granddaughter gifts

Says Odette Sierra of Mexico's Sierra Family, "My family loves everything natural, and for us it is a pleasure to see our clients enjoying our finished pieces." The talented artisans express this passion for nature through this decorative box, which is handcrafted of natural onyx stone. The variegated stone displays beautiful forms and inclusions.

Holding an ear of corn in his teeth, this plump little dog replicates those found in shaft tombs throughout Western Mexico. Angel Cerón depicts the itzcuintli, a cheerful, barkless species prized by ancient man. Sculpted in clay as funerary offerings, they accompanied their masters in death to aid the soul in crossing rivers of blood along the road of the dead.

Hand embroidery in light grey and burnt sienna make this sleeveless blouse exceptional. Manuela Gomez in Mexico creates the top, which is woven from white cotton on a traditional waist loom. Pleats at the front yoke create a swingy, feminine shape.

With sharp red fangs and his characteristic round eyes, Tlaloc is the Aztec god of rain and lightning. Angel Cerón replicates an ancient polychrome vessel that dates from 1440 to 1469 A.D. The original is in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

Holding an ear of corn in his teeth, this plump little dog replicates those found in shaft tombs throughout western Mexico and especially in the state of Colima. Artisans from the Angel Ceron Artisan Association depict the itzcuintli, a cheerful, barkless species prized by ancient man. Sculpted in clay as funerary offerings, they accompanied their masters in death to aid the soul in crossing rivers of blood along the road of the dead.

Grinning Catrina frolics in a decoupage collage as Ana María González commemorates Day of the Dead with a colorful treasure chest. The word catrina is widely used in Mexico to mean "elegant and polished." Lithographer Jose Guadalupe Posadas created the skeletal Catrina, who was later immortalized in the murals of Diego Rivera. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is about celebrating the life of those who have passed, rather than mourning their deaths. People visit graves with offerings, including bright floral displays.

Part of NOVICA's Dia de los Muertos collection.

With colorful flowers blossoming on its shell, this turtle captivates with psychedelic artistry. Zeny and Reyna craft this endearing alebrije sculpture with techniques inherited from their parents. They carve a found piece of copal wood into the statuette and proceed to paint it with hand crafted artistry.

Alebrijes are a fairly recent Mexican art form, attributed to Pedro Linares. Unconscious due to illness in 1936, he was presumed near death and yet his dreams were extremely vivid. He tells of a place where all was peaceful and quiet until all of a sudden there appeared a lion with an eagle’s head, a rooster with bull's horns and a donkey with butterfly wings. They kept screeching "alebrije, alebrije!" and Ricardo began running away. He encountered a man who told him it was not yet his time to be there are and he should continue running towards the exit. In this dream Pedro climbed out of a window and regained consciousness. He made paper replicas of these creatures to show everyone, and soon others began to craft other "monster-like" creatures in bright colors.

Perfect for the warmer months, this cotton blouse from Mexico features a solid color in marigold. Manuela Gomez creates this sleeveless blouse, woven by hand on the traditional backstrap loom. Colorful brocade embroidery decorates the neckline of this bright top.

Beloved patron saint of Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe is surrounded by myriad Castile roses. She first appeared in 1531 to Juan Diego and, as proof, caused roses to bloom at the site. Named Patron Saint of the Americas by Pope John Paul II, she is a beloved manifestation of the Catholic faith. Ana Maria González recreates the famous portrait in an antique-style decoupage box featuring the illusion of multiple drawers. The chest features a drawer with a brass puller and the top lifts to reveal three practical compartments.

This chest treasures the timeless allure of Catrina, as first developed by renowned Mexican caricaturist José Guadalupe Posadas. Personifying death, Catrina is a coquettish character that symbolizes Mexican customs and beliefs. She is portrayed eating a watermelon and drinking tequila in a decoupage composition by Ana Maria Gonzalez. She uses it to adorn a pinewood box featuring iron fixtures.

Part of NOVICA's Dia de los Muertos collection.