CULTURE
Shabby chic? Minimalist? Country décor? Mid-century modern? Hygge? It seems like nowadays interior design has experienced a boom and everyone has a particular style they’re obsessed with. We’ve been there, we found a great place and received our container but there are still some pieces that are missing and we are obsessing of what and where to get it. Also, if you’re like us, you want furniture that is comfy, unique, has character and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Well, if you’re just setting on your new place or are looking for some accents to celebrate your new home, we have the complete list of handcrafts from all around Mexico. Take this as the perfect excuse to visit some of the places where these beautiful places are done and buy the most unique souvenirs all around this beautiful country!
ANTIQUES at the Lagunilla, Good news! Mexico has a millenary history, from the indigenous times all the way to contemporary Mexico and its furniture reflects it. If you’re looking for that unique beautiful piece you can start by visiting La Lagunilla in Mexico City. Every Sunday there’s a flea market where, with enough patience you should be able to find those beautiful Oscar Hagerman chairs from the 1950s. There are also some pre/post-revolutionary from the haciendas, from beautiful French chandeliers to Mahogany bedrooms. If you’re looking for such pieces, we suggest going to Guadalajara, Merida or Puebla, cities with a deep tradition and that hosted lots of haciendas in their time.
GLASSWARE with Vidrio Soplado de Tonalá, Jalisco. You’ve seen it, every Mexican restaurant in the whole wide world will serve margaritas in a beautiful two-colored glass. Chances are, these pieces were produced in Tonalá, the Mexican capital of the glassblown technique. From the very obvious Tequila “caballitos” (glasses for tequila) to sophisticated Chandeliers you will be able to add some color to your bar with these pieces. Also, if you go Tonalá, there is a high chance you can witness how the artisans skillfully shape the pieces as they blow through the glass.
BLANKETS with Sarape de Saltillo, if you want to cozy up while you’re watching a movie no better and more colorful blanket that the Sarape de Saltillo. Made of wool with a beautiful knit, they were widely used by Mexican charros and can now add a touch of colour to the beigest of rooms. Visit this quaint city and don’t forget to learn about the Desert in the Museo del Desierto.
LINEN Deshilados de Aguascalientes If you’re looking for tablecloths, napkins or tea towels Aguascalientes and the Deshilado technique are for you. Brought by the Spanish women and inspired in the Flemmish and Venezian embroidery the tradition is passed through generations. Nowadays, visit the beautiful city and watch life go by with the guava trees surrounding you.
TABLEWARE Talavera de Puebla, the white and blue pieces are a big part of Mexican Identity. Each piece is expertly handcrafted by an artisan that probably learned the technique from his grandfathers. No wonder the prices are steep but hey! each piece is unique and special. From a tea set to an intricate dining service get yours walking through Puebla downtown and keep it for life.
SILVERWARE Plateria de Taxco. If you want to feel like royalty and you have a big budget no better place to find a complete silver tea set or your whole cutlery than Taxco. Same goes for salt shakers, trays or anything plated. Head to this beautiful town and get your royal game on!
POTS Copper Pots Santa Clara del Cobre & Clay Pots in Metepec Have you ever wondered why in traditional Mexican restaurants they still cook with clay and copper pots? Because it tastes so much better! Furthermore, copper is a great heat conductor, and it looks lovely in any kitchen decoration. Pro tip: don’t cook acidic food in copper.
If you’re looking for clay pots head down to Metepec and you will not regret it, you can even get some gorgeous Arboles de la Vida decorations.
CHRISTMAS BAUBLES de Chignahuapan, Puebla. Get your Christmas mood going and head to Chignahuapan to marvel at the colourful designs that they imprint in their Christmas baubles. From super heroes to the very traditional red, white and golden baubles, every piece is carefully created for you to take home and celebrate Christmas.
ARTWORKS with Papel Amate from the Sierras of Guerrero and Puebla. If what you’re looking is for an artwork to hang on your walls, papel amate might be one of the most enchanting pieces you can get. Take it from me, I took mine to Hong Kong and it just came back to Mexico and is now in my kitchen. The colourful pieces depict Mexican life and are a beautiful gift for you or your loved ones.
CONVERSATION PIECES from across Mexico. The country is lucky to have a ton of different handcrafts that could very well serve as a conversation piece in any room, but our top three are, Barro Negro de Oaxaca, from sculptures to flower vases one of the main reasons why we love it is because is not as known as other handcrafts yet it’s a shiny and elegant charcoal colour.
Huichol art from Nayarit, chances are your friends back home know what peyote is, and these pieces are painstakingly inspired by the hallucinations provoked by the mushroom. Last but not least, Alebrijes, if you want to understand (or not) Mexican aesthetics the Alebrijes are beautiful fantasy animals that might look a bit like dragons, with a bit of horse, and maybe some hippo in them, oh and a fish tail perhaps. They are so fun to look at and children might find fascinating changing its parts to create another magical creature.
Catrinas! No decoration list would be complete without the absolute icon of the Mexican culture. Catrinas are the artistic representation that Jose Guadalupe Posada created to mock Mexican bourgeoisie. Nowadays, you can find Catrinas fancily dressed as high society ladies, working in a fruit stall or at the hairdresser, there are even some working on their imacs or visiting the doctor….
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