Wood Working Tools

As a picture is worth a thousand words, take a look at the tools that are used to design and create Mexican furniture. The design is drawn in pencil and then each design is carved using one of the tools shown in the picture.

Parota and Rosewood

Some of the woods used in Mexican furniture are not familar. Parota is similar to teak in appearance and is resistant to humidity and insects. It grows abundantly in jungles from Mexico to Brazil and is used for furniture, frames, windows and doors. The picture is a Mexican Colonial style round dining table that can be built in many different styles.

Rosa Morada is another wood often used in the manufacture of furniture and comes from India, Mexico, Honduras and the Asia. It is sometimes called Rosewood. There is a photo showing the grain pattern of the wood. The colours can be changed.

The magic of Mexican furniture is the wood. Real wood is used not "wood solids and veneers and plywood". This furniture is hand-crafted, the tecniques taught by father to son over the years. Modern furniture produced in Canada and the US is made by machines (very pretty) but not special in the same way that only skilled artisans can create. Each swirl and design is carefully planned out and executed on wonderful woods.

Talavera Toilets

I bet you thought that you had seen it all! Have you ever seen Talavera Toilets? Yes, they are available in all colours and designs. They come as a really nice set and addition to any bathroom. Included are the toilet, sink with tiles to lay on top of the counter, waste paper "basket" and all the acessories for hanging towels, toilet paper. If you buy the whole set it comes at a great price; however, keep in mind that it really is talavera and has been hand painted!

Wrought Iron Furniture

One area of excellence in Mexican furniture making is in Wrought Iron. I went to visit one of the workshops in Rosarito today and took pictures of the workers at work and play. The work that they do is incredible, the designs are beautiful and the results are most wonderful. I am not sure exactly how they accomplish the entire operation but it is exacting work and requires skill and precision.