Santa Fe Shopping Tips by VeronicaG

Wonderful Weavings!!

by VeronicaG , 2 more photos

Name of Shop: Ortega's Weaving Shop

We arrived early one morning at the Sanctuario de Chimayo, but found congregants praying in the chapel. Rather than disturb them, we all agreed to backtrack to Ortega's Weaving Shop and return a short while later to see the little chapel.

It was a very good decision! The Ortega family has been offering beautifully woven creations since the 1700's, so their products stand out from the crowd!

Inside the shop, we discovered brightly colored weavings of blankets, placemats, coasters, pillows, men's and women's vests, jackets and coats, bookmarks, purses...so many things expertly done in gorgeous combinations of hues and designs.

The store also had a glass case full of silver and torquoise jewelry, from which I selected a nicely designed bracelet (see picture#3). The pieces were discounted 25%! Somehow, a reflection of gold and red are shown in the picture, which is not on the actual torquoise.

To one side of the shop is a small room containing looms (picture #2), the type on which these lovely items are created.

Note: This shop was priced better than the shop by the same name located off the Santa Fe town plaza.

What To Buy: Any woven item--beautifully executed in lovely colors

What To Pay: Reasonable

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 877-351-4215
Address: P.O. Box 325 Chimayo, New Mexico
Directions: Near rts., 76 and 98 in Chimayo, NM
Website: www.ortegasdechimayo.com

Shidoni Foundry: Sculptures, Carvings, Jewelry

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Bronze Crucifix

by VeronicaG , 4 more photos

Name of Shop: Shidoni Foundry

Shidoni Foundry is five miles north of Santa Fe and a feast for the eyes! As we pulled into the driveway, large contemporary sculptures could be seen scattered over the landscape. A shop architecturally designed to blend into its surroundings, sat at the end of the parking lot.

As you near the shop, an endearing statue of a child with raised arms crafted in bronze stands near the door. (picture #5)

Inside, a large, striped cat selectively curled up beside two pricey metal pieces, luxuriates in the sun (picture #2). Bronze nudes, whimsical metal sculptures and Southwest style carvings were displayed throughout the room.

A small room in the rear held numerous art pieces, among which was a bronze crucifix created for and used by the former Pope. The artist had won a fellowship to the Vatican and this piece was used in a mass.

A second building on the grounds displayed carved, curvacious wood furniture (picture #3), bright paintings, intricate metal pieces, unique jewelry and large mobiles. I selected a pair of pale green earrings made from beach glass, that I thought were so pretty (picture #4)!

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Theme: Art

Waxlander Gallery and Sculpture Garden: I Loved This Gallery!

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Bronze Nudes Amongst Lovely Wind

Sculptures

Name of Shop: Waxlander Gallery and Sculpture Garden

As we explored Canyon Road, this gallery's sculpture garden drifted past the window. "STOP!" I called out. Our friend (and driver) applied the brakes and I dashed out of the back seat and into the walkway of Waxlander Galleries.

These kinetic wind sculptures caught my eye and I just had to see them up close! The sculptures were in three different sizes and in a multitude of colors. The wind gently coaxed some to move in soft undulating movements, while others spun around uniformly.

Eventually, my husband joined me because I couldn't draw myself away. We inquired as to the prices and were told it would take only three weeks to create one of the smaller wind sculptures.

Waxlander Gallery had contemporary oil paintings and pastels (I saw a striking piece in this medium, too!) Ask for Nancy, she was soooo informative!

What To Buy: Kinetic Wind Sculptures, a Painting or a Nice Pastel

What To Pay: These are an investment--don't ask me the price!

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Theme: Art
Phone: 1-800-342-2202
Address: 611 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sage Creek Gallery: And Then There Was This Bronze Piece...

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

FLYING!

Name of Shop: Sage Creek Gallery

Sometimes you just connect with a piece of art immediately! Such was the case for me with this wonderful sculpture by Vala Ola at Sage Creek Gallery. It is called FLYING.

But a little background...Ola was classically trained in Europe and is from Iceland. She sculpts at her studio in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I love that her bronzes of children are so lifelike--she captures them in such realistic poses, like that shown in the picture. Her pieces are noted for "their depth of expression and emotion".

This bronze sculpture was very expensive and I lost my heart to it! It was a pleasure to be introduced to her work. Maybe someday we'll own one of her pieces...

Besides Sage Creek Gallery, Vala Ola's works appear in galleries in Scottsdale, Palm Desert and Santa Barbara. She also does portraits in oil that are exquisite!

Sage Creek Gallery is located off the town's main plaza by a couple of blocks. Ask for Sande who will give you more information on this gallery.

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Theme: Art
Phone: 505-988-3444
Address: 200 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Website: www.sagecreekgallery.com

NAMBE': Unique Handcrafts

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Feb 2, 2007

It's not silver, lead or pewter

based

Name of Shop: NAMBE'

Nambe' is difficult to classify because their literature decribes their handcrafts as being NEITHER silver, lead or pewter based. But these pieces certainly look like they would contain all of the above!

But first things first, these products were named for the small village where they were first handcrafted in 1951. They are created from a form of metal casting, which can be dated back 3500 years to the Egyptian culture.

According to the shopkeeper, Nambe' items can be used directly from the freezer to the oven, then taken to the table. They will not scorch or add any taste to your foods. After use, the pieces will develop a patina and "won't tarnish, rust,chip or peel";

I found these pieces to be beautiful and was hoping to select a salad spoon and fork, but I didn't find anything I thought would coordinate with my everyday stainless. There were also delicately etched glasses and vases that would make great gifts or add a sparkle to your special table settings.

This particular shop discounted and was located outside of town (see address & picture#2), but there is a large shop on the main plaza in Santa Fe, which also sells silver and torquoise jewelry as well as Nambe' kitchen/home accessories-- but these items are offered at full price.

What To Buy: Shiny, silver-like utensils and vessels for the home

What To Pay: Less expensive at the shop outside of Santa Fe

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 505-455-2731;866-626-2366
Address: 90 Cities of Gold Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Galeria Ortega,Inc.: Stop Here For Souvenirs

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Galerias Ortega

by VeronicaG

Name of Shop: Galeria Ortega,Inc.

Galeria Ortega is located next door to Ortega's Weaving Shop and is a good source for souvenirs and items with a Southwest theme.

You'll find Southwest inspired potholders, oven mitts and drink coasters; souvenir magnets; dream catchers in all sizes and colors; kachina dolls, books on the southwest, nambe' serving pieces, decorative glassware, plates, pottery and many other things.

We walked out with oven mitts and ceramic coasters decorated all over with bright red chili peppers. What can I say--I've been smitten by the Southwest!

What To Buy: Southwest inspired creations

What To Pay: reasonable

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: 505-351-2288; 1-800-743-5921
Address: 55 Plaza del Cerro, Chimayo, New Mexico
Website: www.GaleriaOrtega.com

YIPPEE YI YO: One Of My Favorite Stores

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Yippee Yi Yo

by VeronicaG

Name of Shop: YIPPEE YI YO

We visited Yippee Yi Yo at least three times while in Santa Fe. It was just a super place to find all things with a Texas/Southwest style.

The store was located along the central plaza, which made it convenient since our hotel was just a block or so away. It also was stocked with wonderful things! If you look very closely, you'll see a pair of black and torquoise ceramic cowboy boot salt and pepper shakers. We purchased these for our daughter, who really likes kitzch.

Aside from that, Yippee Yi Yo carried many books related to the West and Southwest; Native American blankets and pillows; stuffed animals and toys; puzzles; cool cowboy boot keychains; leather belts and purses; t-shirts; jewelry; pictures and so much other merchandise. I only wish I could remember all that they carried!

You won't be sorry you stopped here--but you might be if you don't. Try Yippee Yi Yo for a unique and special gift...it was also a great place to pick up something for our daughter and grandkids.

What To Buy: Western/Southwestern inspired items

What To Pay: Moderate to pricey

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: 505-988-2757
Address: 54 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Directions: On the Plaza

Tesuque Glass: Collecting Art Glass?

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Tesuque Glass

Name of Shop: Tesuque Glass

Tesuque Glass had a nice selection of unique and contemporary glassware.

As I surveyed the store, I noticed plates with lovely swirled patterns, vases crowned with a flourish of ruffles, colorful bowls and glass baubles in assorted hues for the garden, bracelets, earrings, wine and beverage glasses, stylized floral votives and whimsical red glass chili peppers.

Each piece of art glass was arranged to its best advantage on shelves or hanging just so to catch the light from the windows, reflecting it beautifully throughout the shop. (picture#2).

The glass studio was located near Shidoni Foundry--also in the shopping tips.

What To Buy: Unique art glass creations

What To Pay: Art prices

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: 505-988-2165
Address: PO Box 146, Bishops Lodge Rd.,Tesuque,NM
Directions: Next to Shidoni Foundry

Jackalope: An International Bazaar

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

by VeronicaG , 2 more photos

Name of Shop: Jackalope

I'm in a quandry trying to describe Jackalope. Just imagine a big bazaar with merchandise from Mexico, India and China....add a touch of the tacky with some true bargains and that just about describes this store.

I'd been pricing mercury candleholders from the Pottery Barn for a couple of months. I found similar ones here for half the price (see Picture #2)!

There were windchimes, glassware with matching pitchers, dream catchers, souvenir magnets, basketry, sunglasses, ceramics, clothing, wood jewelry boxes and catchalls, bright floral patterned plates and bowls, huge pottery planters and more,more,more!

It's a colorfully decorated store with brightly colored products--it's a FIESTA for the eyes. Stop here for cute, moderately priced souvenirs and everyday inexpensive items.

Please see picture #3 for the exterior of Jackalope, which I'm afraid is a very poor picture, but it gives a sense of the place.

What To Buy: Shop for bargains

What To Pay: Things looked pretty inexpensive for the most part

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: 505-471-8539
Address: 2820 Cerrillos Rd.,Santa Fe, NM
Website: www.jackalope.com

Eclectic Image Gallery: Gallery on Canyon Road

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Written by VeronicaG

on Oct 22, 2007

Fluted Vase

by VeronicaG