Mexican Crafts & Recipes

Huichol Indian Yarn Paintings

Direct descendants of the Aztecs, the Huichol Indians, make brilliantly colored yarn paintings. These paintings are created for two purposes, one for religious offerings and the other for sale. Certain rules are followed depending on their use. Although the designs are based on nature they are not realistic in form or color. The figures are stylized and sometimes quite abstract. The paintings are bordered with several colors and may range from several inches to several square feet in size.
The traditional paintings are adhered with Beeswax. The yarn is applied to follow the contours the figures. Maria von Bolschwing has some examples to see from her Huichol Art Center Site.
To make your own yarn painting start with a small board and a design that includes a border. For a small piece it may be better to start with one central figure. If you feel comfortable using beeswax melt it on top of a double boiler and apply it with a wide flat brush. Apply it with your thumbnail or a craft stick starting with the border making sharp corners. After the border is done outline your figure with one or two colors and then fill in with a bright contrasting color. The background is filled in last. The strands of yarn are applied as closely as possible and in one long continuous strand. Start from the outside edge and work inward. If wax is not available white glue may be used. Paint one area at a time and keep the top of the yarn soft and glue free. Beeswax was also used to adhere beads onto bowls, masks and gourds.

Links

• This Island Natural Fiber Sheet from Mexico may be just the texture to add a tropical flair to your crafts.
• All About Mexican Food
• Mexico Arts & Crafts Directory
• Christmas in Mexico
• Life in Ancient Mexico Coloring Book
• Sticker Collection - Mexico