{"title":"Itza Wood","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"max-width: 90%; text-align: center; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 8px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 22pt; font-weight: 300; line-height: 125%; letter-spacing: 2px; margin-bottom: 14px;\"\u003eItza Wood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/blogs\/journal\/get-to-know-itza-wood\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eItza Wood\u003c\/a\u003e is led by a mother-and-daughter team: Philadelphia native Suzanne Babarczy and her daughter Eliza, who spent much of her childhood in Guatemala, where Suzanne founded The Jungle School with her husband Mario in a remote corner of the Central American country. After launching her career in event planning in the U.S., Eliza Babarczy decided to return to Peten, Guatemala, to work alongside her parents. Itza Wood, launched five years ago, was intended as a way to raise money for the school while also employing local woodworkers and showcasing (and protecting) the region’s beautiful tropical hardwoods, making each piece a true expression of the Guatemalan jungle’s beauty and biodiversity. “This is my mom’s dream, and I am the executor — it’s both of our hearts,” says Eliza Babaczry, noting that Itza Wood turns over 10 percent of its profits to the school, while employing seven of its graduates part-time. “As a young company, we’re still growing — and setting a firm foundation for bigger giving in the future.” \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHandcrafted Products\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Itza Wood, we take pride in our handcrafted products, which are made from sustainably harvested exotic woods. Our products include cutting boards, kitchen utensils, and decorative home furnishings that are designed to be both functional and beautiful. Each piece is a unique expression of Guatemalan beauty and biodiversity, reflecting the rich landscape grains and warm tones of the tropical wood. Our handcrafted products are made with love and care, ensuring that every piece is truly one of a kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSourcing and Sustainability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are committed to responsible sourcing and harvesting practices, using only FSC-certified exotic woods in our products. Our wood is sourced from the Peten region of Guatemala, where we work closely with local communities to ensure that our practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly. We believe that our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the beauty and quality of our products, which are designed to last for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and Maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo ensure that your Itza Wood product remains in excellent condition, we recommend the following care and maintenance tips:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eAvoid exposing your product to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eClean your product with a soft cloth and mild soap.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eAvoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDry your product thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eApply a wood conditioner or oil to maintain the natural beauty of the wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy following these simple care and maintenance tips, you can enjoy your Itza Wood product for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"Itza Wood Journal Article\" href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/blogs\/journal\/get-to-know-itza-wood\"\u003eRead more about them in our Journal Article \u003cem\u003ehere\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gathering-cheese-board","title":"Gathering Cheese Board","description":"\u003cp\u003eSkilled wood workers in the Peten region of Guatemala handcraft these cutting boards with sustainably harvested exotic wood from the heart of Guatemalan jungle and use all-natural processes to enhance the wood’s durability, texture, and unique timbre and tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch like our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/products\/bartenders-cutting-board\" title=\"Bartenders Cutting Board\"\u003eBartender's Cutting Board\u003c\/a\u003e but narrower.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36687330050211,"sku":"83680548","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/2020BloomistSaltaire3503-v2.jpg?v=1711586042"},{"product_id":"woven-storage-basket","title":"Woven Storage Basket","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThese durable and versatile \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ewoven baskets\u003c\/span\u003e are \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/pages\/techniques#handwoven\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Handoven Technique\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehandcrafted\u003c\/a\u003e by women artisans in rural Guatemala using sustainable vines and fibers from the Peten Jungle. Designed as functional yet beautiful \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003enatural storage baskets\u003c\/span\u003e, they’re perfect for holding fruit, onions, or linen towels on your counter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTheir sculptural form also makes them a striking decorative accent on a shelf or console.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEach basket is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique style of the individual weaver. Available in Short and Tall styles, these \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eround wicker baskets\u003c\/span\u003e bring warmth and texture to any space—whether used as \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eround woven baskets\u003c\/span\u003e for storage or simply displayed on their own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLooking for more handcrafted options?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eExplore our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/collections\/baskets\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Baskets Collection\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ecollection of baskets\u003c\/a\u003e, including our sculptural \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/products\/buhera-baskets\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Buhera Basket Product\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBuhera baskets from Zimbabwe\u003c\/a\u003e and our bold \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/products\/black-and-white-stripe-baskets\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Black and White Stripe Baskets\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eblack and white stripe baskets\u003c\/a\u003e that add a graphic touch to any room.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Short","offer_id":40981969731769,"sku":"83180249","price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tall","offer_id":40981969764537,"sku":"83180259","price":88.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/Kit_ItzaWood_Basket_Short_Tall_042821_DC_01_270-v2.jpg?v=1711586577"},{"product_id":"woven-mixed-fibers-placemats","title":"Set of Four Woven Mixed Fibers Placemats","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are sold as a set of four.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the forest to the table. Women weavers transform fibers including Bayal, Mimbre, Mahagua, and Enea from Guatemala’s Peten Jungle into these rustic, durable placemats. Commonly used to make roof thatching, Bayal fibers features multiple natural hues that look striking woven together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven their handcrafted nature each placemat is unique.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Round","offer_id":39789665124537,"sku":"83180289","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rectangular","offer_id":39789665157305,"sku":"83180299","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/Kit_ItzaWood_Placemat_Combo_042921_DC_01_568-v2.jpg?v=1711586592"},{"product_id":"bartenders-cutting-board","title":"Gathering Bartender's Cutting Board","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted using sustainably harvested mahogany from the heart of Guatemala’s Peten jungle, this durable and versatile Mini Cutting Board works as a practical size for your bar or for serving small selections of cheese or sliced fruit with cocktails.  Skilled wood workers In Peten use all-natural processes to enhance the wood’s durability and unique timbre and tone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39789679640761,"sku":"83680518","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/Kit_ItzaWood_SmallCuttingBoard_042921_DC_02_643-v2.jpg?v=1711586603"},{"product_id":"wooden-coffee-scoopers-set-of-2","title":"Wooden Coffee Scooper","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade using sustainably sourced Pixi wood and Grandillo wood from the Peten jungle in Guatemala, these simple, beautiful Coffee Scoopers add natural warmth and beauty to your morning coffee ritual. Each scoop is the equivalent of 1 tablespoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;Sold as a set of 2 in a gift bag or singularly without a bag.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Set of 2 with bag","offer_id":43246832877753,"sku":"83780525","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single scoop no bag","offer_id":43246832910521,"sku":"83780521","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/Kit_Itza_Scoop_Pair_072321_DC_2615-v2.jpg?v=1711587140"},{"product_id":"s-3-handcarved-kitchen-utensils","title":"Certified Wood Handcarved Kitchen Utensil Set","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHand Carved Wooden Utensil Set | Ethically Sourced from Guatemala's Petén Jungle\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Certified Wood Handcarved Kitchen Utensil Set is more than just a kitchen essential—it’s a story of tradition, sustainability, and impact. Made from responsibly sourced hardwood from Guatemala’s Petén jungle, each piece is meticulously hand-carved by skilled artisans, preserving generations-old craftsmanship while promoting ethical forestry. Rooted in Itza Wood’s mission, this set supports fair wages for artisans and helps fund education at The Jungle School, empowering local communities and protecting natural resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith every purchase, you bring home not just beautifully hand-carved utensils, but a commitment to sustaining heritage, rainforest conservation, and meaningful change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHandmade Wooden Spoons | Food-Safe, Durable \u0026amp; Functional\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for both durability and elegance, this artisan-made wooden cooking tool set includes a large oval spoon for stirring and serving, a medium oval spoon for delicate preparations, and a large spatula for flipping and mixing. The hand-finished surface is food-safe and free from synthetic coatings, ensuring a natural and comfortable cooking experience. Thoughtfully crafted for everyday use, these utensils offer a balanced weight and smooth grip, blending form with function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair it with the \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Itza Wood Gathering Cheese Board\" href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/products\/gathering-cheese-board\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eItza Wood Gathering Cheese Board\u003c\/a\u003e or other \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Sustainable kitchen essentials collection by Bloomist\" href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/collections\/kitchen-tools-accessories\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esustainably crafted kitchen essentials\u003c\/a\u003e for a thoughtfully curated, eco-conscious culinary collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44746368614585,"sku":"PBP-ITZA-GT-00075","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/Certified_wood_handcarved_kitchen_utensil_set_for_sustainable_cooking.jpg?v=1741666645"},{"product_id":"wood-leaf-trays","title":"Granadillo Wood Leaf Trays","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGranadillo Wooden Leaf Tray | Sustainably Harvested from Guatemala\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the heart of Guatemala’s Petén jungle, the journey of the Granadillo Wood Leaf Trays begins with the careful selection of sustainably harvested Granadillo wood, a hardwood prized for its rich tones and intricate grain. Skilled artisans then shape each tray by hand, transforming raw materials into elegant, organic forms that bring the warmth of nature into your home. More than just beautifully crafted pieces, these trays embody Itza Wood’s commitment to sustainability and social impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy supporting ethical woodworking and reinvesting in local communities, every purchase helps fund The Jungle School, ensuring education and opportunity for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAsymmetrical Wooden Trays | Food-Safe Decorative and Serving Platters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocal artisans shape each wooden tray with care, creating asymmetrical designs that add a unique, sculptural quality to coffee tables, dining spaces, or kitchen counters. Finished with locally sourced beeswax, these trays offer a smooth, food-safe surface ideal for serving snacks, displaying decorative accents, or adding a natural element to your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair it with other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/collections\/kitchen-tools-accessories\" title=\"Sustainable kitchen essentials collection by Bloomist\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esustainably sourced kitchen essentials\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection to create a thoughtfully curated, eco-friendly home.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Itza Wood","offers":[{"title":"Large","offer_id":44746415702201,"sku":"PBP-ITZA-GT-00085","price":209.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small","offer_id":44746415636665,"sku":"PBP-ITZA-GT-00083","price":109.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":44746415669433,"sku":"PBP-ITZA-GT-00084","price":129.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/files\/leaf-tray-itza-wood_1296x_aca3f6a6-edce-4628-829c-5cbb5f57403a.webp?v=1739388116"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0051\/8373\/3878\/collections\/201447178403.jpg?v=1659951761","url":"https:\/\/bloomist.mom\/en-ca\/collections\/itza-wood.oembed","provider":"Bloomist","version":"1.0","type":"link"}