It’s a laid-back world here in Taos, New Mexico. The dress of choice is either blue jeans and a T-shirt or hiking pants with elastic cuffs to keep out the noseeums. I’ve adapted my dress to put a Oaxaca or Chiapas blouse or huipil over pants to be able to wear some of the textile treasures I have brought with me into this new life. I’m trying to balance the vibe between Woo-Woo and Shi-Shi. Santa Fe is a mere 60 miles away, but it’s a different world, where visitors and those with second homes wear layers of Navajo and Kewa jewelry.
Last week, I went to an opening at the Millicent Rogers Museum. Most of the women were casually dressed (more or less), but adorned in magnificent Squash Blossom Necklaces, laden with turquoise and silver. This level of jewelry is not in my wheelhouse. However, I managed to fit in (somewhat) with my hiking pants and boots, topped with a naturally-dyed gauze Oaxaca huipil from Khadi Oaxaca. The task at hand for me now is to continue to downsize and edit my collection. Living in the land of hiking trails has its benefits, but also demonstrates that the social life is pretty low-key.
If you are interested in any pieces, you can either contact me directly to buy from me direct or you can purchase on Etsy. If you contact and buy direct from me, I will offer you a 10% discount. Just describe the piece you want. No discount with direct purchase from Etsy. norma.schafer@icloud.com I will send you an invoice and you can pay with Zelle, Venmo or PayPal. It will include $12 mailing cost. Thanks very much, Norma
SOLD. Vintage 10K gold filigree earrings, lillies, from either Oaxaca or Chiapas
There are 29 items in this sale today. They include earrings, necklaces and bracelets, handwoven and natural dyed wool rugs from Oaxaca, and two beautiful pieces of clothing. It’s a mixed bag! All are reduced significantly as I prepare to make my move to Taos, NM. Prices start as low as $15. I hope you find something you like. Please scroll down to be sure you see everything.
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo, Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee).
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo, Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee).
SOLD. #11 Vintage 12K gold filigree, pearl, glass. 1″x1-3/4″ $225 $160SOLD #12 Federico Jimenez Oaxaca signed turquoise and silver, 2-1/4″x1″ $225 $185SOLD. #13 Mexican onyx and sterling button earrings. 7/8″ x 1″ oval $25 $20 SOLD. #14 Israeli designer Ayala Bar. 3/4″x1″ $50 $20SOLD. #15 Sterling silver, India. 2″x1″ $55 $45#16 Vintage Oaxaca Virgin of Soledad Sterling and White Heart Glass Beads, 19″ $385 $325#17 India Vintage Rabari tribal necklace, adjustable. 26″ $135 $95#18 Oaxaca, black hand-polished clay beaded necklace, 21″ $75 $65#19 Vintage Morocco Bedouin Amber, Coral and Metal Necklace, 17″ $295 $195SOLD. #20 Chiapas Maya Coin Necklace, Ties to adjust length. $25 $15
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo, Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee).
SOLD. #21 New Mexico hand-cut/inlay turquoise, onyx, spiny oyster necklace, 20″ $185 $135#22 New Mexico turquoise, coral + sterling pendant, $65 (does not include chain) $40SOLD. #23 Oaxaca Black Clay Bead Mexican Coin Necklace, 20″ $65 $35
The four rugs below can be used on floor, wall, or to adorn furniture. Woven on a treadle loom by Taller Teñido a Mano in Oaxaca, Mexico, they feature all natural dyes created in the studio. Sturdy and beautiful.
If you have a small wrist you are in luck. Most of these bracelets measure 7″ to 8″ long and will fit a small wrist that is 6″ (more or less) in circumference. Some are vintage, some are new-ish, some are collectible, all are in like-new condition. I want to sell these as I get ready to make my cross-country move, so if you are so inclined, I welcome any reasonable offer.
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — thank you! We also accept Venmo and Zelle, and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
A word about these carved wood bangles from Mexico City designer Carla Fernandez: She works with the finest wood craftsman from the State of Mexico to create these pieces. If you notice, they are designs adapted from the parts of the molinillo, which is the wood whisk designed to froth hot chocolate. The moveable parts are what the bangle is made from. All carved by hand!
As I plan my move to New Mexico, I’m determining what to take with me and what to send off into the world for others to enjoy. This round of jewelry features 45+ pairs of earrings plus some other surprises. If you see something you like, please don’t hesitate to write to me and make an offer if the price doesn’t seem right.
In my desire to support the artisans of Mexico (and elsewhere), I’ve purchased some beautiful pieces over the years. I’d like nothing better than for something to make it’s way to you.
Featured here is Oaxaca filigree, sterling silver, and some with fine gemstones. There are all sizes and shapes — some some and dainty, some statement pieces a la Frida Kahlo. There are 45+ pairs below. Please take a look at everything!
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #11 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, pearls, glass. 1-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ $235SOLD. #6 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, pearls, filigree, glass. 2″x1″ $195SOLD. #9 Juan Manuel Sterling silver, filigree, onyx. 2″x3/4″ $185SOLD. #3 Vintage Oaxaca glass and copper earrings, traditional Tlacolula style, 1-1/2″ $45#4 Federico (stamped) turquoise and silver, 2-1/4″x1″ $225SOLD. #5 Sterling Silver, garnet, coral earrings, 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ $125SOLD. #7 Flora Maria, sterling silver, amethyst, moonstone. 2-1/2″x 1-1/2″ $135
Buy TWO pieces. Receive 20% off second piece (equal or lesser value).
#28 (left, 2×5/8″)) and #29 (right, 2-1/2″x3/4″)) Native American inlay turquoise $95 each
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #30 Sterling silver filigree and glass. 1-1/2″x3/4″ $55#31 Fine sterling silver filigree + amber. 3″x1-1/2″ $85SOLD. #32 Sterling silver + coral, Kutzi, Patzcuaro, Michoacan. 2″x3/4″ $65SOLD. #33 Sterling silver + garnet. 3/4″ x 1″ $65SOLD. #34 (left, 1″ x 2-1/2″), $55 and #35 (right, 3/4″x1″) $25. Israeli designer Ayala Bar.
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #36 Owl earrings, sterling silver. 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ $95#37 Onyx and sterling button earrings. 7/8″ x 1″ oval $25#38 Sterling silver filigree and garnet. 1-1/2″ x 1″ $20SOLD. #39 Chiapas rare red amber earrings. 2″ x 1″ $10SOLD. #40 Frida Style Dove Earrings, sterling and glass. 3″ x 2″ $165#41 Vintage cast sterling silver + pearls Butterfly earrings. 1-1/4″ x 2″ $55SOLD. #42 Sterling + gold filled amethyst and moonstone earrings. 3/4″ round $65SOLD. #43 Mexican sterling silver earrings. 3/4″ square. $55
See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.
SOLD. #44 Sterling silver hollow ball and wire mesh. 3/4″ x 1″ $25
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
SOLD. #45 Glyphs sterling silver. 1″x1-3/4″ $20#46 Sterling silver, India. 2″x1″ $55SOLD. #47 Sterling silver filigree and coral. 1-3/4″ x 3/4″ $85
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
#48 Cut/polished onyx + sterling filigree w/pearls. 3/4″x1/2″ $45SOLD. #49 Sterling silver American Crafts Council post earrings. $25
See my other sales and take 20% off anything that remains! Until January 9.
Happy New Year 2021. Over the years, living in Oaxaca, I have collected some outstanding pieces of jewelry. Some I purchased to support artisan-makers whose work I admired and respected. Some were never or rarely worn (isn’t that the definition of a collection?). Other pieces are featured here, too, that are from my travels to the American Southwest, Israel, Morocco and India. Some are made by American Crafts Council jewelry artist-innovators who showed at the Smithsonian and Baltimore Craft Shows. It’s time now for them to find new homes.
Today features all NECKLACES. Earrings and bracelets to come in another post.
I’m willing to entertain offers!
To Buy: Please email me normahawthorne@mac.com with your name, mailing address and item number. I will mark it SOLD, send you a PayPal link to purchase and add $12 for cost of mailing. Please DO NOT SELECT buying goods or services — so we don’t pay commissions. We also accept Venmo and I can send you a Square invoice (+3% fee) if you don’t use PayPal.
#3. Oaxaca Black Clay Bead Mexican Coin Necklace, 20″ $65SOLD. #4. Chiapas Amber Necklace, 19″ $65#5. Vintage Morocco Bedouin Amber, Coral and Metal Necklace, 17″ $295#6. Chiapas Maya Coin Necklace, Ties to adjust length. $25Vintage Oaxaca Virgin of Soledad Sterling and White Heart Glass Beads, 19″ $385#7. Vintage 1990 Yemenite Sterling Silver Necklace, 77 grams, Jerusalem, 16″ $495
Most Jewish silversmiths from Yemen moved to Israel in the early 20th century. Their workmanship with filigree is considered unparalleled. This style is called an ornate bib-necklace. All hand-wrought.
SOLD. #8. Vintage Bedouin Amber Choker Tie Necklace, Coins, Gemstones, Morocco. $195 #9. SOLD. Mexico, Sterling Silver Necklace, 19″ $125#10. Rutilated + Druzy Quartz, gold, sterling silver necklace, handmade chain 16″ $165SOLD. #11. Chiapas Pompom Necklace, ties to adjust length, $20#12. New Mexico Heishi hand-cut/inlay turquoise, onyx, spiny oyster necklace, 20″ $185#13. Inlaid shell, mother of pearl, turquoise + sterling pendant, $65 (does not include chain)SOLD. #14. Chiapas amber necklace, 20″ $45#15. African opal, long strand to double wrap. 32″ $65#16. Vintage Israeli Bedouin necklace, hollow, silver (?) 24″ $145#17. Native American bolo tie, sterling silver, turquoise, braided leather, 36″ adjustable $85#18. India, gemstone faceted black onyx necklace, 18″ $65#19. From London, Selfridges, Jaipur, India designer Amrapali fine silver, 18″ $225SOLD. #20. Chiapas Maya beaded necklace, ties to adjustable length. $45#21. Bhuj, Gujarat, India Rabari tribal necklace, adjustable. 26″ $135#22. Oaxaca black matte clay beaded necklace, 20″ $75#23. Oaxaca, black hand-polished clay beaded necklace, 21″ $75#24. Vintage Navajo pearls (sterling silver, handmade), original chain, clasp. 22″ $495#25. Iolite faceted gemstone necklace with amethyst bezel pendant, 16″ $135#26. SOLD. Oaxaca, ceramic necklace, adjustable, $20
. . . . and, the Kitchen Sink . . . oops, two beautiful pieces of French copper cookware — jewels in their own right!
#27. Vintage Havard French Copper Flambe Pan, 12″ diameter. $95 plus shipping.Havard stamp, made in France#28. BIA Cordon Bleu Oval Casserole, 9 x 14 x 2. Copper and Brass. $95 (Plus shipping)
What is a Study Tour: Our programs are designed as learning experiences, and as such we talk with weavers about how and why they create, what is meaningful to them in their designs, the ancient history of patterning and design, use of color, tradition and innovation, values and cultural continuity, and the social context within which they work. First and foremost, we are educators. Norma worked in top US universities for over 35 years and Eric founded the education department at Oaxaca’s textile museum. Our interest is in creating connection and artisan economic development.
Why We Left, Expat Anthology: Norma’s Personal Essay
Norma contributes personal essay, How Oaxaca Became Home
Norma Contributes Two Chapters!
Click image to order yours!
Norma Schafer and Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC has offered programs in Mexico since 2006. We have over 30 years of university program development experience. See my resume.
Study Toursd are personally curated and introduce you to Mexico's greatest artisans. They are off-the-beaten path, internationally recognized. We give you access to where people live and work. Yes, it is safe and secure to travel. Groups are limited in size for the most personal experience.
Programs can be scheduled to meet your travel plans. Send us your available dates.
Designers, retailers, wholesalers, universities and other organizations come to us to develop weaving relationships, customized itineraries, study abroad programs, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
Select Clients
*Selvedge Magazine-London, UK
*Esprit Travel and Tours
*Penland School of Crafts
*North Carolina State University
*WARP Weave a Real Peace
*Methodist University
*MINNA-Goods
*Smockingbird Kids
We offer textile experiences in our studio where we weave and work only in natural dyes.You can see the process during our textile tours, dye workshops or customized weaving experiences. Ask us for more information about these experiences, customized scheduling, and prices.
One-Day Custom Tours: Tell Us When You Want to Go!
Oaxaca has the largest and most diverse textile culture in Mexico! Learn about it.
When you visit Oaxaca immerse yourself in our textile culture: How is indigenous clothing made, what is the best value, most economical, finest available. Suitable for adults only. Set your own dates.
1-Day OaxacaCity Collectors Textile Tour.Exclusive Access! We take you into the homes and workshops of Oaxaca State's prize-winning weavers. They come from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Mixteca, Mixe, Amuzgos and Triqui areas and represent their weaving families and cooperatives here. For collectors, retailers, buyers, wholesalers, fashionistas.
February 21-March 1, 2023: Chiapas Textile Study Tour--Deep Into the Maya World Based in San Cristobal de las Casas, we travel to distant pueblos to meet extraordinary back strap loom weavers --Best of the Best! SOLD OUT
October 27, 2023: Day of the Dead Ocotlan Highway Tour. It’s Market Day! The biggest of the year. See special altar food and decor, visit artisans, explore culture, eat at a traditional open air cocina de humo (grill kitchen).
October 29, 2023: Teotitlan del Valle Altars and Studio Visits to natural dye and weaving artisans who invite you to their altar rooms to share family traditions. Meet a traditional beeswax candlemaker. Eat mole and mezcal in a local family comedor.
Go on all 3 Day of the Dead Tours -- Get a 10% Discount
2024 Tours Go Deep, Not Wide
January 13-21, 2024: Oaxaca Coast Textile Study Tour. Very popular! Get your deposit in to reserve. For intrepid travelers. Visit 7 back-strap loom weavers. Explore the culture of cloth and community. SIX SPACES OPEN!
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. In Oaxaca, wear your mask. Questions? Want TO REGISTER or more info? Send an email to Norma Schafer.
Maps: Teotitlan + Tlacolula Market
We require 48-hour advance notice for map orders to be processed. We send a printable map via email PDF after your order is received. Please be sure to send your email address. Where to see natural dyed rugs in Teotitlan del Valle and layout of the Sunday Tlacolula Market, with favorite eating, shopping, ATMs. Click Here to Buy Map After you click, be sure to check PayPal to ensure your email address isn't hidden from us. We fulfill each map order personally. It is not automatic.
Dye Master Dolores Santiago Arrellanas with son Omar Chavez Santiago, weaver and dyer, Fey y Lola Rugs, Teotitlan del Valle
