Inspiration for the imaginative and charming folk art animals comes from embroideries made by the Otomí women of San Pablito, Mexico. Most Otomí women still wear their traditional clothing which ensures that important weaving and embroidery techniques are passed down through the generations. These same skills are used to create embroideries which are in turn sold to generate income for their community. Using cotton fabric ranging in size from napkins to large tablecloths, the women of San Pablito embroider scenes of everyday life. The scenes are outlined on cloth and using brightly colored cotton thread, the images are filled in with long satin stitches. Although the finished cloth designs may appear simple, there is enormous skill involved in positioning the random figures in space and creating an overall sense of balance and harmony.
This flat pack Fanciful Folk Art Animal kit is made of plywood and is unpainted. Enjoy it as is or paint your own version with a group of friends. Approximate dimensions of largest animal 4 3/4 " tall. 9 animals included.
Instructions for this creativity kit included, but please note, for best results, we recommend you remove the animals and paint then before assembling them. Each animal has a small hole at the top should you wish to use them as Christmas ornaments..
Pictured on the left our source of inspiration for this kit:
Embroidered cloth. Cotton. 1960s. Otomí people, San Pablito, Puebla or Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo, Mexico. Gift of International Folk Art Foundation collection. Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe. Photograph by Blair Clark.