Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca - Red Dragonfly Squirrel Traditional elephant and paisley motifs

Traditional elephant and paisley motifs adorn this lovely creation from Thailand

a Christian monastery dating back to 642

the owl sees everything that surrounds him

Mexican artisan Lourdes Martinez’s daring design challenges convention and champions sustainability

as it effortlessly brings a sense of minimalist allure to any look

Handmade Dragonfly Alebrije Figurine in Red from Oaxaca - Red Dragonfly Squirrel Traditional elephant and paisley motifsAlebrijes are often a hybrid of real animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, or they can be more fantastical creatures, such as dragons. Artisan Teresita Gonzalez of Xoxocotlan in the Mexican state of Oaxaca creates an elaborately hand carved copal wood alebrije dragonfly, or libelula. The insect is beautifully painted in bold red with accents of black, blue and yellow. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage. It is said