Posts Tagged ‘artisans of Mexico’

The Story of the Tree of life , Arbol de la Vida

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Jun.1,2017

The Story of the Tree of Life, Arbol de la Vida

The Tree of Life (Arbol de la Vida) is a clay folk art sculpture from Central Mexico that started in the colonial period.

After the Conquest, the Spanish destroyed religious figures and replaced them with Christian iconography. The original purpose of the Trees of Life was evangelical, specifically the story of Adam and Eve. A reminder of original sin.

Trees of Life are a traditional wedding gift because of the relation to the first human couple (Adam and Eve). They are also considered to be a talisman for the couple for fertility.

As mentioned above, the traditional Trees of Life are based on the first couple, Adam and Eve. You will see many trees of life with images of the couple, usually naked except for fig leaves. The couple is positioned at the base of the tree and often a snake can been seen.

Many variations of the traditional Trees of Life can be found. For instance, a tree of life from Metepec will branch out like a real tree and a tree from Puebla will be more stylized with branches bending inward onto the body of the tree.

Themes of the Trees can vary depending on the artisan. Themes can range from the four seasons, death, chocolate, local dances and food.

Whichever style you choose or prefer they are remarkable symbols of the Mexican heritage created by talented local artisans.

Coast Hwy Traders a Fair Trade Buyer

Coast Hwy Traders purchases all there Trees of Life from Mexico handmade by local artisans. Coast Hwy Traders is a responsible fair-trade buyer.

This Fabulous tree of life is $175.00 and is available at Coast Hwy Traders

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : Adam and Eve, Arbol de la Vida, artisans of Mexico, artists, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, fair trade, handmade, local artists, Metepec, Mexican artists, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Puebla, Spanish, tree of life, wedding gift

Mexican Pottery, History, Shrimp Ice Cream…Dolores Hidalgo

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Apr.18,2017

Mexican Pottery, History, Shrimp Ice Cream….Dolores Hidalgo

The town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato is best known as the “cradle” of the Mexican War of Independence. On September 15th, Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell to call the people to arms against Spanish rule.

Today, Dolores Hidalgo is one of the largest ceramic producers in the country. The city producers a style of multi-colored glazed pottery.

Dolores Hidalgo products are made of a local mix of black, white and red clays from abundant local deposits. The designs used for the pottery have been passed down thru the generations.

You can find dishes, water dispensers, tiles, table tops, sinks, jars, picture and mirror frames and so much more.

This city is full of beautiful Mexican pottery plus Mexican history and a unique idea cream shop full of unique flavors like Queso, Mexican fruits like mango or how about shrimp?

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, Coast Hwy Traders, Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, handmade, Mexican artists, Mexican artwork, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Mexican Style, mexican war, Mexico

The Home of the Tree of Life’s

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Jan.9,2017

Izucar De Matamoros, Mexico is the home of the Traditional Mexican Pottery, The Tree of Life

Izucar De Matamoros, Mexico is where the Mexican pottery, the Tree of life’s are made. The city is thought of as the “Home” of the Tree of Life’s. On Bev’s latest trip to Mexico she visited Izucar. Bev has collected tree of life’s for over 25 years so her trip to Izucar was very exciting. She buys a lot of Day of the Dead merchandise from this particular workshop. The craftsmanship and attention to detail by the workers is amazing. Even the children are able to earn extra money after school by helping at the workshop.

It was great to see the young people learning this traditional craft!

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, artists, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, Mexican artwork, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Mexico, tree of life

Shop Small Business Saturday

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Nov.21,2016

This Saturday, November 26th is small business Saturday.

Come shop small and support local at Coast Hwy Traders.

We have a wide selection of handmade one of a kind gifts made by local artisans. 
 
Shop Outside the Box this holiday and shop small at  Coast Hwy Traders  

We hope to see you on Saturday, 11/26!

 Free Boat House Poster or local postcard
with every purchase on
Shop Small Saturday, Nov 26th

Holidays at Coast Hwy Traders

Holiday Jewelry

Holiday Flowers

Embossed Pictures

Dream Catchers

Tags : angels, artisans of Mexico, Coast Hwy Traders, dream catchers, holiday gifts, holiday jewelry, local artists, Mexican artists, shop small, small business saturday, support local

Local Business Coast Hwy Traders is Turning 21!

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Sep.26,2016

An Iconic Downtown Business Celebrates 21 Years.

Local business Coast Hwy Traders Supports local Artists/Fair Trade

Coast Hwy Traders is thrilled to be celebrating their 21 first birthday on Saturday, October 22 2016 at noon. We will be celebrating with Mexican Food, Music and door prizes.

Coast Hwy Traders was founded in October 1996 by owner Beverly Goodman as a venue for local artists,fun imports,and unique items. Coast Hwy Traders supports Fair trade buying and they support local charities like an orphanage in Mexico and a children’s foundation in Nepal.

Owner Beverly Goodman has been traveling to Mexico for over twenty years meeting local artists and importing their goods. She first met Moises Rodriquez when he was a young father with two small children. He was living and working in a small village outside TONALA,Mexico. Moises family counted on Bev’s visits to help support him and his family. Moises is now a well known artist. Buying from him was easy as his work is beautiful. Today his children are grown and married. Their room is now a gallery for his art. This is a story repeated many times by the unique art at Coast Hwy Traders.

Coast Hwy Traders also has the largest collection of Day of the Dead merchandise in Southern California.

Artist Moises Rodriquez and his handmade pottery

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, artists, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos, handmade, local artists, Mexican artwork, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Mexico, shop local, Tonala

Mexican Folk Art

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Aug.15,2016

Day of the Dead (skeleton plate)

With the iconic Folk Tree Import store closing this month, their is one less store to buy unique authentic Mexican Folk Art. It is also a loss for all the artists Rocky (the owner) bought from. Coast Hwy Traders will do our best to take up the slack. We certainly have wonderful authentic pieces from Mexican artists. Many of which are one kind items. We are always happy to E-mail you pictures so you can shop from afar.

Just tell us what you are looking for!

Bev

Mexican Pottery

Colorful Tree of Life

Grand Master Pottery from Mexico

Mexican Folk Art Pottery

Pottery by Mexican Artists

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, Day of the Dead merchandise, Mexican artists, Mexican artwork, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Mexico, pottery, tree of life

Importing from Mexico

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Apr.4,2016

People often come in with items they bought on a trip and want to import. Well my items from my last trip are still in TJ where they have been for four weeks. What makes delays. Well there is a lot of paperwork to do. You have to have receipts for everything you buy. So all those fun one of a kind items I buy at the market in Tonala they need their own receipt. All this information then goes to a broker.

My conversation today with broker….Broker, “we need a copy of your signature.” Okay.

Second call, “You signed your name, we need it printed too”…and so it goes.

The good news is that the items will arrive this week.

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, artists, Coast Hwy Traders, Day of the Dead, importing, Mexican Folk Art, Mexican pottery, Mexico, saints, shop local, Tonala

Day of the Dead Altars and their Meanings

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Oct.19,2015

Mexican Altars are used as a way to remember or honor a family member or loved one, a special saint, or a special time or remembrance. Altars have been apart of the Mexican culture since Cortez and his Spanish troops came to Mexico. The altars can be made from wood, paper or an old cigar box. They are colorful, inspirational, religious, or just plain fun.

Altars play a huge part in the Day of the Dead celebrations. As part of the Day of the Dead celebration it is believed that the dead are allowed to return to Earth. The altars are made to help guide the spirits of the dead to the homes of the loved ones. The sweet smell of flowers, the candle light and the colors of the altar all help to guide the spirit home!

That is why the altars are filled with brightly colored marigolds. Colorful decorations, like Papel Picados and blankets. Tons of food, sweets, and drinks are also laid out on the altars. The altars are also filled with incense and candles. Mementos of the deceased loved one is also placed on the altars. Like pictures, their favorite piece of clothing, their favorite foods etc. All these altars are true works of art!

Coast Hwy Traders has Day of the Dead candles, colorful papel picados, Day of the Dead statues, crafts and much more. Come in to a local small business and purchase all your “Real” Day of the Dead merchandise from artists and not Box Stores!!

Below is a great picture of the altar and the meanings behind each item…..

Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Tags : artisans of Mexico, box stores, calacas, candles, catrinas, Day of the Dead, day of the dead altars, incense, marigolds, Mexico Traditions, papel picados, skeleton, skulls, spirits

Coast Hwy Traders Supporting Artists

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Apr.24,2015

I first started traveling to Mexico in college. In 1995 before I opened my store in 1996, I took a 4000 mile round trip to meet all the Mexican pottery and Ceramic artists I could find. Jorge Wilmot a very famous ceramic artist was especially helpful.

Today I continue to buy from the many artists, some of whom have become very well known and even famous. One of my favorite artists is Moises Rodriquez. When I first started buying from him, he depended on a handful of buyers to support his family. Even though he lives down a dirt road in a small village outside of Tonala, he always knows when I am in town. Today his children are grown. Their rooms are now a gallery and lots of people shop there. We always have a lovely selection of his Mexican Pottery art at Coast Hwy Traders.

This beautiful piece on the wall is one of Moises.

Another one of Moises works

Tags : artisans of Mexico, artists, ceramic artists, Jorge Wilmot, Mexican artwork, Mexican pottery, Mexico, Tonala

Artisan Trip to Mexico

Filed Under : Blog by KMurray

Mar.21,2014

Beverley of Coast Hwy Traders is hosting an Artisan Trip to Mexico. So many of you have asked about going to Mexico. If you want to go lets do it!! Bev can do it as soon as July if people are interested. 10 people max.

Singles contact Bev if you would like to share a room. Rooms include one or two beds (pictured below).

Trip price only $800 to $900 depending on your room (single supplement not included) Special price as this would be her first tour!

We would leave on a Saturday and return on a Friday. Flying in and out of Guadalajara. We would stay in Tlaquepaque. Those local can leave with Bev from TJ. (flights are around $230).

(Bev shopping toll she drops…..then a little Margarita libation!!)

Trip would include welcome margarita and folk art lecture Saturday evening. Dinner together or on your own.
Sunday we would go to the antique market and then to lunch (included)
Monday we would visit 4 0r 5 artists homes.
Tuesday would be a day to explore Tlaquepaque and have a hosted lunch at El Patio to see the women mariachis (2 Margaritas included with lunch)
Wednesday we would visit the town of Tequila
Thursday we would go to the market in Tonala and meet for lunch (see picture below)

(Chili en Nogada at Ricon del Sol Restaurant)

What is included. 6 night stay. All breakfasts. 3 lunches. 4 excursions. 5 Margaritas. SPECIAL SURPRISES.

Changes may be made due to scheduling.

Email Beverley if you are interested at mexart@cox.net

Tags : artisans of Mexico, Coast Hwy Traders, Guadalajara, Mexican Folk Art, Mexico, Tonala, tour of Mexico

Posts Tagged ‘artisans of Mexico’

The Story of the Tree of Life, Arbol de la Vida

The Tree of Life (Arbol de la Vida) is a clay folk art sculpture from Central Mexico that started in the colonial period.

After the Conquest, the Spanish destroyed religious figures and replaced them with Christian iconography. The original purpose of the Trees of Life was evangelical, specifically the story of Adam and Eve. A reminder of original sin.

Trees of Life are a traditional wedding gift because of the relation to the first human couple (Adam and Eve). They are also considered to be a talisman for the couple for fertility.

As mentioned above, the traditional Trees of Life are based on the first couple, Adam and Eve. You will see many trees of life with images of the couple, usually naked except for fig leaves. The couple is positioned at the base of the tree and often a snake can been seen.

Many variations of the traditional Trees of Life can be found. For instance, a tree of life from Metepec will branch out like a real tree and a tree from Puebla will be more stylized with branches bending inward onto the body of the tree.

Themes of the Trees can vary depending on the artisan. Themes can range from the four seasons, death, chocolate, local dances and food.

Whichever style you choose or prefer they are remarkable symbols of the Mexican heritage created by talented local artisans.

Coast Hwy Traders a Fair Trade Buyer

Coast Hwy Traders purchases all there Trees of Life from Mexico handmade by local artisans. Coast Hwy Traders is a responsible fair-trade buyer.

This Fabulous tree of life is $175.00 and is available at Coast Hwy Traders

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Mexican Pottery, History, Shrimp Ice Cream….Dolores Hidalgo

The town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato is best known as the “cradle” of the Mexican War of Independence. On September 15th, Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell to call the people to arms against Spanish rule.

Today, Dolores Hidalgo is one of the largest ceramic producers in the country. The city producers a style of multi-colored glazed pottery.

Dolores Hidalgo products are made of a local mix of black, white and red clays from abundant local deposits. The designs used for the pottery have been passed down thru the generations.

You can find dishes, water dispensers, tiles, table tops, sinks, jars, picture and mirror frames and so much more.

This city is full of beautiful Mexican pottery plus Mexican history and a unique idea cream shop full of unique flavors like Queso, Mexican fruits like mango or how about shrimp?

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Izucar De Matamoros, Mexico is the home of the Traditional Mexican Pottery, The Tree of Life

It was great to see the young people learning this traditional craft!

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

This Saturday, November 26th is small business Saturday.

Come shop small and support local at Coast Hwy Traders.

We have a wide selection of handmade one of a kind gifts made by local artisans. Shop Outside the Box this holiday and shop small at Coast Hwy Traders

We hope to see you on Saturday, 11/26!

Free Boat House Poster or local postcard with every purchase on Shop Small Saturday, Nov 26th

Holidays at Coast Hwy Traders

Holiday Jewelry

Holiday Flowers

Embossed Pictures

Dream Catchers

An Iconic Downtown Business Celebrates 21 Years.

Local business Coast Hwy Traders Supports local Artists/Fair Trade

Coast Hwy Traders is thrilled to be celebrating their 21 first birthday on Saturday, October 22 2016 at noon. We will be celebrating with Mexican Food, Music and door prizes.

Coast Hwy Traders was founded in October 1996 by owner Beverly Goodman as a venue for local artists,fun imports,and unique items. Coast Hwy Traders supports Fair trade buying and they support local charities like an orphanage in Mexico and a children’s foundation in Nepal.

Coast Hwy Traders also has the largest collection of Day of the Dead merchandise in Southern California.

Artist Moises Rodriquez and his handmade pottery

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Day of the Dead (skeleton plate)

Just tell us what you are looking for!

Bev

Mexican Pottery

Colorful Tree of Life

Grand Master Pottery from Mexico

Mexican Folk Art Pottery

Pottery by Mexican Artists

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

My conversation today with broker….Broker, “we need a copy of your signature.” Okay.

Second call, “You signed your name, we need it printed too”…and so it goes.

The good news is that the items will arrive this week.

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

Coast Hwy Traders has Day of the Dead candles, colorful papel picados, Day of the Dead statues, crafts and much more. Come in to a local small business and purchase all your “Real” Day of the Dead merchandise from artists and not Box Stores!!

Below is a great picture of the altar and the meanings behind each item…..

530 S Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas Ca

760-944-1381

I first started traveling to Mexico in college. In 1995 before I opened my store in 1996, I took a 4000 mile round trip to meet all the Mexican pottery and Ceramic artists I could find. Jorge Wilmot a very famous ceramic artist was especially helpful.

Beverley of Coast Hwy Traders is hosting an Artisan Trip to Mexico. So many of you have asked about going to Mexico. If you want to go lets do it!! Bev can do it as soon as July if people are interested. 10 people max.

Singles contact Bev if you would like to share a room. Rooms include one or two beds (pictured below).

Trip price only $800 to $900 depending on your room (single supplement not included) Special price as this would be her first tour!

We would leave on a Saturday and return on a Friday. Flying in and out of Guadalajara. We would stay in Tlaquepaque. Those local can leave with Bev from TJ. (flights are around $230).

(Bev shopping toll she drops…..then a little Margarita libation!!)

Trip would include welcome margarita and folk art lecture Saturday evening. Dinner together or on your own.

Sunday we would go to the antique market and then to lunch (included)

Monday we would visit 4 0r 5 artists homes.

Tuesday would be a day to explore Tlaquepaque and have a hosted lunch at El Patio to see the women mariachis (2 Margaritas included with lunch)

We have a wide selection of handmade one of a kind gifts made by local artisans. 
 
Shop Outside the Box this holiday and shop small at  Coast Hwy Traders  

 Free Boat House Poster or local postcard
with every purchase on
Shop Small Saturday, Nov 26th