long tail and striking colors of blue, red, and white. The quetzal is such an important symbol in Guatemala that it even lends its name to their currency – the Guatemalan quetzal. Learn to use a scroll saw as you design and build your own flying quetzal bird.

Barrilete
Barriletes are Guatemalan Kites that are flown during the Day of the Dead. These kites are quite large, ranging from 3 feet to a gigantic 57 feet, and normally built as a communal project. They are usually made of tissue paper, glue, and string, stretched over bamboo stalks. Guatemalans believe that flying this giant kite represents the union of the underworld and the land of the living. Make your own hexagonal Barrilete and fly it outside.

Capirucho
Capirucho is a traditional wooden toy very similar to cup-and-ball toy. It has a wooden cup with a handle and a small ball attached to the cup by a string. Players try their best to catch the ball in the cup. Make your own Capirucho by drilling a wiffle ball then practice your eye-hand coordination as your challenge yourself to a game of catch!

Alfombras
In Spanish, alfombras means “carpets.” Guatemalan alfombras are a beautiful tradition where people make multicolored carpets out of dyed sawdust, flowers, vegetables, and leaves on their cobblestone streets. Make your mini Alfombras using beautiful geometric designs.

Cardboard Loom Weaving
In Guatemala, making hand-woven fabric is an ancient art that has been carried through generations. Traditionally, Guatemalan women weave cotton yarns and use natural materials like hibiscus flowers, carrots, and barks of avocado trees to add the desired colors. Learn how to do a simple weaving by using cardboard and create Guatemalan-inspired textile patterns.