Ever since my first visit to Mexico as a child, I gravitated to all the colors and traditional folkloric designs. With every trip I’ve taken as an adult, I’ve been able to deepen my connection and understanding of Mexican culture. I’ve discovered the diversity that makes each region so special. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and not to mention—the delicious cuisine is to die for!
Every Corazón bracelet tells a story of agricultural, familial, political, and religious strength inspired by Mexican culture. It’s an honor to introduce you to our special artisan partners.
Our Talavera Bracelet Set was made in Dolores Hidalgo by four local artisans. The origin of ‘talavera’ art comes from central Spain, specifically from the city of Talavera de la Reina.
Artisan Juana Ponce says,
The entire process is quite long, mostly due to the drying processes in between that require one to two full days. The process begins with the heart form, which is molded out of clay. After, it is put into a kiln for 8 hours, followed by a cooling process after baking. Next, we paint the hearts white and then let them dry for one full day. Once dry, we proceed to the ‘decorative’ phase where we add the design elements and then we bake once again for 8 hours with a second cooling period. Finally, they go through the QC check before they are packaged and shipped out.
Phew! From start to finish, the Talavera Bracelet takes about four days (packed with patience and LOVE) to complete.
Our Chaquira Bracelet Set and LOVE is LOVE Bracelet Set were made with LOVE in Jalisco by nine Wixáritari artisans. Wixárika means “the knowledgeable people with profound hearts.” It was only fitting that we invite these artisans to contribute to the Corazón Collection!
These bracelets have two separate designs—our favorite symbol, the heart (of course), and the Wixárika emblematic symbol, the Ojo de Dios. The Ojo de Dios is the power to see and understand things unknown. This symbol represents prosperity and is still used to call on an abundance of water for a good prosperous farming season.
Gloria and Luis Carlos Carrillo (a husband-wife duo!) are a part of the artisan group that made these bracelets. Gloria’s mother taught her chaquira at the age of 15 and then she taught Luis Carlos. Luis Carlos is grateful his wife taught him. He’s also grateful that she taught him how to speak their native language, Wixárika, which he was always forgetting. : )
Our Palma Bundle was made with LOVE in Guerrero and Puebla by women artisans from the co-op Flor de Mexico, led by Araceli Flores. The motto behind Flor de Mexico is ‘History Made by Women’—LOVE!
Here is Araceli’s story:
I was born in an indigenous community in the state of Guerrero. I’m always determined to do well in life due to the extreme poverty of our hometown. The making of every-day house products [made from weaving palm] began in my hometown with articles such as the ‘petate’ [word for a multi-use Mexican carpet used to sit, work, or sleep, ‘sombreros’ [countryside hats] to protect from the sun during farming labor. It was during the recollection of crops such as corn that they started weaving the ‘tecolpete’ as a way to hold these crops. Later, the ‘chiquihuit’ came to be as well as a woven fan, which was used to start fires.
These articles were also created for trade amongst other towns where product was exchanged for food or seeds, a process known as ‘trueque’. With time, visitors began entering the community to buy our products and resell them elsewhere. It’s not until recently that we as artisans have had a more direct involvement in selling our artisanal products. Despite these opportunities, it is sill very difficult to leave our communities, especially as women, due to the ‘machismo’.
In my case, I was raised by a father who always prioritized my education, believed in me, and allowed me to have proper studies, knowing I was capable of achieving what I wanted. He also advised I never forget my roots and origin and taught me to feel proud of who I was, of my identity. With this, I was able to leave my hometown and I now live in Puebla, a state that has provided much support and value in the work we do. Our talent is also a great deal of dedication because we feel that we must always persevere to obtain our goals despite the challenges that may arise.
Araceli oversees the work of 50 women! The majority of the palm used in these bracelets is collected from communities nestled in the mountains near Atlixtac, Zapotitlan Tablas, Ahuacoutzingo, and Copanatoyac. The beads are handcrafted and dyed over 3-5 days in Guerrero and then passed off to the artisans in Puebla who use a needle to weave together the bracelet and necklace.
We’re over the moon about these new additions to the Corazón Collection. I’m always inspired by the history, culture, techniques, and workmanship of our Mexican artisan groups. The uniqueness of each bracelet tells a story and I hope it brings to life the spirit of a diverse and vibrant country and culture.
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Viva Mexico!
Chrissie
Founder, Love is Project