Where does Mexico By Hand buy the crafts?

The state of Michoacán is home to over 100,000 artesanos (craftspeople) who create an amazing variety of beautiful objects out of clay, wood, textiles, plant fiber and metal. Families work together in their homes, and the elders proudly pass down their art to the next generation. Mexico By Hand has developed strong relationships with many of the state’s best artisans and Peggy and Doug buy directly from them. Because the crafts are all handmade, no two are exactly alike. Mexico By Hand can fill an order with approximate specifications, such as size and general design, but the end result is determined by the artist. This in fact is what is so special about purchasing handmade folk art….the artist’s soul and creativity is revealed.

What kinds of crafts does Mexico By Hand offer?

HAMMERED COPPER AND SILVER
Copper artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre (near Lake Patzcuaro) were making exquisite hand-hammered copper pieces before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. Mexico By Hand is proud to feature high quality copper pieces created by fine craftsmen from this hardworking Michoacán village.

POTTERY
Plates, bowls, vases and other decorative objects made of clay from a variety of villages featuring their own distinctive style. Some have brightly painted designs of flowers and birds, while others are elegantly burnished earth-toned ceramics with Pre-Columbian designs.

FOLK ART
Skeleton figures called Catrinas from Capula and Patzcuaro, colorful scenes often featuring devils created by the indigenous artisans of Ocumicho,  embroidered cloth pictures, woven baskets, and Frida and Virgen of Guadalupe nichos, boxes, and other decorative folk art.

Mexico By Hand sells to the public online and at juried crafts festivals, and we wholesale to museum stores and other quality retail outlets.

Read some raves here from our customers:

"Thank you so much for tracking down my beloved Mexico tablecloths!  They are so beautiful, the colors are brilliant, and made from quality material.  When they arrived I immediately put one on my table and it looks fantastic!  I can't thank you enough".-- Mikki C., online retail customer

“The work from Mexico by Hand is simply beautiful. Why wouldn't you want it?"--Caleb Zigas, Executive Director, La Cocina, San Francisco

“Peggy brought beautiful Mexican artisan products to show at SFMOMA for the Frida Kahlo exhibition store…The passion and dedication she gives to Mexican artisans is amazing. These products added so much to the exhibition store and our customers loved all of the special things we bought from her. I hope we have another Mexican related show so I can work with Peggy again!"--Tobey Martin, Product Developer at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

“I can only think of one problem anyone could possibly have with Peggy: deciding which of the many exquisite pieces of artworks to take home. Peggy is an absolute professional who brought the best of herself and Mexico by Hand to our event. A real joy to work with."--Marta Ceja Mora, Events Coordinator, San Francisco

 “I have worked with Peggy on numerous occasions during my time as head Buyer for a home and garden lifestyle retailer called The Gardener….She is a wealth of information regarding artisan made products….I have always found her business manner most pleasant and her orders terms more than reasonable. She works hard to bring value to her clients while still offering unique items and one of a kind products. She has been a true pleasure to work with!" --Katie Gaertner

"Thanks for supporting the workshops that have actually gone lead-free!"

--Steven Samford, online retail customer

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPLY THE FOLLOWING STORES WITH OUR PRODUCTS:

In CALIFORNIA--

Bram Cookware - Sonoma, CA

de Young Museum - San Francisco, CA

Oakland Museum of CA Store - Oakland, CA

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Store (SFMOMA)

Mingei International Folk Art Museum Store - San Diego

The Mission Works  - Novato, CA

Erin Martin Design -St. Helena, CA

The Folk Art Gallery - San Rafael, CA

The Gardener - Berkeley, CA

Infinity Connections- American Canyon, CA

In HAWAII--Honolulu Academy of Arts Store

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW RETAIL OUTLETS. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH US AND WOULD LIKE TO ACCESS OUR WHOLESALE PRICES.

Mexico By Hand can be reached by email at info@mexicobyhand.com or by telephone at 510-526-6395.

For information about Cocina Sana Clay Cookware, please contact us at cocinasanamexico@yahoo.com or by telephone at 510-526-6395.