Colour canvases of Mexico...

True to it's name Rang Decor presents the colours of Mexico;-)
If walls could be art, Mexico is a museum! A visual post follows.

(Images by Arch shot in Puebla and San Miguel de Allende and are copyrighted)

Talavera Pottery, Puebla | Mexico.

While planning our trip to Mexico, Puebla was a destination that had to be part of our itinerary as this is where the famous Talavera Mexican Pottery originated.

As we walked the streets of Puebla, it was evident that Talavera was used extensively in the exteriors of heritage buildings. The creamy White background and the Indigo blue are characteristic Talavera but other colours are also widely used.

The wall of heritage building with Talavera and brick. What a stunning contrast!

Vintage Talavera Tiles…

The street numbers and names in Talavera.

Beautiful patterns and designs adorned the outer walls...

The exteriors of building with Talavera tiles used in various styles…

The Mexican post office...

So we headed to Uriarte Talavera to find out more about the history and the process of making these tiles.

Uriarte Talavera was founded in 1824 by Dimas Uriarte. It is the largest exporter of Talavera in Latin America and also a place which attracts skilled artisans from the region.

The entrance of Uriarte Talavera…

Talavera is a type of Majolica pottery that was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. Puebla soon became a hub for the production of these tiles because of the availability of fine natural clay in the region and the demand for these in the building of cathedrals and monasteries.

Talavera pottery reached it's golden period in the mid 17th Century but has struggled since the Mexican war of Independence in the 19th Century with fewer workshops. 

Efforts by collectors and artists has revived the tradition and now Puebla has a a extensive collection of Talavera pottery.

A huge Christmas tree with Talavera ornaments:-)

Further efforts have been made to preserve and promote the craft with the introduction of new decorative designs and the passage of the Denominación de Origen de la Talavera law to protect authentic, Talavera pieces made with the original, 16th century methods.

Uriarte Talavera is part of the Certification Board and is working with the Talavera Regulating Council AC. 

Tile work at the Uriarte Talavera…

The Virgin of Guadalupe tiles...

A display of the various stages of the Talavera Pottery….

All pieces are hand-thrown on a potter's wheel. The glazes contain tin and lead, as they have since colonial times.  There are only six permitted colors: blue, yellow, black, green, orange and mauve, and these colors must be made from natural pigments. The painted designs have a blurred appearance as they fuse slightly into the glaze. The base, the part that touches the table, is not glazed but exposes the terra cotta underneath. 

An inscription is required on the bottom that contains the following information: the logo of the manufacturer, the initials of the artist and the location of the manufacturer in Puebla.

Click here to see a video clip about the process of making Talavera Pottery.

The various designs available…

Talavera Tableware...

Galeria  Talavera Armando… Another beautiful store.

A wide variety of designs...

Hope you enjoyed the post as much as I loved re-living our memorable trip to Puebla. 

Have a great day, while I sip my Talavera mug of Ginger Tea on this cold Minnesotan winter afternoon!

( Images by Arch and are copyrighted. References Uriarte Talavera, Wikipedia)

A New Year and a glimpse...

Wishing readers of Rang Decor a very Happy New Year, 2014. A little late but nevertheless full of happiness and colours to fill your lives!

We had a beautiful winter break in sunny and warm Mexico. We visited Puebla, Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. It was a wonderful experience to walk the streets soaking in the history, culture and colours of this beautiful country which in many ways reminded me of home, India.

So much to share with all of you, while I get my posts ready, here is a glimpse of our home here in Minnesota. We live in a house built in the 1960's. It still reflects our Indian roots and deep love for the art and crafts of India but will also take on global influences as result of our present residence and travels. Loads of interesting projects are planned for it and will be sharing the progress as we go ahead.

Wishing all of you loads of beauty in your lives!

Have a great weekend!

( Image by Arch and is copyrighted)

Diwali vignettes Rang Decor style....

Just few frames of how I will be decorating our humble abode this Diwali. My colour palette seems to be gravitating more towards whites, creams, violet and silver.

Mercury votives add the sparkle to the festival of lights...

 Vintage finds and traditional silverware makes interesting combinations.

 Float some candles.

...and some flowers!

Most importantly let your creativity flow, enjoy the process and savour the glow and joy!

Have a fabulous time with your family and friends with loads of happiness and laughter!

Diwali Ki bahut Shubhkanayein!  

Happy Diwali all you lovely readers of Rang Decor! Stay safe! Sending loads of warm wishes from a cold Minnesota:-)

( Images and styling by Arch. They are copyrighted)

Pinch a little...

I am referring to a technique used in pottery called pinching. It's a super simple way of making a clay pot. Here is a link to how you can make a pinch pot.
Recently we made it in my pottery class with coloured porcelain clay.

So I thought for this Diwali why not make pinch pot tea light holders? I remembered we had some Air-Dry Clay that we had used to make Ganesha this year. 

So quickly I made little clay balls that fit into my palm and made pinch pots that could fit a tea light. I loved the creamy white colour, so I retained it. 

If you like you can paint the tips or use coloured clay. 

 I moulded it in such a way that it gives a rustic, floral, petal-like feel.

 A peach and cream colour scheme comes together...

You can line it in a row or place it in a single tray with flowers.

Few readers asked about how to incorporate the fall decor accessories available here in the US.

Few felt/foam leaves scattered around the pinch pot tea-light holders gives it an autumn appeal. Add mini pumpkins or winter squashes around the tea lights.

You can get your kids involved in making pinch pots and the clay dries quite easily.

Hope you liked this simple DIY idea for Diwali. 

Have a beautiful Diwali filled with warm glow and happiness!

( Images and styling by Arch and is copyrighted)