Seek advice - Towns with Artisans

Posted by: Quevedo

Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/07/09 11:09 AM

Any recommendations? I am traveling to Spain in another week and want to visit towns with artisans, ceramics studios, jewelry makers, etc. I already plan to go to Talavera de la Reina, Puente del Arzobispo, Toledo and a couple of small towns near Alicante where they make very traditional spanish pottery and jewelry. I also want to find some non-traditional and unusual ceramics and jewelry as well. Are there any suggestions for places to visit? Thanks!!
Posted by: Donna Cuervo

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/07/09 07:21 PM

I'm also interested in creative handcrafted jewelry, but I've never found much of interest anywhere in Spain.
Posted by: eskimo joe

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/08/09 06:00 AM

There was a lot of cool pottery and ceramics in Cuenca , but thought they were quite expensive . We had a trip to the devils window and found a shop at the carpark there with all the same potery etc for a 1/4 of the price
Posted by: Quevedo

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/08/09 07:41 AM

Thanks! I haven't been to Cuenca in a few years. This might give me motivation to return. I wonder where those shops get their articles to sell? Maybe there are a few artists in the area to learn about. Since I am trying to research a new business, I would like to learn about and know the sources.
Posted by: eskimo joe

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/08/09 01:25 PM

when I was there one of the shops had a flyer for one makers workshops , you could go directly to the workshop and see the guy making it . I dont have the details im afraid
Posted by: Quevedo

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/08/09 08:05 PM

Donna - I will have my eyes out and let you know if I see any jewelry that makes an impression.
Posted by: admiral44

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/25/09 12:07 PM

Quevedo,

My wife purchased a very nice purse from a leather craftsman in Vejer. Foolishly, I did not do the same with a handsome briefcase-like unit. I still regret that. I don't know if I could find this shop again, but Vejer is a small town and it would be worth the hunt.

Enjoy the shopping.

44
Posted by: Donna Cuervo

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/25/09 07:07 PM

My favorite jewelry designer in Spain is Joaquin Berao. He's quite established now with shops on Serrano in Madrid and the equivalent street in Barcelona.

Although his prices are quite high now, when I first discovered him about 15 years ago, his sterling silver items were quite affordable, and I have a nice collection. The gold always was very expensive.

I was in the shop on my visit to Madrid a few weeks ago. The salesman took out a tray of silver bracelets for me to look at. Then he got involved on a phone call, so I had time to try it all on. Of course that led to buying another piece for my collection.

His silver work is very Scandinavian looking to me. I consider it equal in quality to Tiffany and Georg Jensen. I'm surprised he's not better known outside of Spain.
Posted by: pedmar

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 11/26/09 04:53 PM

Cuenca and Chinchon are good choices too. In addition to other already mentioned.
Posted by: Puna

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 12/19/09 04:59 PM

Years ago I found some really nice local pottery between Nerja and Montefrio ... wandering back roads, etc. so I apologize for not being able to pin-point location more than that. Went thru the artists' work-shops/studios so know it was locally made. Can anyone help here?
Posted by: pedmar

Re: Seek advice - Towns with Artisans - 12/20/09 10:45 AM

i am not familiar with artist shops there but this one might give you a led
Manos
Tel: 95 252 11 37
C/ Pintada, 8
29780 Nerja (Malaga)

and this other in Montefrio

http://patrimoniodemontefrio.es/Patrimonio_de_Montefrio/Artesania.html

hope it helps