Happy Cinco de Mayo: Talavera Ware + Tile

by Anna in Handmade, World32453No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F05%2Fhappy-cinco-de-mayo-talavera-ware-tile%2FHappy+Cinco+de+Mayo%3A+Talavera+Ware+%2B+Tile2011-05-05+12%3A00%3A28Annahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32453

I like a good margarita on Cinco de Mayo (on the rocks with salt) and some homemade guacamole. (Jump to the end of the post for recipes.) I’m also one of those geeky types always reading, always looking to learn more about anything. So in researching this post, I got to thinking about traditional Mexican crafts. Because Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s triumph at the Battle of Puebla, here’s at look at the #1 craft associated with the city and state of Puebla: talavera ceramics.

flickr: photoholics – Talavera in Puebla, Mexico

This article by Rita Pomade from Mexconnect offers the best overview of this 400-year-old craft. My top takeaway — the Consejo Regulador de la Talavera is the official group that monitors the authenticity of talavera. So, if you truly want to collect this pottery, only buy from certified workshops. All the images I selected for this post feature pieces by these approved artisans. Some have online stores, others you’ll have to travel to Puebla to purchase. And what better time to travel there than for Cinco de Mayo.

Talavera Santa Catarina

flickr: aliciamoyas – Talavera Cesar Torres

Talavera de las Americas

Talavera Santa Catarina partner IDI Talavera Collection

Uriarte Talavera

By the way, if you’re looking to plan a muy bueno feast for your May 5th celebration, our sister site FoodNetwork.com has got you covered.

?Cinco feliz de Mayonesa!

Anna, hgtv.com's manager of online programming, loves DIY decor and caring for her six pet chickens. Anna and her S.O. started renovating a 1922 bungalow in 2004; seven years later, they are 90% done. .

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day: Handmade Decorations

by Kayla in Design Inspiration, Handmade, Holidays29779No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F17%2Fhappy-st-patricks-day-handmade-decorations%2FHappy+St.+Patrick%27s+Day%3A+Handmade+Decorations2011-03-17+10%3A30%3A24Kaylahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29779

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya! I love St. Patrick’s Day not only because everyone is proudly wearing my all-time favorite color, but also because it gives me an excuse to eat traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage and drink green beer. How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Are you throwing a last-minute party for the leprechauns in your life? Here are some easy and fun decorating ideas packed with free downloads and plenty of shamrocks for good luck!

Dress up simple white- or green-frosted cupcakes with festive toppers for an easy-to-make dessert everyone will love (and quickly devour).

Print these pre-made “lucky” letters on thick, white paper, string together with jute and adorn with ribbon for a simple St. Patrick’s Day banner the kids will love making, too.

For a budget-friendly alternative to purchased wall art, print this Irish-themed subway art for a festive addition to your home today. (Plus, it will give that empty frame some love.)

For a year-round decorating idea, grab the kids and create this simple burlap wreath. After St. Patrick’s Day, simply change out the shamrock for spring tulips, then an Easter bunny, later an American flag.

Bring the luck of the Irish into your home with more easy handmade projects from HGTV. Dive into delicious Irish cuisine with fun St. Patrick’s Day recipes from FoodNetwork.com. And check out St. Patty’s Day Parades from around the world at TravelChannel.com.

Kayla is a contributor to Design Happens.

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