NOTE: The following are only suggested routes, and are subject to revision, additions and deletions depending on the specific interests of the client. They have been designed to maximize the diversity of your cultural experience while economizing your time, with virtually no repeated traversing of highways to get to another site. Certainly route changes can be made, but often this entails some backtracking. Tours are private in nature, meaning that you, your partner, family members and / or own small group decide which sites to visit and for how long. Under no circumstances will you be paired with other tourists. Transportation is by car, truck or large van depending on the number in the group and the route selected.
You�ll want to use �Word Art� to create your letters. Click on the blue tilted �A� on the bottom toolbar for each letter. Format them to your liking. When you�re done designing, select all the letters, right-click, and choose Grouping->Group. Now you can click on your image and right-click for Save as Image. PowerPoint lets you save directly in formats like JPEG, PNG and TIFF.
painted aisle runners printed bridal bouquet ribbons bridal underwear or garter bridal handkerchief accent to bridal train, veil or gown ring bearer�s pillowDIY monogrammed aisle runner*the rug village of Teotitlan del Valle � visit one or more of the multitude of rug workshops where you can select any of a vast number of sizes, designs and colors (if you are so inclined) and see how the rugs are produced from the carding of wool of different colors, followed by its spinning, then the use of purely natural dyes of plant, fruit and vegetable sources as well as the cochineal, and finally the hand weaving on traditional large looms; learn how to detect rugs which are made using synthetic dyes for coloration;To design your monogram in PowerPoint:*the green glazed pottery village of Atzompa is a fairly short drive from Monte Alb�n; the marketplace has an incredible diversity of kitchen items and utensils, sculptures, flower pots, hanging ornaments and lamps, complete sets of dishes, etc.; a lot of the work is in fact not the green glazed, but rather pottery in attractive pastel colors and terra cotta; you can also visit some of the actual workshops, have a demonstration, etc; for those interested in �high end� collector pieces, somewhat different from the work of most of the local craftspeople in the village, a visit to the workshop of reknowned artist Ang�lica V�squez Cruz is a must. Ang�lica is featured in most of the books about the country�s popular folk art. Her home and workshop is at the end of an ascending rocky road which during the rainy season is often best negotiated on foot, but either way, the challenging climb is worth the effort. She�s an extraordinary raconteur who will vividly relate her complex and moving history to those interested, and proudly explain her intricate highest of quality ceramic pieces heavily influenced by indigenous legends and Mexican history. She regularly wins national folk art competitions and is honored by being asked to give workshops in the US.Now that you�ve begun to add personality to your interiors, and your house is feeling more like a home, your artwork needs (and wants) must be addressed. Artwork, while typically two dimensional, also encompasses sculpture in a wide range of materials. It is important to concentrate on creating a balanced mix of works. To allow greatest flexibility I try to limit myself to no more than 3 (occasionally 5) works by any given artist. Chances are that even with a diversity of taste, the works you select or own will work in harmony together. Sometimes reframing will be necessary to realize the full potential of a piece and to make it appear most effective with other artworks. On a real shoestring, you can create your own artwork. Striking fabric pieces can be readily stapled to stretchers no frame needed. Children�s artwork can be framed inexpensively and is usually better preserved than taped to a wall or stuck on the refrigerator. Antique prints can be picked up for a song at most flea markets, then frame it yourself with inexpensive frames. To augment a simple wood frame from your local discount center, glue on seashells, or dried flowers, even buttons, bits of broken china (mosaic style), or charms (available in most craft stores). You�ll enjoy a one of a kind craft wonder! Create a display from these either atop a mantel, on the length of a sofa table, or patterned against a wall (photo gallery). (Note: For best effect, keep an edge straight across the top or bottom of all hung pieces, and align them either to the right or left. Be consistent in the spacing between pieces.) Again, as in collectibles, artwork of any sort should mean something to you, not just cover a spot on the wall!To design your monogram in Microsoft Word:*San Mart�n Tilcajete, the village known for its wooden hand-carved and brilliantly painted animals often generically referred to as alebrijes; visits to a number of workshops illustrating differences in qualities and subject matter; for those interested in collector-quality pieces, arrangements can be made to visit the workshop of arguably the best in the state, Jacobo and Mar�a �ngeles, for a most fascinating demonstration of the utility of natural pigments for paints, the different uses of the male and female copal tree including trunk, bark and sap, the importance of Zapotec designs for symbolism, etc; if traveling with children, arrangements can be made to visit another workshop where they can select their favorite animal and paint a carving of it for a nominal fee�just provide details in advance (and yes, we have a car seat for the infants and toddlers);**cochineal ranch, museum and research station where you�ll learn the history and importance of this tiny bug which attaches itself to its host, the nopal cactus, and when harvested and dried produces the strongest and most brilliant natural red dye known to mankind�used today in dying rugs from the region and in a diversity of products such as yoghurt, Campbell soup, campari, as well as makeup and lipsticks (also a video explaining the historical importance of this Oaxacan industry from Conquest times through the mid 19th century, for North America, Europe and the Far East)A dramatic and memorable way to include your monogram is to project it onto the dance floor during the reception. As fun as this is, though, it�s not cheap and sometimes not easy. To project a monogram, you need to buy a custom metal plate, called a �gobo.� Custom gobo manufacturers are easily found online. The gobo itself usually costs over $100, but once made, you then need specific lights equipped with a pattern holder to use the gobo. It�s possible that your venue, or your DJ, will be able to provide these lights or help you locate a place from which to rent them.A good starting point is the floor. Whether you have wall to wall carpeting or enjoy the beauty of hardwoods, area rugs are essential. Without anchoring your furniture groups with rugs, your pieces are merely cut adrift on a sea of flooring. Rugs help to establish seating and dining groups, while runners can define traffic patterns and serve as accents. Rugs can be any variety appropriate, including Oriental or Tibetan, border, flat-weave such as dhurrie and kilim, sisal, leather or wool scrap (a shaggy textured appearance), designed pile (an exciting line is available replicating famous works of art), and even floor cloths (a great do-it-yourself idea.) Rugs are truly art for your floor. Keep in mind the rug size. To minimize expense, an accent is exactly that, just enough to add color, interest, and a ground focal point. Rugs in a living area usually average 4x6 or 6x9, with most furnishings off the edge (except the coffee table and maybe an ottoman). Covering your floor entirely with a rug hides both the beauty of the flooring, while the rug is obscured by all the furniture. In the case of a dining table, be certain the rug is large enough that the chairs do not �fall off� it when pulled out. Be aware also that the pattern and scale selected compliment the upholstery and wall coverings, and be especially careful using any rug with a medallion center. It may be lost or distorted beneath a table base, or lose its impact if offset. Rugs are truly art for your floor!**16th Century church and monastery complex at Cuilapam noted for its expansiveness, and the fact that construction ceased with escalation of a dispute between The Church and the Cort�s family; apart from some restoration in the 1950s, there has been no important modification since the 1580s;You make it! Many brides find they can �roll their own� using a readily-available software program such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. If you�re a graphic designer or have access to high-end tools, you�d probably prefer Adobe Illustrator, but Word or PowerPoint are also fine. If you�ve played around but don�t like the results, call on an arty friend.It�s not hard to create your own monogrammed aisle runner, and it makes a big splash. If you have a sewing machine, you can buy and hem the fabric for next to nothing. Now you just need some fabric paint in black or your wedding colors, a pencil, an exacto knife and some cardstock. You also need to decide where you want to place the monogram. Some aisle runners feature a monogram at the bottom, where the procession begins; the top, where the couple stands; and in the middle.Some etiquette tips:The next accent most often overlooked and so simple to incorporate is plants. An interior is really not dressed until greenery is considered. Look at the corners of your rooms, in particular if they appear empty, and add a tree or perhaps a basket of mixed plants. Real or silk is not an issue, maintenance and whether you have a green thumb may be. It is wise to invest in quality silk plants, as they can last indefinitely, with occasional dusting (in many cases a spray with water to clean up, is even easier, depending on the care suggested by the source.) Plants now are available in such a myriad of species, colors, shapes, sizes, flowering or not. And, they are an invaluable way to add life (literally, if real) to an interior. Typically, a basket by the fireplace (in the summer consider a large basket in the fireplace to avoid the black hole look), a tree in the corner, perhaps a garland over the mantel, small brass potted accents in a bookcase, a bouquet on the table (sofa or coffee), are all viable ways to add greenery to a living/great room. Beyond a tree in the corner, a stunning arrangement centered on a table runner can be the focal point in the dining room (and a wonderful reflection-worthy view for that large mirror you wanted to install.) Greenery is an important part of every interior, even those with a minimalist view. It is a quick and effective way to incorporate an element of nature, keeping you in touch with the environment in some small way.*the 16th century Dominican church at Tlacochuhuaya noted for its original fresco painting on the ceiling and walls by Zapotec artists, the three surrounding courtyard chapels, its exterior carved figures including the sculpture of Saint Jerome, and the 17th century German organ on the second floor; a sundial still stands outside the church;Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format the letter the way you like it. Do this three times. Now click on all textboxes and choose Format->Textbox. Choose Color: No Fill (so you can overlap letters) and Line: No Line. Select all letters, right click, and choose Group to lock in the arrangement. You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint and save in several formats, such as JPEG.*the ruin of San Jos� el Mogote is one of the least touristed ruins in the region, and has a serene feel to it; there�s a wonderful small museum alongside the ruin housed in a 16th century hacienda�the key to the museum must be tracked down from the townsperson then in charge of the museum; actual artifacts are sometimes available from one family which lives at the base of the ruin, on the �QT,� though not at all endorsed by me because of the prohibition attached to their sale and removal from the country�but they do exist;*for those interested in sculpture, about 10 minutes up the road from the town of Etla is the village of Magdalena Etla known for its cantera stone quarries and the sculptors who work with the stone in pink, yellow and green hues; Maestro Adolfo Cruz will show you his facility used in making both stone and bronze pieces, and in fact he�s the only one in the state, he boasts, with a foundry; His daughter Nely, following in her father�s footsteps, teaches at the College of Fine Arts at the Benito Juarez University, and is a respected multi-media artist in her own right. She usually has delicate pendants and earrings available for sale made out of the same cantera stone;The bride�s initial goes first in a monogram. When the bride takes the groom�s last name, the order is: bride�s first initial, shared last initial (usually larger), groom�s first initial.**the combined Oaxaca Paper Factory and Center for the Arts housed in a restored 19th century textile mill makes for a fascinating stop out in the country at the end of a tiny mountaintop town, San Agust�n Etla; regarding the former, founded in 1998 by Finnish paper makers and Oaxacan artists, it was conceived as an integrated space to produce hand-made paper with natural fibers from the region, and promote cultural activities in the community; it also involves a reforestation program and nursery; the former is a magnificent multi-level stone building incorporating natural waterfalls and poolings of water both outside and in the interior of the structure; there is a gallery with installations changing periodically, printmaking workshop and residences for visiting professors.*On Sundays, the marketplace at Tlacolula, the largest of the regional markets apart from the Abastos market in the city of Oaxaca;**the ruins at Lambityeco, Dainz� and / or Yagul; Yagul is noted for four things: the largest ballcourt in the region and second largest in Mesoamerica, its tombs, the labyrinth structure, and the fortress high up the mountain from which one cannot help but be impressed by the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and valley;*Santa Mar�a del Tule, home to the famous 2,000 year old Tule or ahuehuete tree, the largest tree in the world�beautifully kept grounds, with a lovely church alongside the tree; �hire� a local child to take you on a tour around the tree, using a mirror to point out images in the trunk and branches;OPTIONAL (as explained regarding ROUTE ONE):The dance floor monogramIF TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN:Some more design tips:*the knifemaking workshop of �ngel Aguilar, second of three generations of craftsmen in the family; only recycled metals are used to produce the knives and other weapons, cutlery, and more; his oven is made of stone and clay; fascinating demonstration of the techniques and materials used in making both blades and handles, even for those with little or no interest in the subject matter; watch �ngel engrave a piece with a surname, rhyme or limerick;Great places to get the fancy fonts brides crave, for free: **Hierve el Agua, the natural bubbling springs, with two large poolings of water on the precipice of a cliff with spectacular vistas, suitable for swimming; hike to the large �waterfall� of petrified mineral deposits;stamped or printed out-of-town bags bridesmaids� totes*beginning with a trip up the mountain just outside of Oaxaca proper to Monte Alb�n, we connect you with a government authorized English speaking Oaxacan guide who specializes in only Monte Alb�n; the total cost of the guide is deducted from your total price for the day� that�s only fair; the tour of the ruin usually takes a couple of hours; there�s also a small museum and gift shop in the main welcome center; before noon you would be ready to carry on with me for the balance of the day�s touring, after having regained your energy by relaxing and having a drink in the open air cafeteria at the site;*on Wednesdays the Etla marketplace is held, smaller than those enumerated in the previous routes, but nevertheless interesting, quaint and at the same time bustling; there is also a traditional chocolate factory where you can have your own chocolate made on the spot from the raw ingredients, usually cacao, sugar, cinnamon and sometimes almonds�tasting Oaxacan chocolate is a must, whether here or in one of the downtown facilities�if you prefer less sugar, more cinnamon, etc, the option is yours;*on Fridays, the marketplace of Ocotl�n where locals from the hinterland come to buy virtually all of their worldly needs�also a handicraft market;*cotton textile pueblito of Santo Tom�s Jalieza, where women weave table runners, placements, purses and much more using a back strap loom, and are quite adept at their clothing embroidering skills as well; there�s also a factory which supplies high end hotels and restaurants throughout the country with tablecloths, bedspreads, draperies, etc, where you can place special orders�your choice of color and pattern, 100% cotton or a 90/10 blend for greater ease of washing, size, and so on�or choose from a broad range of product on hand; you�ll have a fascinating demonstration of the steps in the production process;ROUTE TWO:NOTE: For those clients who will be visiting at least one of the ruins with us and who are not staying with us and therefore do not have the benefit of reviewing the literature about the ruins which we make available to our house guests, we provide a complimentary copy of what we consider to be the best book on the archaeological sites in the region, OAXACA�THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD, by reknowned archaeologist Marcus Winter. This is but one aspect of the value added service we attempt to provide to all of our clients.
Author: Alvin Starkman
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