Lovely Oaxacan Crafts

The town of Teotitlan del Valle has been committed to producing these beautiful tapetes (woven wool products) for generations. Ever since the Spanish colonizers introduced looms, this town has produced some lovely products incorporating both indigenous Zapotec designs and oftentimes natural dyes.

However – and this is the unfortunate part – today there is not enough of a market to support this town. As a result, many people’s livelihoods are disrupted.

That’s where I’m hoping to pitch in. I have collaborated with a family in Teotitlan del Valle and purchased some of their products. Now, I’m reselling them and if there is additional interest, I may import more in the future.

The designs, color schemes, and labor are all their own. What I’m supplying is simply a market of people who appreciate their work (you). If you’re interested in purchasing a bag, take a look below.

And, because I simply have no restraint in buying artisanal crafts, every purchase comes with a free special gift from Oaxaca.

These 13 x 15 inch bags (great for laptop carriers or portfolios) are made of woven wool (from the Oaxacan region), with leather siding, a durable zipper, and additional protection on the inside to keep your laptop safe and happy. They cost $75 (plus shipping and handling).

To place an order:

1) Send an email to me (gnewell14@gmail.com) with Subject Line “Oaxacan Bag”

2) Specify which bag you want (each bag has a corresponding number), and the address it should be shipped to.

3) The bags cost $75 plus shipping + handling. I’ll send you an invoice via Paypal once I receive your email.

4) You’ll receive a confirmation email once your bag has been shipped, and within 2-3 business days your bag (and the surprise gift from Oaxaca) will arrive!

About the Artisans:

All of the work presently featured was created by a family in Teotitlan, Graciela Contreras & Zenon Bautista. This couple and their three young children live in Teotitlan del Valle. I became connected with this family while volunteering with the micro-finance project, Fundacion En Via. Graciela has received interest-free loans from En Via and uses those funds to buy the raw materials for these bags.

And if you know of any outlet that may be interested in importing larger quantities, I’d be glad to connect them to this very talented and gracious family.

The view of the valley in Oaxaca, from the home of Señora Graciela Contreras and Señor Zenon Bautista.

Señora Graciela, in her home, with the materials she uses to create these beautiful products.

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Señora Graciela, showing her fine work.

Learning to leave with artisan, Graciela Contreras Mendoza, at her home in Teotitlan del Valle

Me, learning to weave with artisan, Graciela Contreras, at her home in Teotitlan del Valle.