Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

This post wil cover two business located in Tlaquepaque (very close to Guadalajara). We began carrying hand-blown glass last fall (2007) and this was my first trip to the factory where they make it. I'm familiar with glass blowing, but was impressed with the many people working in very hot conditions to craft the products we sell. The name of the business is Vitro Disenos Artesanales at Contreas Medellin No. 173.

This young man is making a glass flower.

This woman is inspecting a special order for hand-blown glass tequilla bottles.

Another special visit was made to D'Casa Stoneware. We met a representative at Enart two years ago, but had lost contact with the business. They make beautiful, sturdy (dishwasher safe), lead-free stoneware. We carried a pattern called "Rosy" when we opened. It sold well and we've had many requests for additional pieces. We are happy to say that we will carry it again this spring! I was able to photograph the workers:

This isn't our pattern, but it shows the incredibly precise work that goes into each piece.

I was watching the gentleman in the next picture turning a bowl and using a tool (maybe a small piece of wood) to shape the sides. Then I looked at the table next to him (the second picture) and saw many bowls of the exact same shape. How can he make the shapes match so well?

I'm excited to have this product back in the shop. I'll let you know by this post when the stoneware (and everything else) has arrived. We're hoping for mid-April.