wearable art

Her cloak holds the stars, she stands on the moon - the Virgin of Guadalupe is queen of the heavens. She first appeared in Mexico in 1531. As proof of her visit, she caused roses to bloom at the site of her appearance. Named Patron Saint of the Americas by Pope John Paul II, she is a beloved manifestation of the Catholic faith. Luis Martínez Gallardo crafts this reverent wall ornament in lustrous aluminum. Because each piece is crafted individually, no two are ever identical and there may be slight variations in size as well.

This handcrafted product may present miniscule pores that are imprinted from the sand molds used by Martinez.

By Elias Garcia, this handcrafted cross is a reminder of the importance of faith. The artisan covers the open figure with handwoven fabric. Diminutive worry dolls in handwoven apparel stand shoulder to shoulder to surround the cutout cross. According to Maya legend, the sun god gave princess Ixmucane the gift of solving people's problems. With time people started making dolls in Ixmucane's honor and they would tell her their woes, hoping she would solve them through the dolls. Many people whisper to the dolls, then place them under their pillows at night, hoping that the doll will provide a solution as they sleep.

Blue rhombus motifs adorn the surface of this elegant wall cross, featuring a four-petaled flower in the center. Mexican artisan Pedro Alba crafts the ceramic wall cross featuring a hand-painted design resembling the legendary talavera tradition.

With a look of infinite love, the Virgin sends blessings toward the earth. Named Patron Saint of the Americas by Pope John Paul II, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a beloved manifestation of the Catholic faith. Jose Canil Ramos recreates the portrait that appeared miraculously on the tilma (cloak) of Saint Juan Diego in 1531. He works in pinewood to craft this beautiful relief panel for wall display.

"It's wonderful to be able to depict the Virgin. I have so much faith in her and I want the whole world to know how miraculous she is," the artisan confides.

Highly revered and beloved by the Mexican people, the Virgin of Guadalupe inspires Ana Maria Gonzalez to create a collection of decoupage crosses in her honor. In 1999, Pope John Paul II named Our Lady of Guadalupe patron saint of the Americas, and she is celebrated on December 12. Her well-known image miraculously appeared on the Saint Juan Diego's robe, where he was carrying Castilian roses as proof of her appearance to him. Guadalupe sent him to the Spanish bishop to convince him to a build a church in her honor. For this cross, Gonzalez selects the banner that proclaims her as Reina de Mexico y Emperatriz de las Americas, (Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas).

Highly revered and beloved by the Mexican people, the Virgin of Guadalupe inspires Ana Maria Gonzalez to create a collection of decoupage crosses in her honor. In 1999, Pope John Paul II named Our Lady of Guadalupe patron saint of the Americas, and she is celebrated on December 12. Her well-known image miraculously appeared on the Saint Juan Diego's robe, where he was carrying Castilian roses as proof of her appearance to him. Guadalupe sent him to the Spanish bishop to convince him to a build a church in her honor. In this cross, Guadalupe is welcomed into Heaven by God and His angels.