Galeria Treasures

Rocio at the Mercado de Artesanias wearing Jose-designed earrings, necklace and bracelet. 

I can't resist, I hope you don't mind, but here's one more story about beautiful things made in beautiful San Miguel de Allende. The lovely Rocio is one half of a designing couple. Her husband, Jose, began creating this particular line of jewelry only six months ago, but he's so prolific he's filled a shop in the center of town and a stall in the Artist's Market.

Part of the magic and excitement of the Artisan's Market is finding the treasures among the usual and expected items. And one of the joys is that there are so many treasures, they're not hard to find! During our last trip in January, on one of my nearly-daily runs through the market, this display of jewelry caught my eye. When I stepped into the stall for a closer look, I met the very friendly and charming Rocio and Jose. Most of the designs have a hip repurposed industrial feel but some incorporate precious antique milagro hearts from Rocio's grandmother's collection. I tried on a little bit of everything, finally deciding on a necklace.

They gave me their card and invited me to visit their shop in the center of town. I recognized the style of the card as that of an artist Matt and I met in San Miguel a couple years ago, El Pinche Grabador. We went to one of his openings and really liked his work. Rocio said that the card was indeed designed by him and in fact they were good friends. Such is the sublime serendipity of San Miguel, where there is two degrees of separation, at most.

Jose in his shop

When I stopped by Galeria Treasures, Jose and I had a fun chat about what inspires him. As a kid, he loved looking at his mother's fashion magazines. He liked the beautiful women, of course, but was also drawn to fashion, realizing that dressing well was very important. He's been making jewelry of various styles and materials for over twenty years. But he's passionate about his current line, combining rubber and brass parts.

This necklace, earrings and bracelets could easily fit in with the jewelry sold at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art shop. Made of rubber, brass and steel, the well-made designs are bold, original and contemporary. Jose says he was inspired by the energy of crop circles and imagining what their messages and complex meanings may be.

No deep meaning here, but these Mexican beer bottle cap bracelets are funky and fabulous. 

On our next visit, I think I need to get one of these.

The necklace I selected and have worn many times since. It brings me good luck!

San Miguel de Allende, Part Tres

Call me Gringa Loca, and I'm sure some people do, but on my visits to San Miguel de Allende I go to the Artisans Market nearly everyday. There is usually something I need for our casa or for gifts or just because it caught my eye. Under this curved metal roof and through this handmade stone arch is a treasure chest of wonders to outfit yourself, your home and your friends and family. Need a beautiful hand crafted hanging star light (a specialty of San Miguel)? You'll find them here in all sizes, finishes, encrusted with colored marbles or not. Need an amazing hand embroidered Otomi textile? There's a number of stalls that sell all colors and sizes for your bed, table or wall. Would you like cheery brightly colored straw placemats to impress your brunch guests? Buy 'em here by the dozen. Enough handblown margarita glasses to serve everyone you know? They got 'em. Or how about charming and very affordable Mexican pottery? Not to mention shining Mexican silver earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts and intricately beaded Huichol Indian items. See? I get a little beside myself just thinking about it.

And there are a few things you might need that you never thought you needed. How can you resist a dress or handbag made of crocheted pop tops?

Incredible accessories and wearables made right here,
all from pop tops. 

I bought a bracelet, but I'm fascinated by this outfit!

No visit to the Mercado de Artesanias is complete without stopping by Senor Jose's small but extremely productive table. Give him any name or phrase and using a jeweler's saw he hand cuts and notches brass flat bar creating personalized key chains. He's been at this spot in the market for over eleven years. I've gotten numerous key chains from him for myself and as gifts.  

Here's a couple of the key chains I've gotten from Senor Jose. They all have that 70's hip "Keep on Truckin'" type style. 

Once you've completed your shopping for the day at the Artisan's Market, and still have room in your bolsa (if not, you can always buy another one!), Chaskis is near the market and always surprises with a great cotton embroidered top, scarf or panama hat. No faux in this boho. 

At this point, I've got so many purchases I'm looking like I need a burro or that I am a burro, but there's always one more alluring shop. The colorful logo and fluttering ribbons beckon to enter. And I can't resist. Mixta is a sophisticated mix of art and kitsch. 

So many artisans, shops and boutiques -- this is just a taste. When they say "Comprar sin Parar" ("Shop 'til you drop") in San Miguel, it's serious.

The terrace at La Azotea, right before opening for the evening.

Fortunately, there are many fabulous bars like this one, La Azotea, where we refresh ourselves with "two for the price of one" Negronis after a big shopping day. Even the cafe at the Biblioteca serves margaritas. You gotta love a library that serves cocktails. And you gotta love a town with endless creative shopping possibilities.