During this year's Victorian Stroll, I was introduced to a new group called Mayan Hands which sells handcrafted items from South America. They are a small fair trade oganization that works with 150 women in a few Guatemalan communities.

So, I signed up for their emails and have some fun news for folks who might have some extra time (10 days)/money (~$1,900) on your own hands.

The organization offers a trip to Guatemala.

Here's the info they sent me:

Mayan Hands has only 2 spots left open for the trip! We are getting ready for our Mayan Hands tour that starts in exactly 1 month. Come experience a new world! Our talented weavers will receive you with open arms in their villages, and talk with you about their lives and work.

Visit an extraordinary textile museum and talk with the curator, a friend of Mayan Hands. Admirethe colonial architecture and learn about the history of the world renowned city of Antigua. Enjoy the bustle and hustle, the color and sounds of the Chichi market and take a break in the serene beauty of Lake Atitlan.

Guide and Translator - Deborah Chandler, Director of Mayan Hands, Author of Guatemalan Woven Wealth and Learning to Weave

March 14 - 24, 2012

Tour Highlights:

Visit groups of Mayan weavers in their villages, living within the culture they cherish

Meet with women's cooperatives and learn firsthand the difference Fair Trade makes for MayanHands artisans, their families and their communities

Try your hand weaving on a backstrap loom

Visit Oxlajuj B'atz', a Mayan women's center, home to programs including business development, gender awareness, conflict resolution and herbal medicine

Meet with the women of UPAVIM, an inspirational Fair Trade cooperative providing education,health care and employment in marginalized communities in Guatemala City

Shop in the world-famous handicraft market in Chichicastenango

Visit museums, including Museo Ixchel, named for the goddess of weaving and fertility

Explore the Guatemalan Highlands, beautiful Lake Atitlan and the colonial city of Antigua

Trip Cost $1,895

Includes a $500 tax deductible receipt. If you've sold $1,000 of MH products, deduct $100. If you bring a friend, take off $100 each. Price also includes all lodging (double occupancy), meals,local transportation, translation and entrance fees. Airfare and personal expenses not included.

For more information and trip itinerary, visit: [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=slkx8zdab&et=1109299211509&s=3754&e=001gQzaOsKxXQTlYi-lms1Z1MHRzb7VwVjadl7OZ0ZyIYh3yo7b8SlJahrSSVmPLg92ZwCr1hd5R5PZbFKLFtCtPZ78uRcjQkv3Si1Bk0b9o9V-wtTlgLZjMfFj5uv6E2JGMX6moqrHxUhb0DlTKF8skg==]

Mayan Hands is a non-profit Fair Trade organization that has beenworking with Mayan weavers since 1989.