Makers & Materials
At Sourced by Annabel, we believe the objects we live with should carry a sense of permanence.
Our collections are shaped by natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and an appreciation for heritage design. We seek out pieces grounded in place, process and provenance, where the skill of the maker is as important as the beauty of the finished object.
We are drawn to texture, character and the subtle imperfections that make something truly individual. Objects that tell a story, and are made to be treasured for years to come.
Colombia
Some of our first collections have been developed alongside two artisan communities in Colombia, both deeply rooted in traditional weaving techniques passed through generations.
The Art of Weaving
Along Colombia's remote Pacific coast, basket weaving is a tradition deeply rooted in the region's Indigenous heritage, particularly among the Eperãarã Siapidaarã community, where knowledge and techniques have been passed down through generations.
Our Guapi baskets are handwoven from chocolatillo and paja tetera, natural plant fibres traditionally gathered from the surrounding tropical rainforest.
Each basket begins long before the weaving itself. The fibres are harvested, carefully stripped, prepared and dried. Traditional dyeing techniques use natural colouring materials to achieve rich, earthy tones, creating the striking contrasts seen in the finished designs.
The artisans weave the prepared fibres into intricate geometric patterns, building each basket's sculptural form and integrated handles entirely by hand. A single basket takes approximately eight to ten days to complete, a process that asks for patience, precision and an instinctive understanding of the materials.
Historically woven for practical everyday use, these baskets carry a tradition that continues to evolve, finding a new place in contemporary interiors without losing the character of their origins.
Each basket is shaped as much by the maker's skill as by the tradition from which it comes. No two are alike: their colours, patterns and subtle variations reflect the beauty of something made by hand.
The Tradition of Iraca Palm
In the small Colombian town of Usiacurí, the art of weaving iraca palm has been preserved through generations, becoming an important part of the region's cultural identity.
Our placemats, coasters and napkin rings are handwoven by women artisans using this remarkable natural fibre.
The iraca palm is carefully prepared and transformed into fine, flexible strands before being woven into delicate, intricate forms. Every curve, scalloped edge and woven detail is shaped through the skill and patience of the artisan.
What appears beautifully simple is the result of a meticulous process, one that celebrates the natural qualities of the material and the knowledge passed between generations.
These are everyday pieces with an extraordinary story, bringing warmth, texture and a quiet sense of craftsmanship to the table.
Behind every woven basket and carefully made object is a wealth of knowledge, patience and skill, often developed over generations. These traditions are part of the communities from which they come, connecting the makers of today with the practices of the past.
At Sourced by Annabel, we believe in recognising the time and labour behind handmade pieces, and in building thoughtful relationships with the people who create them.
By choosing objects made using traditional techniques, we hope to contribute to the continued appreciation of these skills, and of the communities that keep them alive.
The Mark of the Maker
Many of our pieces are woven entirely by hand or produced in small batches, where time and attention are given to the details that make each piece individual.
Slight variations in colour, weave and finish are not imperfections to disguise, but part of what makes each object unique. They are reminders of the human hands, traditional skills and thoughtful processes behind every piece.
A Respect for Natural Materials
From the iraca palm of Usiacurí to the chocolatillo and paja tetera of Guapi, our Colombian collections celebrate fibres closely tied to the places they come from. Across our wider range, from aged metals to wood, we favour pieces that let the qualities of their materials speak for themselves.
We appreciate the way natural materials soften, gain character and settle into their surroundings over time.
Our approach to sourcing is guided by traditional techniques, thoughtful design and objects intended to be enjoyed for years to come. Above all, we look for pieces that will feel as relevant in the years ahead as they do today.
An Evolving Collection
While our early collections have a strong connection to Colombia, Sourced by Annabel is built around a wider appreciation for craftsmanship and thoughtful sourcing.
From Portugal and India to Colombia and beyond, we are continually drawn to makers and workshops whose work reflects a respect for materials, traditional techniques and enduring design.
We favour pieces with character over passing trends, bringing together objects from different places and traditions that feel naturally at home alongside one another.
Our collection will continue to evolve, but our philosophy remains the same.
