Food design gallery Suculenta, on Avenida Porfiirio Diaz #207-G, Oaxaca Centro
You might walk by the unmarked building painted sky blue and not even notice what’s inside. Down the street from Boulanc bakery on Av. Porfirio Diaz, closer to Morelos than Murguia, is Suculenta.
Unmarked store front with hidden delicious secrets inside
The food gallery is an off-shoot of the bakery where hand-crafted jellies, jams, edible oils, cheeses, herbs and fresh wild mushrooms from the Sierra Norte are featured prominently on custom-built wood shelving and in commercial refrigerator cases.
Pink wild mushrooms fresh from the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca
This is where Paulina Garcia Hernandez works her culinary magic in a small space that yields big — and delicious — results. By her side is Daniel Lopez Gonzalez who attends to procuring deliciousness from the best purveyors.
Daniel weighs wild mushrooms that grower has just brought in
Not much more to say, other than a great gift for self or another — to drizzle or spread
Jars of succulent condiments to top with, marinate and savor
Shelves are stocked with wild mushroom marinated in vinaigrette, pickled carrots, cucumbers, and vegetable mix. Here you can find organic honey infused with cardamom, too.
Natural light illuminates the interior of Suculenta where Paulina works
All the cooking and canning is done on the premises using fresh organic fruits and vegetables that are local to Oaxaca. Purveyors are selected for the quality of what they produce. Paulina and Daniel establish personal relationships with each.
Paulina’s hand-crafted hibiscus (jamaica) jelly
Sibestre Perez Hernandez brings wild mushrooms to Oaxaca from three-hours away
Silbestre Perez Hernandez comes to Oaxaca from Pueblo Manzanito Tepantepec, in the municipality of Santa Maria Peñoles in the Mixteca mountains west of Zimatlan. Here he harvests the most gorgeous mushrooms I’ve ever seen. He delivers them to Suculenta weekly. I was there on a Tuesday morning to watch the harvest come in.
Top shelf, my favorite: kefir cheese in olive oil, bay leaf, whole black pepper
The artisanal cheese is wonderful for omelets, on top of toast or to eat as a post-dinner course with fresh fruit and a glass of mezcal.
A sampling of hand-crafted rooibos tea, from Andres Alquiara
Andres Alquiara developed a recipe for rooibos tea that he brought to Suculenta for sampling. I smelled it. Delicious. Succulent! Andres is a barrista and his full-time job is at La Brujula. He has a passion for great food and beverage.
This mixed vegetable medley has onions, chiles and spices — top on sandwiches
This creative food gallery endeavor reminds me of a time past when I owned and operated a gourmet cookware shop and cooking school. I, too, once made and sold jams, jellies, cheesecakes, and catered meals. Now, I prefer to support those who believe that good food is an essential part of living a quality life.
For example, flavored oils (sesame) and vinegars (apple) for eating and cooking!
Pickled scallions in vinaigrette — another dill pickle version
Suculenta, Porfirio Diaz #207-G, Centro Historico, Tel: 951-321-3756 (closed Sunday)
Our gallery store is open. Visit us each Monday when we offer a selection of handmade textiles, alebrijes, clothing, jewelry and other Mexican collectibles from Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters on-line store. We ship fast. We pay the artist what they ask without bargaining. We pass our fair trade practices on to you!
Today, we offer you a beautiful tapete (rug) from Teotitlan del Valle, a nested set of hand-painted gourds from Arrazola alebrijes artist Bertha Cruz, and a gorgeous laquered gourd with lid from Guerrero.
1. SOLD. This tapete (rug) is hand-woven with 100% wool colored with natural dyes: cochineal, pericone (wild marigold), indigo and the natural color of churro sheep wool (black and white). It is a knock-out and could adorn a wall or floor. Or drape it over the back of a chair, sofa or on an ottoman. The wool is sturdy and you can walk on it (my Teotitlan rugs have been on my floor in high-traffic areas for seven years without looking aged). It comes from the studio of Bii-Dauu cooperative known for quality and sustainable development practices. New, never used. Pattern is combination Eye-of-God and Zapotec Greca. 36″wide x 50″ long. Item # 1-6042012. $300 USD.
2. SOLD. Set of three nested bowls, meticulously hand-painted on gourds by Arrazola artist Bertha Cruz. They are stunning and whimsical, just as you would expect from this talented alebrijes painter. It is rare to find this quality of gourd painting in Oaxaca and when I visited, Bertha only had these three available. Perfect for serving nuts, chips or candy (not for cooking or serving hot or soft food). Or, use them for a wall still life! The largest bowl measures 7″long x 8″ wide x 4″ high. Item #2-6042012. $68 USD.
3. This amazing hand-painted lacquered gourd has a removable lid and is one of the finest examples of lacquerware I have seen from Guerrero, Mexico. The flowers really pop on this deep plum background. The gourd measures 8″ high from the base to the tip of the stem handle of the lid and 9″ in diameter. Item #3-6042012. $95 USD.
For a complete listing of everything we offer for sale, see Shop Mexico page on this site. We’ve marked SOLD on items that are not available.
Don’t forget to contact us first by email to see if the item you want is still available. We will send you a PayPal invoice after we calculate shipping costs based on your Zip Code. Many thanks, The Artisan Sisters.
Come see Oaxaca for yourself during Day of the Dead and attend our Photography Expedition, October 28-November 4.
Posted onMonday, May 21, 2012|Comments Off on Shop Mexico: Week 2 — Alebrijes + Animales
We are offering a weekly listing of handmade textiles, alebrijes, clothing, jewelry and other Mexican collectibles from Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters.
This week we feature hand-carved copal wood alebrijes, whimsical Oaxaca figures that are painstakingly hand-painted, plus a sweet Chiapas alligator made of hand-felted and embroidered wool.
Strike Up the Band. 3-figures, each approx, 6″ high x 2-1/4″ wide. $115. Signed by San Martin Tilcajete artist Pablo Vasquez Matias. Item #5212012.1 These whimsical animal musicians are playing cymbals, drums and saxophone. Music is an essential part of Oaxaca village life, present at every festive occasion. Toombalah. Toot.
El Nahual. SOLD. Approx. 5-3/4″ high x 5″ wide. $35. Item #5212012.2. Signed by San Martin Tilcajete artist Inocencio Vasquez. The Nahual is an important part of Mesoamerican folk religion, a human with magical powers who can turn him/herself into an animal. This yellow nahual has horsehair whiskers and tail, with a sweet uplifted human face. The three small brown spots are copal sap, which in no way detracts. Copal sap is used for ritual incense in Oaxaca. Price plus shipping and handling depending upon your location.
Alligator. SOLD. This wool felted character comes from Chiapas, Mexico, where alligators and crocodiles swim in wide, muddy rivers. The felt is handmade from locally sheared wool and stuffed, then sewn and embellished by hand. Approx. 14″ long x 5″ wide. $24. Item #5212012.3.
Shipping and handling for our items is additional. Please send us your ZIP code and we will send you the cost to ship. Please contact me before sending your PayPal payment to be sure the item you want is available!
The Artisan Sisters are Norma Hawthorne and Barbara Beerstein. Sisters in real life, we love Mexico, love to travel together, and shop to support artists and artisans. We usually come home with much more than what we need.
That is to your advantage! Our prices our reasonable. We ship fast. We have already made the purchase, paying the artist what they have asked for without bargaining. We believe in compensating people fairly for the beauty they create.
Welcome to our new online store — Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters. We are sisters in real life, Norma Hawthorne and Barbara Beerstein. We are passionate collectors and supporters of artists and artisans who express the creativity and vitality of Oaxaca and Mexico. Textiles and folk art are our passion. Because of this, we fall in love with people and what they create along our journey. For us, it is as much about the people we connect with than what we are buying. Invariably, we usually come home with much more than what we need.
Today we feature huipils + blusas from Oaxaca, Chiapas and Puebla!
This is to your advantage! Our prices our reasonable. We ship fast. We have already made the purchase and paid the artist. We believe in compensating people fairly and immediately for the beauty they create. We offer the best quality because that is what we expect for ourselves.
Each week, starting today, we will list a few select pieces for sale on this blog! Look for the Artisan Sisters in your inbox.
Week 1 — Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters.
#1_51412, Collector Quality Huipil, Las Margaritas, Chiapas, handwoven, $195
Detail, Las Margaritas textile
#1_51412: This extraordinarily detailed huipil from the Mayan indigenous village of Las Margaritas, in the Los Altos (highlands) of Chiapas, is a finely woven piece of highest quality cotton cloth created on the backstrap loom. The design is integrated and woven into weft of the cloth; it is not embroidered. Size is ample and would fit U.S. size 14-18 comfortably. It has three webs across the front and three webs across the back, each securely hand-embroidered together. The huipil is 29″ wide across the front armpit to armpit and 30″ long from the shoulder seam.
Contact us first to make sure the item you want is still available. We accept PayPal and will send you an invoice after we calculate packing and shipping costs.
#2_51412: Cuetzalan is in the Sierra Norte of the State of Puebla, four hours from the city of Puebla high in the mountains. The Artisan Sisters traveled there by public long-distance bus. The women there embroider intricate patterns of wildlife and flowers onto panels of cotton which become part of washable cotton blouses that are gently gathered across the chest. This blusa is a stunning, intricate design, with finely finished inside seams. The bodice stitches are really tiny. Every inch of the bodice and sleeve fabric is covered in handwork. Neckline and sleeves have lovely crocheted trim. Width armpit to armpit across the front is 25″. Length from shoulder seam to hem is 30.” Neckline opening is 13″ wide.
#3_51412: Blusa, San Vicente Coatlan, $85
Detail, blusa, San Vicente Coatlan
#3_51412: This Blusa (blouse) from San Vicente Coatlan, is one of the most beautiful I have seen in Oaxaca. It has lots of punto de cruz cross stitch patterning in multi-colors covering the entire bodice, extending out the shoulders, and trimming the sleeve edge. The back collar is also embellished with fine detail. I don’t know how they do it. The gathers are all done by hand, too. This is a KNOCK-OUT. Width from armpit to armpit across the front is 27″ wide. Length from shoulder seam to hem is 34″ long. Sleeves are 20″ long from the shoulder seam. Embroidered panels sewn onto manta cotton (washable).
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 Tours + Study Abroad 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 customized itineraries, study abroad programs, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
Our Clients Include
*Penland School of Crafts
*North Carolina State University
*WARP Weave a Real Peace
*Methodist University
*MINNA-Goods
*Selvedge Magazine
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.
Oaxaca has the largest and most diverse textile culture in Mexico! Learn about it.
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.
1-Day Oaxaca Textile Walking Tour 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.
2022 Going Deep, Not Wide--Extended Tours
July 25-31, 2022. Oaxaca Textile Adventure Tour: Sierra Norte Mountains. Visit two remote mountain villages where silk and cotton are woven into glorious cloth and dyed with natural plant materials. Come early or stay later for Guelaguetza! Not too late to join!
October 28-November 4, 2022: Women’s Creative Writing Retreat in Teotitlan del Valle — Memory and Tradition. Click this link to read about it. ONE SPACE OPEN FOR SHARED ROOM.
October 29-November 4, 2022:Day of the Dead Culture Tour. We meet locals and visit 4 villages to experience this mystical pre-Hispanic observance, awesome and reverent. Still space for a few more!
February 5-13, 2023: Bucket List Tour: Monarch Butterflies + Michoacan. Spiritual, mystical connection to nature. Go deep into weaving, pottery, mask-making and more! We haven't offered this tour since 2019 and we anticipate it will sell out quickly. TWO SPACES OPEN
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 weavers --Best of the Best! Just a handful of spaces open.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. In Oaxaca, wear your mask. Questions? Want more info or to register? 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 order 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
Oaxaca Hand-crafted Condiments: Suculenta Food Gallery
Food design gallery Suculenta, on Avenida Porfiirio Diaz #207-G, Oaxaca Centro
You might walk by the unmarked building painted sky blue and not even notice what’s inside. Down the street from Boulanc bakery on Av. Porfirio Diaz, closer to Morelos than Murguia, is Suculenta.
Unmarked store front with hidden delicious secrets inside
The food gallery is an off-shoot of the bakery where hand-crafted jellies, jams, edible oils, cheeses, herbs and fresh wild mushrooms from the Sierra Norte are featured prominently on custom-built wood shelving and in commercial refrigerator cases.
Pink wild mushrooms fresh from the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca
This is where Paulina Garcia Hernandez works her culinary magic in a small space that yields big — and delicious — results. By her side is Daniel Lopez Gonzalez who attends to procuring deliciousness from the best purveyors.
Daniel weighs wild mushrooms that grower has just brought in
Not much more to say, other than a great gift for self or another — to drizzle or spread
Jars of succulent condiments to top with, marinate and savor
Shelves are stocked with wild mushroom marinated in vinaigrette, pickled carrots, cucumbers, and vegetable mix. Here you can find organic honey infused with cardamom, too.
Natural light illuminates the interior of Suculenta where Paulina works
All the cooking and canning is done on the premises using fresh organic fruits and vegetables that are local to Oaxaca. Purveyors are selected for the quality of what they produce. Paulina and Daniel establish personal relationships with each.
Paulina’s hand-crafted hibiscus (jamaica) jelly
Sibestre Perez Hernandez brings wild mushrooms to Oaxaca from three-hours away
Silbestre Perez Hernandez comes to Oaxaca from Pueblo Manzanito Tepantepec, in the municipality of Santa Maria Peñoles in the Mixteca mountains west of Zimatlan. Here he harvests the most gorgeous mushrooms I’ve ever seen. He delivers them to Suculenta weekly. I was there on a Tuesday morning to watch the harvest come in.
Top shelf, my favorite: kefir cheese in olive oil, bay leaf, whole black pepper
The artisanal cheese is wonderful for omelets, on top of toast or to eat as a post-dinner course with fresh fruit and a glass of mezcal.
A sampling of hand-crafted rooibos tea, from Andres Alquiara
Andres Alquiara developed a recipe for rooibos tea that he brought to Suculenta for sampling. I smelled it. Delicious. Succulent! Andres is a barrista and his full-time job is at La Brujula. He has a passion for great food and beverage.
This mixed vegetable medley has onions, chiles and spices — top on sandwiches
This creative food gallery endeavor reminds me of a time past when I owned and operated a gourmet cookware shop and cooking school. I, too, once made and sold jams, jellies, cheesecakes, and catered meals. Now, I prefer to support those who believe that good food is an essential part of living a quality life.
For example, flavored oils (sesame) and vinegars (apple) for eating and cooking!
Pickled scallions in vinaigrette — another dill pickle version
Suculenta, Porfirio Diaz #207-G, Centro Historico, Tel: 951-321-3756 (closed Sunday)
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Dining and Lodging, Food & Recipes, Photography, Travel & Tourism
Tagged condiments, food, gallery, gourmet, health, Oaxaca, photos, recipes, shop, store, Suculenta, wild mushrooms