Women's Leaf and Tree Accessories(72 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Women's Leaf and Tree Accessories Collection designed and crafted for you by talented artisans worldwide.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.


The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.


Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.


It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.


The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.


Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.


Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.
Featured Reviews on Women's Leaf and Tree Accessories
Reversible alpaca blend shawl, 'Scarlet Leaves'





By Cat
Swathed in the softest hug......
..The picture itself, does not do the shawl justice. It is a remarkably breath taking song and dance of interwoven beauty. Soft to the touch, elegant around the shoulders.....one of the most wonderous advantages that we women have, is to enjoy the good fortune of wearing a garment like this!!
Cotton and silk shawl, 'Ivory Ferns'





By Karen
Gorgeous
This shawl is not only has a gorgeous, but the design in general is lovely. I love the embroidered edges, and the embroidered ferns on the shawl. It is soft and not too heavy and falls nicely.It is exactly what I had been looking for an unable to find. Suitable for Western wear or as a dupatta with Indian clothes. Thanks so much.
Silk batik fan, 'Black Fern'





By Nadica
Elegant, feminine
I already own a few of Melatis fans, all of which are true gems. This particular one was purchased for a friend who simply loved it. Paired with the matching scarf, they round up an elegant evening look.
Popular Women's Leaf and Tree Accessories
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Floral Motif Jamawar Wool Scarf in Azalea from India, "Azalea Garden"
$29.99Against a body of azalea, lovely leaves and flowers pattern this elegant wrap scarf from India. Sandeep Malhotra presents this shawl, which is woven from wool in the traditional Jamawar style, which originally took many days to complete. The width of this fringed scarf allows it to double as a shawl.
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Light Blue and Pink Leaf Print Face Masks (Pair), "Leaf Moods"
$19.99This unique pair of cotton face masks from Wilai is eco-printed using a technique known in Thailand as . The process involves using the shapes and colors of natural leaves create a unique print on the fabric. The two three-layer masks are crafted of pure cotton in pink and light blue. The comfortable elastic head strap includes an adjustable plastic stopper so that you can keep the mask around your neck when not needed. Please wash the masks before first use.
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Eco-Printed Reusable Cotton Face Masks (Pair), "Falling Leaves"
$19.99From Wilai, this unique pair of cotton face masks is eco-printed using a technique known in Thailand as ouke. The process involves using the shapes and colors of natural leaves create a unique print on the fabric. The two three-layer masks are crafted of pure cotton in ivory and yellow. The comfortable elastic head strap includes an adjustable plastic stopper so that you can keep the mask around your neck when not needed. Please wash the masks before first use.
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Midnight Blue Reusable Adult Face Masks (Set of 3), "Midnight Ferns"
$19.99These beautiful face masks are designed by Endah in Bali. The set of three contoured masks is made from two layers of woven rayon batik, with a pocket inside for a filter (not included). The midnight blue and white masks are reusable and washable, and feature elastic ear loops for a secure fit. Please wash the masks before first use.