Most people see the mesquite as a scrawny twig in the desert, where the roots might go down a hundred feet or more in search of water. The Honey Mesquite, or Algarrobo, will often grow 40 feet tall.

Also called “Iron Wood” mesquite has been used extensively for railroad ties, wagon wheels and fence posts. It resists expansion, is virtually water proof, and can be stunning visually.

Natural “flaws” in the wood are often desirable and can increase the value of a furniture piece or a carving if properly expressed. Craftsmanship with this sort of medium transcends craft, and becomes art.

Click here to read about Manzanita wood

 Craftsmen from Spain traveled to the new city, and taught the residents to use the abundant rich clay of the area. To this day, the unique style that developed from their tutorage, bears the name of their home city, Talavera de la Reina.
Puebla flourished from the beginning and soon became renowned for a major university, textiles, and of course, beautifully decorated ceramic pottery. In the colonial days of Mexico, blue pigment was the most expensive dye, and early pottery guilds established rules that only the finest ceramic should be painted blue. In the 19th century, Talavera pottery erupted into bright colors of every hue.

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