Dichroic Glass Jewelry

Chiripa has offered dichroic glass jewelry since we opened in 2006. Customers love the vibrant colors and iridescent sparkle set against high quality sterling silver. On our last buying trip to Mexico (Feb 2009) we visited the family workshop where the glass is made.

We found the business tucked in a neighborhood of Guadalajara. This was definitely a taxi-ride from our downtown hotel. We had communicated ahead of the trip that we planned to visit on this day. Unfortunately, our contact was in the U.S. when we arrived.

But, Edith (who speaks English) took charge; and, after verifying our identity, we were let in to the bustling business. Workers were firing glass in one room, finishing pendants and bracelets in another, photographing product to place on their website, and working on new packaging designs.

We set to work selecting new pieces for Chiripa. We (and you) can also order online from Mexico925, but it's fun to meet the people who produce the jewelry. And, I could work much faster pouring over bags (yes, plastic bags-full) of pendants and earrings and bracelets and rings.

We offer a few of their designs on our website and a large selection on display at the shop.

Huichol Yarn Paintings and Beadwork

This is the first in the series of posts reporting on the artists and places we visited in February of 2009. The Chiripa partners ventured into new territory on this buying trip: Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. Our quest was to get closer to the source of Huichol artwork. The Huichol people create intricate yarn paintings that depict their world view. Below is one piece (14" x 14") we shipped to Chiripa.


In addition to yarn paintings they carve wooden figures, cover the wood (or clay, in some cases) with beeswax, and then enbed colorful glass beads in the wax with painstaking detail. In the pictures below you can see how the artists picks up the beads with a needle and places them one by one on the carved piece.


We were disappointed to learn that the Huichol cultural center we had hoped to visit was temporarily closed. We were able to amuse ourselves visiting the artists working and selling in their designated block. The man below is making beaded jewelry.


Most of our buying took place at the state-run (DIF) shop that supports the Huichol people.


If you are ever in Tepic, you will find a fine selection of yarn paintings, beaded figures, clothing, books and more. The address is Av. Mexico exquina con Abasolo, Palacio de Gobierno, Tepic, Nayarit. Phone 01 311 216 99 17.

If you can't make it to Tepic, visit Chiripa in Madison, Wisconsin

Safe

Since we returned from Mexico (a Chiripa buying trip) the most frequently asked question is, "Did you feel safe?" I enthusiastically reply, "Of course!" I've heard that there are State Department warnings about the dangers in Mexico and I don't doubt that there are some places with major problems. However, we never felt unsafe, not even uncomfortable.

We travel in places less frequented by tourists. Generally we travel inland by bus, avoiding the beach resort areas. As I wander through city centers at night I often see families and older people. The streets are not deserted, they are alive with the activity of communities that thrive on social interactions in social gathering places like the zocalo.


These central park areas provide a glimpse of the people of a community. I love to sit and watch the activities. (There was precious little time for sitting and watching on this trip!) Besides the walkers and sitters you'll see vendors with balloons and toys,


with food,

with a shine for your shoes,

with artwork, with music, and with small crafts. The sounds and smells mix well with the perfectly balmy weather.

One night in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajato we were crossing the zocalo to find a restaurant when I was "egged" twice. I had watched this strange custom in the past, but wasn't prepared to be the recipient of the cracked shell, flour, and confetti that rained down my hair. A couple young boys (who were taller than me), cracked the colorfully died, hollowed, and filled eggs on my head. It was a surprise, but all in good fun. I shook it off and wondered about the significance of the act. In questioning some Mexican friends I didn't get a full reply. Just that it's something that young people do. (If you know the origins please post a reply.)

Well, we're back. We're still tired. And we're filled with wonder at the imensely diverse country of Mexico who's traditional crafts have become our calling. In the next few months I'll post photos and information about the places we visited and the artists we met. -- Kathryn