Brazil

Baskets and other woven goods. Brazil's outdoor markets overflow with cheery pink, yellow, green, and blue grass baskets. Craftsmen dye, weave, and crochet palm fronds and grasses into light, flexible purses, rugs, placemats, sandals, and baskets. Find them in markets throughout Brazil including the Ipanema Fair (Hippie Fair) Sundays at the Parca General Osorio in Ipanema, or in the FUNAI Craft Shop in Botafogo (Museu do Indio, Rua das Palmeiras 55) or Arquias in Sao Paulo (Rua Oscar Freire, 540 loja 4; tel. +55 11 3083 0009).

Lace. The Portugese brought lace to Brazil in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, and rendeiras (lacemakers) continue the tradition today. Visit the fishing villages of Ceara for renda de bilros (bobbin lace); Aracati, south of Fortaleza, for labirinto (labyrinth lace); Pesqueira for Irish lace; and Santa Catarina for bilro and tramóia laces. Go lace shopping in Fortaleza at Rend'art (458-A Avenida Monsenhor Tabosa; tel. + 55 85 231 2989), Luiza Tavora Handicraft Center (1589 Avenida Santos Dumont; tel. +55 85 261 6236), and Emcetur (350 Avenida Senador Pompeu; tel. +55 85 231 3566).