pinky ring

Carrying forward the crafting traditions of their village where many families earn a living from handicrafts, artisan couple Pablo and Lucy Mendez create this colorful bookmark from native copal wood. Well-versed in the art of alebrije, Lucy designs the bookmark's majestic bird to keep readers focused on their book, painting it in tropical hues of green and pink.

This adorable key fob is hand crafted by Claudio Ojeda in Mexico. The panda alebrije is carved from copal wood and painted in black and white and myriad patterns and shapes in pink and purple. The wood figurine adorns a stainless steel key ring. The artisan signs his pieces with the initials "T.C.", which represent his initial "C" preceded by his mother Teresita's initial "T". Claudio learned the art of crafting alebrijes from his mother.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all shouted "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

"The hummingbird symbolizes happiness and good luck in this alebrije," say Zeny and Reyna of this original sculpture. Blossoming on a copal tree trunk, a ravishing pink bloom welcomes a diligent hummingbird in a hand-painted sculpture.

Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The colorful plumage of a stunning species adds magic to the Australian forests, inspiring artisan Nohemi Calixto. Combining the Alebrije art style with her fascination for cockatoos, the Mexican artist handcrafts this ceramic sculpture featuring multiple details and a vibrant cerise hue. On top of that, the artwork comes with a steel base that allows it to dangle gracefully anywhere.

No book can blend in when adorned with this bright pink flamingo bookmark hand-painted by artisans Pablo and Lucy Mendez of Oaxaca, Mexico. The flamingo features a lively multicolor design that represents truly Mexican artistic motifs while remaining sturdy thanks to its solid hard-carved copal wood construction. Pablo and Lucy want to preserve the wonderful creative traditions they have inherited from the previous generation by training their children and community in the techniques involved in their unique style of expression.

Spreading its gorgeous feathers, this lovely hummingbird embodies the spirit of Mexico's festivities, transporting you to an ethereal realm full of joy and harmony. Mexican artisans Zeny and Reyna handcraft this sublime ornament from copal wood, transforming the piece into a traditional alebrije figurine whose palette of orange, crimson and carnation hues creates a breathtaking illusion. In addition, a little loop allows you to hang the design anywhere.