The Makers and Materials That Shape Moon House: Meet Twenty One Tonnes
We stepped into the Twenty One Tonnes studio on a golden summer afternoon, and the space seemed to hum with life. Light filtered through the woven basketry, dancing across the room in intricate, shifting patterns — a luminous celebration of a rich history, of gifts passed down through generations, through the hands of makers who pour themselves into every creation. Each surface invited a closer look, every texture told its own story, and the energy of these gifted artisans radiated from every corner, drawing us in and leaving us both mesmerized and deeply inspired.
In designing Moon House, every detail matters. Every surface, object, and texture carries a story — and some stories call to you, reaching across continents and generations. That’s exactly how we felt when we discovered Twenty One Tonnes.
At Twenty One Tonnes, objects are storytellers. Each piece carries the whispers of human hands, the legacy of families, and the traditions of communities. Clay from local mountains, fibers harvested with care, wood rescued from reforestation projects — these materials are alive with meaning, connecting people, place, and history.
Founded by childhood friends Mary Jane Bolton and Chessa Osburn, Twenty One Tonnes bridges traditional craft with contemporary design, honoring ancestral techniques while creating objects that feel both timeless and modern. They intentionally collaborate with women, small family workshops, and indigenous communities in Ghana, Mexico, Japan, and Colombia. Every piece is rooted in thoughtful design, ethical practice, and deep respect for culture and craft.
Some of the remarkable makers behind these pieces include:
SWOPA – Empowering women in northern Ghana to revive traditional pottery, express cultural identity, and cultivate financial independence.
TEKURA – Transforming reclaimed wood into sustainable, high-quality products while supporting forest conservation and community livelihoods in Ghana.
Hermano Maguey & FIBRA – Indigenous Oaxacan families creating objects from leftover maguey fibers, honoring tradition and circular economy principles.
Belén Perez Garcia – Master weaver in Oaxaca, Mexico, producing elegant sage and blonde-hued palm pieces with her team. (More info on Belén can be found here: BELÉN PEREZ GARCIA | an interview)
Eligio Zárate Blanco – Fourth-generation potter from Oaxaca, shaping red clay into objects carrying centuries of family tradition.
Koike Arts – Elevating Japanese contemporary craft while preserving centuries-old techniques.
Edgar Perez – In Oaxaca, harvesting and processing “carrizo,” a bamboo-like river reed, continuing a four-generation artisanal legacy.
Every piece in Moon House was selected with intention. Studio visits allowed us to feel the tactile quality of these objects and witness the subtle variations that make them one-of-a-kind. They don’t just occupy space — they transform it, bringing warmth, texture, and humanity that mass-produced objects can never replicate.
Twenty One Tonnes’ philosophy shines in every collaboration:
Women-led and women-supporting – empowering artisans and communities alike.
Environmental responsibility – indigenous materials, circular design, minimal impact.
Cultural preservation – honoring centuries-old craft lineages.
Fair compensation and community empowerment – paying artisans well while uplifting communities.
Authentic craftsmanship – celebrating the beauty and variation of objects made by human hands.
Partnering with Twenty One Tonnes is more than a collaboration — it’s a philosophy in action. Each piece embodies hands, hearts, and histories, reminding us that design is most powerful when human-centered, ethically grounded, and connected to the stories of those who create it.
As Moon House comes to life, these objects stand as quiet, powerful testaments to what’s possible when we make mindful choices: supporting craft, honoring heritage, and bringing intention to every corner of our homes. In a world of mass production, these pieces carry connection, depth, and beauty — a celebration of thoughtful design and conscious consumption.
Explore the makers and their work at Twenty One Tonnes, and let their stories encourage you to infuse intention, care, and meaning into your own space.
TWENTY ONE TONNES
200 N San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031
(424) 610-7304