Why an Arts and Crafts Tour in Oaxaca is a Must-Do
I recently returned from an incredible arts and crafts tour of Oaxaca, Mexico! Several months ago, I signed up for my first Ace Travel Camp, and let me tell you, I hope it won’t be my last. Normally, I’m not a fan of group activities or trips (unless I’m with my closest friends), but when the itinerary included backstrap weaving, printmaking, textiles, mezcal, and vibrant markets, I couldn’t resist. This was an ideal opportunity to explore a new place, dive into its arts and crafts, and source unique pieces for my shop.
It was also my first time in Mexico, and I instantly felt at home. Here’s a breakdown of each day, filled with hands-on workshops, cultural insights, and plenty of colorful, handcrafted souvenirs I couldn’t leave behind.
Day 1: Hands-On with Backstrap Weaving - A Traditional Oaxacan Art
Backstrap Weaving: A Traditional Oaxacan Art with a Modern Twist
Our first day kicked off with a backstrap weaving workshop led by a local artist named Norma. Backstrap weaving involves strapping a loom to your back and tying it to something stable (for me, a column at the cultural center). The loom is controlled through body movements, so it’s quite the workout! Norma’s patience and guidance helped us learn the basics step-by-step.
Day 2: Exploring Alebrijes at Jacobo & Maria Angeles Studio and a Visit to Miriam’s Dress Shop
Discovering Alebrijes: Oaxaca’s Magical Folk Art
On our second day, we immersed ourselves in the world of alebrijes at the Jacobo & Maria Angeles studio. Alebrijes are vibrant, intricately carved folk art sculptures made from copal wood, often depicting mythical or fantastical animals. Each piece is hand-painted with vibrant colors, many derived from natural dyes. The studio itself was awe-inspiring, featuring open spaces, outdoor kitchens, work areas, and showrooms filled with completed pieces. The atmosphere was so refreshing that I found myself dreaming of a similar setup for my shop back home. Oaxaca’s high desert climate, nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains, makes this open-air setup possible.
The craftsmanship here was beyond impressive, and I was thrilled to add a rabbit alebrije to my collection. Rabbits have been my spirit animal since childhood, making this piece especially meaningful. For anyone visiting, I highly recommend taking the time to experience the studio and support these talented artists.
Miriam’s Dress Shop: Hand-Embroidered Treasures
Day 3: Printmaking at Taller La Chicharra
Printmaking Workshop: Crafting Folk Art with Taller La Chicharra
Day three might have been my favorite! We spent it at Taller La Chicharra, learning the art of printmaking. After a quick demo, we each received an MDF board to sketch and carve our designs. I debated between drawing a sun, moon, or eye, but since I’m on a folk art kick, I settled on a rabbit. Carving required a delicate touch—too much pressure could easily ruin the design.
Day 4: Exploring Oaxaca City’s Markets and Botanical Garden
Oaxaca’s Botanical Garden and Bustling Markets: A Day of Inspiration
On day four, we explored Oaxaca City. My friends Michelle and Lydia joined me, and we started our day at the beautiful Oaxaca Botanical Garden with a Spanish tour. Although I don’t speak much Spanish, my friends do, so we opted for this tour since it was easier to get in with fewer restrictions. The garden was a peaceful haven, filled with towering cacti and lush greenery—a beautiful start to a busy day.
Afterward, we headed into the markets: Benito Juarez, 20 de Noviembre, Artesanal Market, and the street vendors scattered around every corner. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, with endless stalls selling garlands, pom-poms, tassels, ceramic skulls, and other handcrafted items. Deciding what to buy and when to haggle was overwhelming, but I ended up with a beautiful selection of souvenirs for my shop. If you’re visiting Oaxaca, prepare to be amazed by the variety and charm of its markets.
Day 5: Natural Dyeing and Candle Making in Teotitlán del Valle
Natural Dyeing and Candle Making in Teotitlán del Valle: Generations of Artistry
Our final day took us to Teotitlán del Valle, a village renowned for its handwoven rugs and natural dyeing techniques. We visited the Cruz family weaving workshop, where Fidel and Maria Luisa, a husband-and-wife team, demonstrated the process of extracting dyes from local plants and insects like indigo, tarragon, and cochineal (a local insect used for red dye).
Dona Viviana Alavez’s Candle Workshop
Our last stop was the candle workshop of Dona Viviana Alavez. At 74, Dona Viviana learned the art from her grandmother and continues to make candles outdoors on a dirt floor. Originally crafted for church services, her candles are now also made for celebrations. Her dedication to preserving this family tradition was inspiring, and her candles were beautiful and delicate.
After lunch, we visited the Tlacolula Sunday market, where vendors sold everything from live chickens to handcrafted pouches and rugs. I even found a rug dealer I’d love to work with next year. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling my best, so I didn’t buy as much as I’d planned. Looks like I’ll have to return for another shopping spree!
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Arts and Crafts Tour in Oaxaca
This trip was everything I’d hoped for and more—filled with hands-on workshops, inspiring artisans, and a newfound appreciation for the rich heritage of Oaxacan crafts. If you’re considering an arts and crafts tour, I can’t recommend Ace Travel Camp enough. This isn’t a sponsored post, just a heartfelt endorsement of an organized experience that lets you immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s culture and creativity.
For anyone interested, I have all the goodies I bought on this trip available at my shop. They won’t be listed online, but feel free to reach out on Instagram if something catches your eye. And if you’ve ever been to Oaxaca or have a favorite market, craft, or workshop experience, I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s connect and share our Oaxaca adventures!