The artisans of a culture are true teachers. They are communicators of technique and creativity, of tradition and ingenuity. Most traditional handcrafts have been passed down through many generations. Here are a few topics that feature the wide variety of handcrafts that have survived for centuries and are still being produced and appreciated today. Each art form was originally created using available raw materials. If there was an abundance of palm or hemp, they made baskets and ropes. If they wanted to incorporate colors, they created natural dyes using fruit, leaves, flowers, or pecan shells. Cochineal, one of the most ingenious dyes, grows on cactus and generates a beautiful fuchsia, cranberry or purple color for textiles and paints.
We include over 20 typical cultural art activities at the annual Día del Niño festival and families are given copies of Cultura Cards to take home to continue art experiences with their families.
Click on the topics below to learn more. You can always contact us if you would like a more intense workshop targeted for your group.
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Embroidery
Embroidery is used not only to enhance a garment but to tell a story. Learn a few of these techniques to create your own design.
Huichol Art
Learn how the Huichol people of Mexico created these unique "gifts to the gods" depicting nature and other symbols.
Corn Husk Ornament
Create a mini tamal ornament from leftover corn husks after a tamalada.
Make a Book
Capture favorite family experiences in a handmade book.
Flores
In this Cultura kit you will discover flowers and plants native to Mexico and how they are still so familiar to us. We see poinsettias (cuetlaxochitl) at Christmas and the story of its origin from Mexico. The cempatchutli adorn all the graves for Día de muertos. Single blooms and bouquets, fresh and dried become arrangements in our homes. We will learn how to make different paper or felt flowers and use them as decorations and adornments.
Coronas
Make wreaths for doors or create flower halos for your head using flower making techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn all the ways that coronas are used to enhance a celebration or highlight an event.
Filigrana de papel
Paper quilling, or filigrana de papel, is a fun activity where children roll and shape colorful paper strips into intricate designs, inspired by Mexican silver filigree jewelry (filigrana de plata). Just like artisans craft delicate silver threads, kids create beautiful patterns with paper, connecting them to Mexico’s rich artistic traditions!
Fingerknotting
The history of fingerknotting does not originate in Mexico but when it was introduced to the indigenous people, it quickly took root especially on the fringe on the rebozo. Fingerknotting is an art form that has found its way into our keychains, bracelets, belts, wall hangings, and headbands. Learn the knots and create your art with this Cultura kit.
Ayates
The maguey plant has many practical uses (including making tequila) but the most useful products are made from the fibers of the penca (main rib or leaf). These fibers are extracted, washed, dried in the sun and woven into wash cloths, rope, fishing nets, and many other useful products. The ayate is a handwoven wash cloth used for bathing or washing dishes. It is the most durable organic scrubber made.