Southwest Arts and Crafts: The Creative Spirit of the Desert
The Southwest United States is an area rich with culture and heritage. From this region we get so many delights, from spicy Tex-Mex food to turquoise jewelry. Southwest arts and crafts are probably what this area is best known for, however. For ages, artists and crafters have been creating beautiful handmade pieces that let you take a bit of desert magic home with you. There are certainly many different pieces to choose from.
For example, a hand sculpted terra cotta vase filled with blossoms, grasses or even a cactus makes a beautiful accent on any shelf or table. Terra cotta is also sometimes used to sculpt figurines, such as those of Native Americans or animals. Many people choose a Southwest design for their homes. Think textured walls, lots of wood and warm, earthy colors contrasted with touches of silver and turquoise blue. Geometric patterns like squares and triangles are commonly seen in this style of home decor.
The dreamcatcher is a craft traditionally made by the Native Americans which is thought to encourage pleasant dreams when hung over one’s bed. These days, people are displaying dreamcatchers in most any room as objects of art. Beading and fringe are characteristics of many Southwest area crafts. The beautiful hand woven rugs that come from this region work beautifully on the floor or on the wall as decorative hangings.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Southwest is known for its beautiful jewelry crafted from turquoise and silver. The jewelry pieces done in this style are most always big and bold handmade pieces that make a statement. You will also find Southwest style jewelry featuring other gems like onyx and agate. Intricate beading is another common characteristic of jewelry from this area. This style of jewelry is so popular you can buy it basically anywhere, even places that seem worlds away from the sun kissed Southwest.
You don’t have to live in the Southwest to enjoy Southwest arts and crafts. Because they’re so popular, you can likely find this style in many stores. Shopping online is a great way to order artwork made in this region. You can even try your hand at crafting your very own handmade works. For example, there are dreamcatcher kits and jewelry making kits with a decidedly Southwestern flair. Or, try painting some geometric patterns on a large terra cotta pot. There are many ways you can express your creativity with Southwest style crafts.
