Mexican Furniture

Ethical Fabric from Michoacan

2011-06-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

We would like to introduce this company from Michoacan, Mexico that produces thread, craft dyes, weaves and sews into cloth. Each element of the cloth is crafted by artisans from the thread to the pedal-loom. They use historic machinery and adapation of Pureprecha (Indigenous people of the area) weaving techniques. The artisans are business partners of the business.

All workers have fair wages, social security, medical care, housing benefits.

Environmental Awareness:
Hand dyeing conserves water
Dye water recycling system
Solar panels cut energy
Sun dry tread
Man powered looms use zero electricy
Onsite vertical integration reduces transportation
Organic cotton

Hand Crafted Quality

Durable
Color fast
Artisan techniques adapted
one of a kind exclusivity

They make kitchen and dining textiles, bedspreads and drapes. Photos attached of a duvet and embroidered pillows.

Mexican Artists

2010-11-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some new paintings done by local artists in Baja. The colors are vibrant and the work is amazing.

If you have any interest, please contact me.

What is Cantera?

2009-06-19T20:39:00.001-07:00

We have all heard obout cantera but what is it and why is it popular in deigning fountains, mantles, and wonderful architectural features.

First of all cantera is a sedementary stone that was formed from volanic ash and most of it is found in Southern Mexico. It comes in many different colors and shades and it won't crack or expand due to its physical properties.

It is easy to work with as it is light weight and can be carved into wonderful designs. Here are some examples of fountains and mantles.

Exotic Woods

2009-06-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of the rare and exotic woods found in Mexico and South American. I hope someday to find the names in English but I doubt that they exist - our only hope is to use the latin names. Roja blanca y negra, parota, caoba chapaneca, encino, sabino, tajibo, lapacho, flor amarillo, pashaco, copal, ojoso colorado, gumuchil and the list goes on!!

These woods have beautiful grains and colors that blend beautifully to create art in wood.

The Story of a Tree

2009-06-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

This tree survived a fire in the forests in Mexico high up in the Sierras. It was lovingly cut and stripped of its burned exterior, cut into lumber and tranformed into this handsome armoire.

It now resides happily with a family in the lakes in Northern Ontario, Canada.

The Story of a Tree

2009-06-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

This tree was in a forest fire but survived as it is a very hard wood. the photos will tell the story. It was carefully stripped of the outer layer and then cut into rounds and boards and finally made into a handsome piece of furniture.

Panchito Chairs

2009-06-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

There are many different woods that are used by furniture makers in Mexico besides Mesquite.

Leather Furniture

2009-05-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Leather is used in many unique ways in making sofas, chairs and bar stools. Many times inferior grades of leather are used and in time they will crack and pull apart. Leather should be thick, soft. Here are a few samples of what can be done by combing different kinds of leather, in different colors and patters. A sofa of this quality is expensive but so much better than "Jerome's" quality.

All of this leather furniture is made in Mexico. You can reach us at: lamisionmuebles@hotmail.com for further information

Mesquite

2009-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

What does mesquite really look like and how can I know that what I am buying is really mesquite. Many furniture companies claim that the furniture that they have is made of mesquite but it is really easy to tell if it is mesquite. First of all very few places in Mexico are licensed to use mesquite in crafting furniture. If you are one of the lucky people to have found a source for real mesquite furniture you are most fortunate.

One of the ways of identify this wood is by seeing the grain and color of the wood. Many times a dark stain is used to hide and conceal the grain of the wood. In this blog you will see the wood that was used to hand-craft the dining table and then see photos of the colors and grains of the wood. People need to be careful that they are getting real mesquite.

EQUIPALES with upholstery

2009-03-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

The order finally arrived and we were all very excited to see how the equipales would look. We ordered a love seat, two chairs and a coffee table for a client with Sunbrella fabric. The result was outstanding. The combination of brick coloured leather and linen sunbrella was beautiful. The set cost $900.00 and will last a long time.

I have posted the photos, but we were so excited that we didn't unwrap the whole love seat but you will get an idea of how they look!

EQUPALES Care and Maintenance

2009-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

It is good to remember that equipales are made of pigskin and as such should be treated like leather. Every few months they need to be cleaned and conditioned to protect them.

I just discovered a remarkable product that matches a cleaner and conditioner and I have tried them several times and the equipales look even better after this treatment.

Lexol Ph: Summit Industries 1-800-241-6996.

There is a gel cleaner and leather conditioner.

If you look after your equipales they will last a long time.

Copper Top Tables

2009-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

Just as the base of a Mexican Colonial or Hacienda table can be wood or wrought iron, the tops can vary greatly from wood to marble to copper. We have found some beautiful examples of copper that can used with different bases. Generally it has a lustrous patina finish like the examples in the photos.

More Mexican Alder Furniture

2009-01-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

After I looked at the Chinese Furniture that was being repaired I noticed two beautiful new Mexican Colonial pieces carved in alder. One was a small dresser that mesaured about 48 inches wide and was priced at $600.00 and the other was a carved bench that was about 52 inches long for $500.00.

What a contrast. You have to see the difference to believe it!

Photos of the Dresser and Bench!

Mexican Furniture vs Chinese Furniture

2009-01-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the occasion to check out some furniture in a shop in Baja and noticed that they were doing some repairs on a bed that was purchased in a furniture store in the US. The rail had come loose where it attached at the column. I was astonished to see that the column was totally hollow and the surrounds were a heavy carboard; however, even more amazing were the beautiful "handcarved" decals which turned out to be heavy plastic. The couple had paid over $3,000.00 for the bed.

The veneer was so thin that you could easily scratch it off.

In Mexico you can purchase a magnificent bed similar constructed of "wood" for less!!

Photos to see!

MEXICAN COLONIAL FURNITURE IN ALDER

2008-08-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

After so many years of making Mexican Colonial furniture using mesquite, old pine and rosa morada, skilled artisans are using kiln-dried alder from Canada. Alder is a hard wood but can be easily carved into many beautiful designs. This is a photo of a chair that you will find in a San Francisco store for $3,500.00. We can make this same chair and you can send us the fabric of your choice and it can be made for $600.00. Notice the beautiful details and workmanship. You can choose the stain for the wood and your own fabric to make it really one-of-a-kind.

Wall Art

2008-03-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

This type of artwork can be used very effectively with any style of furniture. There are made of papel amate which is the bark from a tree that is soaked, pounded, coloured with natural dyes, and woven into designs. They come with a wood frame set up for adding picture lights in the back or from the top and are sensational in adding warmth and life to any room.

Painted Mermaid Coffee Table

2007-11-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of a very ordinary table that has been transformed by the paint brush and imagination of Francisco Merino. So many people love mermaids and ocean lore and you can see here the charm and vision of one great painter!

Mexican Art

2007-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Franciso Merino has been painting for years. He has a very strong style of work that captures the flavor or Mexico. Here is an example of a trytic he recently did for some Canadian clients. The three panels can be moved into a variety of configurations to give a different effect of ocean, light and movement.

More Painted Mexican Furniture

2007-11-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

At Muebles La Mision we are fortunate to have an excellent artist on hand. Francisco Merino can paint wonderful pictures, and furniture. we recently designed an elegant china cabinet and had him paint the doors with Cala Lillies. These cabinets can be done in any color and you can choose any design for the doors. This is just an idea. The configuration can be changed and the finish can be bright or matte. This type of furniture adds art and purpose to any room.

More on Equipales

2007-11-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have had so many questions of equipales that I have done some research on them and the different styles. Basically there are about 6 main styles and many different colors but Tobacco and Saddle Brown are the most common. The chairs and sofas can be padded or just have a pigskin seat. The backs of the seats vary from open in the Cancun style to combination of willow and woven pigskin. They can be used in the house or outside. I do not recommend that they be left in direct sunlight 24 hours per day but they are durable and can withstand changes in weather.

I have attached a photos of the most ocmmon style which is the traditional equipale in the two most common colors. If you have any questions, leave me a comment in the blog.

Equipales

2007-10-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Many people ask about Equipales. Most want to know what they are. The word comes from Nahuatl meaning "place to sit". There are many different qualities of equipales. They are made of pigskin and the woven wood can be willow, rosa morada or other woods. Be sure that you buy them from a reputable store where they are fumigated and insect-free.

The pigskin comes in different colors and can also be upholstered in a fabric that you select. The best and most comfortable equipales are padded. Prices can vary depending on the style that you choose. A glass top can be added to the tables making them a bit larger.

Decorating with Mexican Colonial Furniture

2007-09-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Many people ask about what type of upholstered pieces of furniture would work best with Mexican Colonial furniture. We just received a love seat, chair, ottoman set in Ivory that would work well because they are big, overstuffed pieces. The ivory looks especially good combined with Persian or Oriental carpets. Contact me if you are interested in these items, the price is right!!!

Painted Mexican Furniture

2007-09-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

If you love birds, flowers, animals, pastoral scenes or bright colours ,wait until you see the beautiful painted furniture made in Mexico. Each piece of painted furniture is unique and is painted by hand. You can request different scenes and these can be made for you in the size that you want. This is really custom designed furniture. It is amazing what the artists in Mexico can do with furniture - they turn boring items into works of art! This is an armoire that is painted with parrots in brillant colours that will add great impact into the decor of any room in the house.

A Work in Process!

2007-09-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

In these two photos you can see some of the stages in hand crafting a bed. The shape is formed out of the wood and then comes the carving of a design. The comparison is very dramatic. If you appreciate real quality in furniture, you will appreciate that this furniture is made of wood, not "hard wood solids" Particle board. Very few companies exist in the US that make hand made furniture. I am aware of only one in Indiana called Karges. Check out their website! Exquisite!

Mesquite, Leather and Wrought Iron Bed

2007-09-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of the skill of Mexican artisans. This bed combines the best of Mexican Colonial furniture. Notice the carved wrought iron swirls on the posts of the headboard and the pattern of hand hammered nails. This bed combined with a Persian or Oriental carpet would make a statement in any Master Bedroom, just don't hit yourself on the posts!!!

Wood Working Tools

2007-08-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Oriental Carpets

2007-07-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

One of the best kept secrets to decorating in the "Mexican Style" is the use of Oriental or Persian carpets.

The Russian Kazak is one of the most prized of these carpets due to the colours and patterns. These rugs are hard to find and are usually sold at upscale galleries and auction houses for outrageous prices. The carpets are hardwearing and resistant to damage. Sometimes you will find "abrash" or slight changes of colour due to different dye lots of the wool. Some carpets will have "bleeding" due to the washing of the vegetables dyes. Since these carpets take a long time to produce more wool is required and the dye might not be exactly the same shade as the original.

It is very easy to tell carpets that are hand woven from those that are made by machine. One look at the back will tell you the whole story. It takes many, many hours to make one of these beautiful Oriental carpets.

Attached is a photo of a Russian Kazak. The size is 6 x 9 a really good size for decorating. They look brillant contrasted with the Mexian tile floors.

Hand Carved Furniture Created In Mexico

2007-07-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

So many people do not realize what "hand-made" really is. I didn't know until I visited a small workshop in Rosarito and watched the artist at work. The design is pencilled in on the wood and then using 25-30 different tools each swirl and curve is expertly carved to design the pattern. Only wood is used as opposed to "hard wood solids" that makes up most of the store furniture.

Attached are some photos of Bruno at work and the last photo shows the base of a dining table that he made!

Mexican Colonial Chairs

2007-07-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Colonial Mexican chairs come in many different styles and choices of wood. They can be simple or heavily carved. The most expensive are made of mesquite and beautifully carved. Watching the artisans work carving these chairs is quite amazing. I had never realized all the work that was involved in creating these masterpieces until I got to see the process. Everything is really done by hand.
Mesquite has become very difficult to find as the Mexican government has put a very strict count on logging these trees. It is an incredibly heavy wood and shipping costs are prohibitive. Now different woods are being used: rose wood, habillo, antiqued pine. I have included a photo of one of the beautiful styles that compliments the large rectanglar or round hand carved dining tables. If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at lamisionmuebles@hotmail.com

More Modern Mexican Furniture

2007-01-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

So many people like a more modern look to their furnishing and we have found some wonderful places that can make copies of Danish Modern to just updated styles. Again these can be made to your specifications and fabrics can be selected by you or you can look through samples that we have at the store. The company that fabricates this furniture has been in Mexico for many years and have a wonderful reputation.

Hand Carved furniture from Michoacan

2007-01-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

We have received on consignment several pieces of hand carved, some painted, headboards, benches and night tables. They are all intricately hand carved in sugar pine. The photo that I have attached is a coffee table and two end tables painted a dark green. The peacock is painted in many different colours and would add charm to any room. The price for all 3 pieces is: $700.00 but you can buy only one piece is you like.

These pieces are made in small little towns by skilled artisans.

Modern Mexican Furniture

2007-01-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

We have discovered many different manufacturers of furniture in the Baja California area and one in particular has made and is making furniture for a leading American Company. I have attached a photo of a love seat, sofa and coffee table that we can have made in many different colours of microsuede. My husband who is a rather large fellow claims that "this is the first comfortable sofa that he has tried". The wood is alder and unlike furniture that you buy in the US it is not a veneer over hardwood solids. The coffee table is made of alder and alder wood only. If you have any questions or comments please let me know. The pricing on this set is very reasonable for the quality that you would get. I am learning more and more everyday about furniture that is made in Mexico and how it differs from the furniture made in the US and Canada.

Mesquite Wood

2006-11-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

Teak, mahogany and mesquite are ranked equally as the most stable hardwoods in the world. For many years this wood was used by Mexican fishermen to construct their boats. This wood will not degrade when subjected to extreme changes in weather. Commercially it has been used in kitchens where it has been washed repeatedly but maintains it integrity.

Unfortunately, 50% of the wood is discarded as the trees are gnarled and knotty and it is difficult to make straight boards. This makes it expensive to use but to artisans the wood is a treasure because of it color and grain. The colors can vary in tone from lemon, honey, carmel to burgundy and the grain includes burled, quilted, bird’s eye and fiddle back designs.

It was used in Colonial Mexico for carved church doors to posts for fences.

Mexican Pewter

2006-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

The art of making Mexican pewter has been passed from one generation to another. Every piece of pewter displays the dedication and tradition of Mexican craftsmen. Pewter is given its form through the ancient method of sand casting, making sure during the process to keep the pewter’s quality and thermal properties. Each piece is cast with a particular hand made mold, resulting in a unique work of art. All takes shape magically in the hands of the proud Mexican artisans. The process is 100% hand made, except for the final polishing. Mexican pewter is made with a lead free alloy of Tin or Aluminum, Copper and Antimony; this makes it safe for food and drink, however it is not recommended for cooking.

Over time and with use, your pewter will develop a wonderful patina. Pewter will last for generations if cared for properly.
• Many collectors feel that pewter benefits from handling as it develops a distinctive, warm patina the more it is used.
• Though certain conditions will cause pewter to oxidize and darken, pewter does not tarnish like silver and copper. Pewter can be cleaned with warm soapy water, rinsed, then towel dried with a soft cloth. Do not wash pewter in an automatic dishwasher as the heat and detergent can be harmful to the piece.
• There are various pewter cleaners and polishes available to maintain your pewter. Pewter should never be used in an oven, microwave or on the stovetop and should not be exposed to a direct flame.

Recycling Redwood

2006-10-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Redwood that is used primarily in commercial projects grows in the areas of Southern Oregon to Monterey County in Northern California. These trees grow best where they can be in foggy and damp climates.

The qualities of this wood that make it especially good for outdoor furniture is its resistance to decay and insects. It is also a beautiful wood, stable, durable and is selected for many projects by architectural companies.

The natural stability of this wood keeps it from warping and splitting and it can take and hold many different finishes.

Next week we will linkup with a factory here in Ensenada that uses three different grades of Redwood in building and designing furniture for outside and in interiors where there is a lot of sun, like an indoor patio.

We can offer you a 5% discount in purchasing from this company with a special code. They wil ship almost anywhere and set up your furniture.

One of the best things about this company is that much of the profits go back into reforestation. So you can contribute to the environment and have wonderful patio furniture.

Redwood Lounge Chair

2006-10-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Austin asked about Redwood Lounge Chairs. I have attached a photo of Penney's chair. It measures 26'W x 74"L x 13"H and weighs about 100 lbs. This one will not blow away. The price depends on the wood:
30 year redwood $950.00
20 year redwood $820.00
10 year redwood $700.00
Contact us on our blog is you have questions.

Redwood Outdoor Furniture

2006-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

We have discovered a factory here in Ensenada that builds the finest redwood furniture and we are so happy to have them available for purchase. We are attaching one photo of a four foot square table with Luna Chairs (top is rounded). the prices depend on the age of the wood. Wood that is 30 years old is the most expensive and then there are 20 year and 10 year. Email us if you have any questions. We will be posting more photos.

Contact Us

2006-10-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions you can contact us via email at: lamisionmuebles@hotmail.com or if you would prefer to call, we can be reached at: US 011 52 646 174-7556.
Elizabeth

Custom Furniture

2006-10-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

We are now prepared to custom make or design any type of furniture. Just send us a picture and we will get you an estimate of cost and time. The picture showed was taken out of a book and we are in the process of having it made. Contact us if you have any questions.

Granada Coffee Table

2006-10-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is another new item that we will have very soon. It is a coffee table antique habillo wood with a wormwood top that measures: 50"L x 24"D x 19"H The price is $520.00 FOB Ensenada.

NEW ITEM IN STORE

2006-10-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have added a picture of an Entry Table that we can order and ship. It is a three drawer made of habillo wood in an antique pine finish

Price is $550.00 FOB Ensenada
Size: 63 inches wide
16 inches deep
31 inches high

The finish work is excellent

ONE-OF-A-KIND TALAVERA

2006-10-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

One-of-a-kind Talavera

The picture of the Talavera plate is very unusual. If you look at photos of Talavera you will note that there is a vast difference in the quality and skill in the designs. This particular plate costs $60.00 and measures 14" x 11-1/2". We can easily ship via UPS.

Additional Painting - Angels

2006-10-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Due to great interest in this artist's work I have added additional work that Lupe can do.

Another Painting

2006-10-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

I have added another painting so that you can better appreciate Lupe's work

Paintings in Oils

2006-10-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

At Muebles La Mision we have a very talented artist who can paint anything! I have attached a photo so that you can delight in his work.

Hand Painted Dinner Sets

2006-10-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

New sets of dishes from Michoacan. They are hand painted, can be used in the oven, microwave, washed safely in the dishwasher and a set includes 6 pieces: dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, soup plate, dessert plate and/or mug; cup and saucer. The prices are right at $100.00 per place set up to $150.00 for sets requiring more hand painted work.
One pattern is: stars and shells. Contact us for more information

Design Your Own Furniture

2006-10-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Muebles La Mision is proud to have a skilled artisan ready to help you with your special design. Come to the store with photographs and we can help you select the correct building materials to make your dream furniture a reality. Manuel also designs and creates outdoor furniture. We will shortly have some photos of his work so that you can have a better idea of the quality of furniture that he builds.

New Line of Mexican Furniture

2006-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Within the next month we will be receiving Mexican furniture from a vendor near Guadalajara who uses wonderful woods like habillo, parota and achieves different textures. Please watch my website as many of the photos to be added will feature this line. We are really excited as the finishing work on these items is excellent.

Custom Bar made of Teak and Mahogany

2006-09-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

In response to your question about the bar Graham I presume you mean this one...

Mexican Furniture: Old Wood

2006-09-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Old Wood Rustic Hacienda/Colonial Furniture
Each piece of our Mexican furniture collection of armoires, tables and benches have been hand crafted by skilled artisans and will add a special flavor to any décor.
Skilled artisans work on their designs using old doors, fences or any type of old wood to create these works of art. All the wood has different characteristics in texture and design. Some pieces are very smooth and others have a rough finish.
This uniqueness is further enhanced by the aging of the wood and in many cases you will notice the remains of old locks, hinges and nails that were used in the original piece.The wood used in Colonial and Hacienda vary depending upon the region where the furniture was made.
However, the most prized wood is mesquite similar to teak in its durability. Some other woods are “sabino” cedar, heart pine, and parota. In the large cities woods similar to those found in Europe were used.

My Mexican Furniture Store

2006-09-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello: I am so pleased to have provided the most unique hand made furniture to happy clients from all over the USA and Mexico.