Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Mexico!



Hola friends! I have returned from my vacation on the sandy shore of Puerto Vallarta! It rained a couple days, but it was mostly beautiful there. Also, who cares about rain, when you can spend the day shopping in the amazing art markets? I brought home some papier mache dolls, that they only offer around the time of Dia de los Muertos. One is a lovely girl, named Rosaura (it's painted right on her body)-isn't that a cool name? She features hand painted flowers and glitter, and even little earrings. The other doll I purchased is a tiny green devil! He has horns, a tail, and a flowery body with wings. I couldn't resist his clawed toes, lol!


I visited a great gallery too, owned by a charming Canadian man. He gave my Mom and I a detailed history of Mexican folk art. I was in heaven! I purchased a hand carved, sacred heart that is covered in milagros (religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings).


My last piece to show is a wood leopard or cheetah (not sure, he's kind of a combo). I can't believe someone carved this out of a single piece of wood. The painted detail is really stunning on him.


My family and I visited a candy shop, where I snapped some pics of candy altars for Dia de los Muertos. Ooohhh, sparkly!


Here's an interesting mix of old and new Mexico, a tattoo shop by a church!


I really enjoyed having some down time on the beach, just lazing about, eating, and reading. I drank enough Mexican Coke to last me awhile. :) The trips to the markets and walking through the streets were really inspiring. It's always refreshing to immerse yourself in other cultures and their art. November is going to be a big month, preparing for a 3 week long art bazaar and getting more in my Etsy shop for the Holiday season (although I know many people are already well into their Christmas shopping-not procrastinators like me). I hope the fresh inspiration fuels my new pieces!

7 comments:

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i love puerto vallarta!!! did you by any chance get to go to a restaurant just outside the city, up in the mountains, called paradise? what an amazing place it is. i entered you in the drawing!

Illustrated Ink said...

No, I didn't get to go to Paradise! Although, we went a couple times to a restaurant called, "La Langosta Feliz" (the happy lobster). It was delicious!
Thank you for entering me in your drawing! :)

Pili said...

I'm really glad to hear you had such a great time and got such awesome goodies back!

Unknown said...

Great pics and cool souvenirs. Makes me want to get to Mexico soon!

Lucie Le Blanc said...

Welcome back, dear ! So happy you enjoyed your trip. I love that cheetah-leopard, it's amazing.

Looking forward to see what you'll to your etsy shop. ;)

Nydia said...

What a wonderful place to spend vacations! Loved the carved heart, so beautiful!

Just cam from Mrs. B.'s page!

Kisses from Nydia.

Mother Moon said...

love your site.. the carved heart is beautiful... I envy your vacation...nice and warm as opposed to our cooler weather

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