SilverCrow Creations Shrines and Shrine Supplies
Looking for NICHOS? or MILAGROS? or MEDALS?
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Handmade Sacred Heart Petition
More Milagros
More Shrines & Shrine Supplies
These handmade petitions feature an image of the Sacred Heart as the focal point. They are created to assist in recognizing the strength of one's beliefs. These are traditionally added to personal shrines. Each petition represents a separate request or prayer. These are at once elegant and festive. Petitions may be made to saints, to Jesus or, as this one, to the Sacred Heart.
Each petition differs, as they are all hand made and. They feature hand crocheted borders, milagros and a dimensional sacred heart.
Most petitions measure around 2-1/2 by 3-1/4 inches, but there is a variance in size as well as color. So, please let us choose one for you.
Three petitions are illustrated to show variability.
Made in Mexico
15May2008
Price: $19.50 each
Qty:
Hand Made Nicho Sacred Heart Locket Pendant
More Nichos
More Pendants & Necklaces
This primitive style locket has been hand made of silver and oxidized. Made by traditional Mexican artisans, it measures 2-3/4 inches long by about 1-3/4 inch wide. The heart-shaped locket opening is in the center and measures about 1 by 1 inch. The door is about 1/4 inch deep, so you might add some treasures in the door as well as the locket face.
This large pendant has a self loop on the back and would be just right on a leather cord. Because of its size, you might want to use it in our artwork, adding it to a nicho or treasure box, too!
Three pendants shown for illustration only.
13May2008
Price: $32.65 each
Delightful Little Paper Carnations
Mini White Paper Rose Bouquet
Mini Mixed Color Paper Rose Bouquet
Each gorgeous little bouquet contains 12 hand-made paper carnations in a selection of festive colors. No two bouquets are the same, but better yet - no two carnations are the same. These are made with love and care by artisans in Mexico for celebrations such as the Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo and more.
The tiny stems are wrapped and some even have extra leaves. These are individual carnations that may be easily removed from the bouquet by untwisting the stems. Most buds are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.
Made by Hand in Mexico
6May2008
Price: $4.25 per dozen
Pocket Virgin of Guadalupe Shrine
St Francis of Assisi Pocket Shrine
More Guadalupe
More Shrines
According to legend, the Virgin of Guadalupe first appeared to a poor peasant on a Mexican hillside in 1531. Since then, she has become one of the most beloved figures in Mexican and American history and culture. Tuck this portable box shrine - with its descriptive booklet, holy card and Virgin figurine - into your pocket or bag and take the spirit of the the Virgin of Guadalupe with you where ever you go.
We just love the little nicho box that houses Our Lady. We're sure you can add to it to make your little nicho or shrine even more special.
Made in China
4May2008
Retail Price: $12.95 Our Price: $8.50 per Set
Small Fruits and Vegetables for Mini Ofrendas
More Shrine Supplies & Shrines
Nichos & Shadowboxes
These sweet little fruits and vegetables (the strawberry is about 1/2 inch) are hand made in the traditional fashion of hardened dough (migajon). Fruits and vegetables like these are used when making shrines and ofrendas to honor the memory of beloved ancestors. The fruits and vegetables are meant to create a feast to celebrate relationships and memories.
Package of 10 Fruits & Vegetables
Price: $4.25 Per Package
Tin Guadalupe Cross
Talavera & Tin Guadalupe Cross
This lightweight cross is at once elegant and a bit kitschy. The tin workmanship is in the tradition of skilled artisans who have learned their craft through the years. The images of Our Lady of Guadalupe are bright and shiny with a shimmering laser-like allure that sparkles without glitter.
Each cross is hand made so there are slight variations. The cross measures about 14 inches high by 10-1/4 inches wide and about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep. Because of its light weight, it will easily hang on any wall or door.
22April2008
Price: $32.00 each
Talismanic Seals Set
More Milagros, Amulets & Talismans
More Metaphysical Items
The talismans, or seals, included in this set are authentic reproductions from the book which is some times called Moses' Magical Sprit-Art. According to tradition, the designs have many magnificent powers. They were taken from ancient Hebrew Holy Books (including the Talmud and the Kabala) and have been passed down through the ages. Even today many believers carry or use them with faith in their effectiveness to bring results by magical means.
The legend is given, although no claims of supernatural powers are made for the talisman. They are carried in purse or pocket as a secret possession, and usually protected by placing them in a small bag or carrying case, usually made of red fabric, such as flannel.
The set we offer is a complete set of 52 seals in a red velveteen pouch. WE have also included a golden or silvery charm of one of the seals. A printed explanation of each seal is included as well. The seals are printed on vellum-like paper in a deep red ink.
These are wonderful pieces to add to your sacred or magical artwork or shrine. Each seal differs in size and there are many shapes. Most of the papers measure around 2-1/2 by 3-1/4 inches.
Seal charms vary, so please let SilverCrow choose a set for you.
Made In USA & Mexico
20April2008
$9.75 Per Set
Mini Icon of Saint George, Patron saint of Soldiers
Mini Double Icon: Jesus & Mary
Sterling Silver St Michael the Archangel Icon
Our little wooden icon features an elegant image of St George Slaying the dragon. It is hand-made with a technique similar to decoupage and measures 2 inches by 1-3/4 inch.
Saint George is highly venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. He is the patron saint of soldiers, those who work with horses and protectors of all types. He is best know for slaying a dragon to save a princess.
Because of his chivalry (protecting women, fighting evil, having great faith, depending on the might of arms and generosity to the poor), Europeans became quite devoted to Saint George after the 10th century. And, in the 15th century his feast day (Roman - April 23, Orthodox - November 3) was considered as important as Christmas and was just as popular!
Made in Greece
5April2008
Price: $4.50 Each
Unfinished Angel Santo Retablo
More Angels
Ready for you to finish with stain or paint, this wonderful Santo figure might also be called a mask. It has been hand-carved in Mexico by a traditional artisan, in the same manor that Santos have been created for decades.
The Santo measures about 10-1/2 inches wide by about 5-1/8 inch high and is about 2 inches from front to back. The back is flat, giving the piece many possibilities: add to a piece of furniture or a decorative box or shrine, or add a hook for the wall!
Each angel is, of course, different, because each is hand-made from wood. Some are made of a single piece of wood, others have been made of several pieces. Please let us choose one for you.
15April2008
Price: $28.75 each
Sterling silver & Wood Icon of Michael the Archangel
More Milagros, Amulets & Icons
This gorgeous icon features a vivid and elegant image of Saint Michael the Archangel encased in sterling silver repoussée. The background is wood with a decorative metal hook for hanging.
According to tradition, Saint Michael the Archangel was the leader of God's Army against Lucifer's uprising. Saint Michael celebrates devotion among Muslims, Christians and Jews with writings about him in all three cultures.
Michael is known of the patron of the military, firefighters and police. This is perhaps due to his role as protector and defender. He is so beloved, that many towns throughout the world have been named especially for him.
Imported
17March2008
Price: $32.50 Each
Curandero Powder - Miel de Amor (Honey of Love)
Mexican Curanderos are the heirs of the Native American Indian Shamen - Folk Healers. The Curanderos of today combine the methods of traditional religions, earth religions as well as ancient spiritual traditions.
The magical powders they create are packaged in paper packages with vibrant artwork featuring a sensual woman, with the words:
POLVOS DE Miel de Amor MAGICO MAGICO con Ingredientes Especiales
Approximate translation:
Honey of Love Powder MAGIC MAGIC with Special Ingredients
On the back, it reads:
AUTENTICOS POLVOS AROMATIZANTE Dios Venus del amor y la belleza que al ponerme este POLVO sobre mi cuerpo reencarne yo amor, belleza y atracción hacia los hombres.
Venus diosa del amor y la belleza con tu mucho poder guia los corazones de los hombres hacia mi para que no sea jamás despreciada ni humiliada por ellos.
TENER SUERTE EN EL AMOR PROTEGE SU MATRIMONIO
AUTHENTIC AROMATIC POWDERS Venus, goddess of love and beauty, this powder will recreate love, beauty and attraction towards men.
Venus, goddess of love and beauty, with your strong powers, guide the hearts of men towards me, so that I am not to be despised or never humiliated by them.
HEALTHY LOVE PROTECTS MARRIAGE.
Of course, we cannot promise that it does have powers, but oftentimes, belief is what is most powerful. Please be careful when using these powders, as the ingredients are not listed
12March2008
Price: $1.75 each
St Francis of Assisi Wooden Santo
Our primitive wooden hand-carved santo offers tribute to the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi (aka, San Francisco). This item is hand carved in Central America by traditional artisans who use the time-honored traditions and skills that have been handed down to them for generations.
Our Santo features the much-loved Saint Francis with a little bird on his shoulder and another on his outstretched arm. At his side is a lovely little cat. The birds move slightly so that you might arrange them in a special manner.
Such rustic pieces as these are created specifically for a small home altar or nicho. Each Santo is made individually, so please allow for the variation that only true artistic craftsmanship has to offer. You'll know that you have a unique piece of folk art! St Francis measures about 7-3/4 inches high by 5 inches wide and about 1 inch from front to back.
Made in Central America
3March2008
$22.75 Each
Bat's Blood Ink (not made of real Bat's Blood)
Dragon's Blood Ink
Of course this ink is not really made of bat's blood. In the ancient tradition of writing out magical spells, petitions, prayers and wishes, the strongest entreaties were written in blood. Bat's Blood Ink is made of fragranced red ink.
Over the centuries since Medieval times, scented red inks were gradually substituted for the original inks made of organic compounds. Our 1 ounce bottle of Bat's Blood Ink is high quality red ink, fragranced with herbal essences appropriate for revenge spells was well as harmful spells and jinxes.
The ink may be used in a fountain pen or with a metal nib pen, it is most traditional to use a feather quill when writing such petitions on parchment.
Made in USA
16February2008
One Ounce
Price: $4.50 bottle
Make Opposing Lawyer Stupid Candle
More Candles
Candles have been used in rituals for years and years. This 50 hour candle is meant to assist the burner in an upcoming trial. Of course, we cannot promise it will work, but positive thinking and a plan will assist the candle.
The bright red label reads:
MAKE OPPOSING LAWYER STUPID
PROSECUTION LAWSUITS COURT CASES CHILD SUPPORT ALIMONY
The candle is presented in a glass jar and is lightly scented. The colors are purple and orange.
Do not burn candles unattended.
5February2008
Price: $2.75 each
Los Mestizos Mini Shrine - Saint Anthony
Are we ever excited to offer you this exceptional mini shrine! We keep a similar one atop the computer - and we can't imagine what chaos we'd find without it so near. Each Mini Dashboard or Computer Shrine was created for us by Los Mestizos - the world-famous Chicano folk art team of Kathy Cano-Murillo and her husband Patrick Murillo.
Each mini (about 2-1/2 inches high and 1-1/2inches wide) shrine is made from a tiny box (may be just about any sort) set atop a small base. You can add some velcro to the bottom so it will sit tight on your dashboard during crazy rush hour traffic. This simple but elegant shrine features an image of the Saint Anthony - the Patron Saint of Lost Items
Hopefully this will protect you from crazy drivers and slippery roads! Or, position one in your office or private space for special moments of contemplation and serenity.
Each is designed, hand-painted and hand-assembled by Los Mestizos and will fit in the tightest spot needing a shrine. And, each is an individual and special work of art - no two are the same.
For an inspiring look at many other personal and art shrines, or to help you create a spectacular shrines for you and those you love, be sure to get a copy of Kathy's Book Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines from Amazon.
24January2008
Price: $18.50 Each
Mini Glow-in-the-Dark Saint Statue
Just hearing the name of this item, you might assume that each of these statues is a bit tacky. Quite the opposite! While the statues due, indeed, glow in the dark, they are quite elegant on their own. The detail is hand-painted with care. And the glow plastic gives the statues an ethereal luminescence that is unique in such reasonably priced statues.
We can't guarantee you a particular Saint as we never know which ones we'll receive. However, if you specify a preference, we'll try to accommodate your choice.
Made in Peru
SilverCrow Classic
Saint Preference:
Small Our Lady of Czestochowa Stickers
Enamel Czestochowa Pendant
Originating in the 15 century, the Black Madonna is most often associated with the portrait found in Czestochowa, Poland. Some say that the extraordinary power of the Black Madonna is a strength that is not expressed in portraits of the lighter-skinned Mary, who is most often associated with purity and obedience. While the Madonna is still the Mother of Jesus, the diverse representations are not only images of her likeness, but symbolic of her spirit as well. Others suggest that there is a closer connection between the Czestochowa and the archetypal Earth Mother of many cultures, who intercedes for fertility and transcends both life and death.
This sheet of 18 small round stickers - each the same - is accented with metallic highlights. Each sticker measures 1 inch in diameter and would make an excellent addition to a shrine or nicho.
23January2008
Sheet of 18
Price: $1.85 per Sheet
Chi Rho Religious Playing Cards
More Playing Cards
Chi Rho Playing Cards are professional grade playing cards with a divine twist. Every aspect of standard casino quality playing cards has been reconsidered and recapitulated into the life of Jesus Christ.
These cards may look, feel, and play like ordinary playing cards, but they offer the religious aspect as well. They make a fine deck of cards and will probably discourage cheating. But they may also be used in your artwork or for display.
04January2008
Price: $6.50 per deck
Handmade Tin Cross with Dove
More Peaceful Gifts
More Shrine Items
This stunning cross has been hand made by Cecilio Hernandez of San Miguel de Allende in México. The elegant cross has been hand cut and hammered into shape and then hand painted. Señor Perez created the lovely dove and added it to the cross, representing peacefulness.
His distinctive style is the result of more than fifty years of commitment to his craft working with tin and his dedication to creating beautiful works of faith.
9September2007
Was: $28.00 Now: $25.00 each
Hand-Made Sequined Guadalupe appliqué
More Unique Adornments
Sequins really change the vision of an image and this lovely Virgin of Guadalupe sequin appliqué is at once sparkly and simple. It features an exquisite image of the patron of the Americas.
A printed image Our Lady's face is surrounded by colorful sequins in Mexico's national colors and she stands atop a lovely flower (flower colors vary).
Each appliqué measures about 5-3/4 inches high by a bit over 2 inches wide. Because each of these is hand-made, please expect some variation.
Our appliqué can be sewn or glued on to your project. Please be careful when cleaning.
8December2007
Was: $13.50 Now: $12.00 Each
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Plaster Santisima Muerte Statue
More Shrines & Shrine Supplies Santisima Muerte Medal
Our special Friend Bryant "Eduardo" Holman creates these wonderful plaster statues for us. He has the statues made by an artisan in Chihuahua City, Mexico, and then he and his fellow artists paint them and decorate each one by hand. The statues each measure about 5-1/2 inches high and the base is about 2 inches in diameter.
La Santisima Muerte's (the Death Saint) roots are in the cult of an Indian goddess whom the Aztecs called Mictlancihuatl meaning the “Lady of Death”. She is closely associated with the Day of the Dead and is frowned upon by the Catholic Church, although she is believed by many to be an incarnation of the Blessed Mother, in much the same way as the Virgin of Guadalupe.
La Santisima Muerte is often depicted as a female Grim Reaper. There are three figures that are used in this cult - a white one, a black one, and a red one. The white one is for cures and for luck. The black one is for protection and vengeance, and the most commonly used one is red - for love spells, for which she is most famously successful.
Some versions of this folk saint have her holding a scythe, like the grim reaper, while others have her holding a set scales. With these scales, she weighs the good and evil of your life. If the good you have done in your life outweighs the bad, Santisma Muerte takes you in one direction, and if the bad outweighs the good, she takes you in the other.
7December2007
White & Red Out of Stock
Price: $8.50 each
COLOR: Black
Mini Icon with Jesus and Mary
Icons of Jesus Christ often picture the image of Christ Pantocrator, meaning Christ, Ruler of All. It is one of the first images of Christ painted by devoted early Christians and is still the central figure of icons of Eastern Orthodox Church.
Christ is usually pictured holding the New Testament of the Bible in his left and and is making the familiar gesture of teaching and blessing with his right.
Our little wooden icon features one image of Mary with the baby Jesus as well as Christ Pantocrator. It is hand-made, in the traditional manner of Byzantine art (painted with egg, tempera and gold). It measures 2 inches by 2-7/8 inches when open. The hinge allows it to close for portability and for display.
The images of Jesus and Mary vary slightly as does the finishing as each of these are made by hand.
17November2007
Price: $7.85 Each
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Embossed Die Cut Scraps - Saints
If these scraps aren't vintage, they're the best reproduction we've ever seen! The images of saints and Jesus are surrounded by die cut frames of roses an decorative edgings. The variation from pastel to brighter hue is amazing. The images have an ethereal quality about them, much the same as their subject matter.
This scrap relief sheet measures approximately 4 inches high by 2-1/4 inches wide, ready for you to clip and use in your artwork. There are 12 unique images per sheet - each measuring 1 by 1/2 inch. And each of these little vignettes is artfully embossed to accent the expert die cutting - so well done, that very little trimming is necessary.
Made in Austria
Vintage Item - Limited Availability
Price: $7.00 each sheet
Full Sheet
Wooden Rosary featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron of the Americas and well loved throughout both hemispheres. This lovely wooden rosary features portraits of Guadalupe throughout as well as hand made wooden beads.
Made in South America
13November2007
Out of Stock
Compare at: $12.00 Our Price: $9.50 each
Large Our Lady of Czestochowa Stickers
This sheet of 4 large stickers - each the same - is accented with metallic highlights. Each sticker measures 2 inches wide by 3 inches high and would make an excellent addition to a shrine or nicho.
Sheet of 4
Price: $1.50 per Sheet
Saint Lazarus' Crutch Charm
More Charms
Saint Lazarus has long been known as the Patron Saint of the Sick, particularly of those sick with leprosy. He has represented the poor and the sick in literature, both religious and secular.
Our little golden crutch charm represents his suffering, as he was often pictured with a single crutch. It measures about 1-1/4 inch high and about 3/8 inch at its widest. There is no loop, so to use it, you can attach a loop or cord through the top opening of the crutch. This allows it to lie at an angle, the position it is in when walking.
10November2007
Price: $1.65 Each
Elegant Plastic Bottle of Lourdes Water
Statuette with Lourdes Water
From the famous healing waters of Lourdes, France, this very special bottle holds the holy water of the famous waters of Lourdes. The bottle is in the shape the Blessed Mother Mary as she appeared to Saint Bernadette at the Miracle of Lourdes. The label reads:
Eau de La Grotte de Lourdes, Garantie d'Origine (Water from the Grotto at Lourdes, Guaranteed Original)
But even more special is the molded
N.D. de Lourdes Notre Dame (Our Lady) of Lourdes
and on the back:
Made in France
Mary's blue crown is really the bottle's cap. We discovered this wonderful bottle of the Holy Waters of Lourdes when Mom was in hospital. It is so very practical for hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes because it is plastic and resists breaking. But we think the bottle quite elegant as well.
The bottle measures about 6 inches high and the cap adds another 1/2 inch. The base measures about 1-1/4 inch wide.
9November2007
Teeny Tiny Plastic Wedding Couple
More Shrine Supplies
More Anniversary & Weeding
These tiny folks have just married and are ready to top a teeny tiny cake. The groom measures just 1 inch high. This little couple is just right for a mini shrine or memory box. You'll see this same couple used in the making of amulets and talismans, as well.
The price is right for making wedding or engagement party favors, too!
28October2007
Price: 38¢ each
Full Sheet Close-Up
Full color Male saint stickers Including Jesus
These elegant self-stick images are just right for any special project involving male saints and Jesus. With images of saints as well as various images of Jesus and a lovely image of Pope John Paul II, the variety of stickers should help you enhance your artwork, correspondence and even school projects. The stickers are die cut with a white background and frame around each.
Printed in China
24October2007
Sheet of 16
Golden Crèche or Shrine Dresden
More Dresdens & Scraps
More Christmas
We just love this piece! This gold double-sided crèche can also be used as a mini shrine or grotto. It is easily assembled (it arrives flat). Once assembled, it measures 3 inches wide by 1-7/8 inch high.
The embossing on this Dresden relief is superb, as is the cutting. It is made of card-weight paper so that it will stand easily. Although it is new, it is made in the same fashion as Dresdens have been for many, many decades!
Made in Germany
Price: $2.75 Each
Handmade Wooden Milagro Cross with Angel
This sweet little cross is hand made of beveled wood. At the centerpiece is a charming little angel, surrounded by an assortment of milagros. Each cross measures about 3-1/4 by 4-1/8 inches and is hand-painted and adorned in the traditional style. Colors and milagros may vary, but most of the crosses are quite similar to the one illustrated.
22October2007
Price: $16.00 each
Full color Female saint stickers Including Mary
These elegant self-stick images are just right for any special project involving female saints and Mary. With images of saints as well as various images of Mary, the variety of stickers should help you enhance your artwork, correspondence and even school projects. The stickers are die cut with a white background and frame around each.
8September2007
Handmade Glazed Terra CotTa Bowl with handle
These little handmade pots are a traditional Mexican craft. They are used for doll houses as well as for ofrendas or tables in celebration of Los Dias de los Muertos. Measuring about 1-1/2 inches in diameter and another little bit for the handle, these are shallow bowls that are hand formed, so, each is a bit different. There is a primitive glaze applied for the firing which makes these absolutely stunning in their simplicity and old-world look.
Three pots are shown for illustration of the variations (top and bottom).
Handmade in Mexico
20August2007
Price $2.95 Each
Los Mestizos Mini Shrine - Loteria Heart
Each mini (about 2-1/2 inches high and 1-1/2inches wide) shrine is made from a tiny box (may be just about any sort) set atop a small base. You can add some velcro to the bottom so it will sit tight on your dashboard during crazy rush hour traffic. This simple but elegant shrine features an image of an anatomical Heart, with the words El Corazón underneath, from an embellished Loteria Card.
19August2007
Handmade Mini Tin Heart with Blank Banner
Our larger heart with banner is so popular, that we were delighted to find these mini ones! These wonderful heart banners are just fabulous for presenting a personalized gift. Simply create your own personal message in pencil on the banner and then complete it with a marker or paintbrush. There is a little pin built in on the back of the heart as it was originally designed as a brooch. But we like to use them in making shrines, nichos, etc.
It is really difficult to see the three-dimensional effect of this wonderful piece. It measures about 3 inches from top to bottom and about 2-3/4 inches across. Of course, each is different, as each is hand made one at a time and the style may vary slightly from the one you receive.
Hand Made in Mexico
14August2007
Price: $11.00 Each
Hand carved Wooden Cross with Sacred Heart & Milagros
More Latino & Hispanic items
This stunning hand-made cross has been made by traditional artisans in Mexico. We love the specialty shape of the cross and the added milagros. The Sacred Heart at the cross center has been hand-made. Several traditional milagros have been added to the cross
The cross measures about 7 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches high. Because each of these is hand made with hand-painted artwork, yours will be absolutely unique, but similar to the one pictured. Please let us chose one for you.
09August200707
Price $34.00 Each
Qty: :
Handmade Tin Heart with Blank Banner
These wonderful heart banners are just fabulous for presenting a personalized gift. Simply create your own personal message in pencil on the banner and then complete it with a marker or paintbrush. There is a self-hanger built in on the back of the heart.
It is really difficult to see the three-dimensional effect of this wonderful piece. It measures about 9 inches from top to bottom and about 8-1/2 inches across. Of course, each is different, as each is hand made one at a time and the style may vary slightly from the one you receive.
These are made by the same traditional artisans that make many of our very special nichos.
31August2006
Price: $20.25 Each
One Dozen Calla Lilies
These delicate little flowers (less than 1/2 inch each) are hand made in the traditional fashion of hardened dough (migajon). The white calla lily is prevalent in Latin American art, favored by the masters as well as today's artists and artisans alike.
24July2007
Price: $1.85 Bunch of 12
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Sample Close-Up
Simple Wooden Altar Nicho
Wooden Altar Nicho with Spindles
Much like our Wooden Altar Nicho, this little altar arrives unfinished. This simpler altar has more structured sides. The base altar measures 3-5/8 inches high by 4 inches wide and 7/8 inch deep.
Our sample was painted with sample wall paints and regular craft acrylic paints and then embellished. It features our Mini Guadalupe Statue, New Milagros (available in packages of 5 to 100), a Mini Saint Jude Statuette, our pewter Saint Christopher Pocket Statue, our Golden Guadalupe Medal, one of our Raku Hands and our Red Glass Rosary Chain by the Inch.
Old Price: $5.85 Now $4.25 Each
Close-Up with Measurement
Hand-Made Shiny Mini Traditional Nicho
This is truly a very special nicho. It is small (only about 3-1/2 inches high), but ever so elegant. The nickel plating transforms the simple into the splendid.
The stunning craftsmanship is detailed and differs slightly among the pieces, as each is hand made. Allow for variation, but rest assured each is as special as the next.
The niche opens from the back so you can add your special treasures easily.
Hecho a Mano en México
3May2007
Price: $38.00 Each
Small Wooden Nicho
Mini Wooden Nicho
Much like our Mini Wooden Nicho, our small nicho measures just 5 inches high and about 2 inches wide. It is just the right size for embellishing. It arrives unfinished with a hanging loop, and looks nice as it is. Or, you can paint or stain it or collage it with just the right combination of images! Consider it also as a component of another shrine, nicho or assemblage.
Our sample is painted in several colors and features our special Pewter Guadalupe Statue, Sparkle Saints (available in packages of two or four saints), our Sterling Silver Guadalupe Charm and our Amber Rosary Chain by the Inch.
01July2007
Price: $5.45 Each
Small Tin Cross with Heart
If you are attracted to the tin milagros, crosses and ornaments from Mexican, but think them a bit bright or too large, then this little tin cross is for you. It measures just over 5 inches high and is oxidized for a vintage look, although it is brand new. In the center is an almost perfect heart painted red. Some of the crosses have a few additional red accents, but none too flashy.
To hang it in the traditional manner, simply hammer a nail through the top.
10June2007
Price: $7.50 each
Small Pewter Guadalupe Statue
This elegantly made pewter statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe stands about 1-3/4 inch high. It is flat bottomed and flat backed, so it will easily fit in a nicho or shrine. The detail is lovely including the rays emanating from the Virgen as well as the roses at the bottom.
Limited Availability
Price: $13.50 each
Earth from the Holy Land
This little package is backed by a certificate in 4 languages, which reads:
This holy product is made of authentic materials from the Holy Land and is manufactured in the nativity town of Bethlehem
Each package contains a wood and metal crucifix, a small packet of earth that is labeled:
EARTH FROM THE HOLY LAND
We only have a few of these, we bought them in a quaint little religious store in the suburbs of Atlanta. The proprietor had brought these back from the Holy Land himself.
31May2007
Price: $4.00 each
SilverCrow Exclusive!
Saint Francis with Crow Bulto Nicho Retablo
Animal and nature lovers have long had a sincere connection to Saint Francis of Assisi, and he has become one of the most popular saints of all time. Although his home was in Italy, the Franciscan Friars brought their love for him to the New World. Many missions in Mexico and the southwest United States were created by the Franciscans.
We commissioned this lovely nicho and santo in much the same way that the original settlers did - unless they were talented enough to make retablos or santos themselves. The original versions of such religious artwork were often made for small chapels and the settlers' homes and created by itinerant artists.
Each of these is handmade of recycled wood - Mexican rejas (fruit crates) and then hand painted. The entire piece measures just about 15 inches high. Each is handmade, so please allow for some variation.
Made in Mexico for SilverCrow Creations
09June2007
Price: $24.50 each
Hand Painted Tin and Talavera Cross
Our gorgeous cross has been made by hand in Mexico. The Tiles are traditional talavera pottery, vibrantly painted, while the tin cross shape has been painstakingly cut and hand embossed. The central figure is a hand-painted image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a talavera tile. The cross measures about 10-1/2 inches by 12-1/2 inches.
Because each of these is hand made with hand-painted artwork, yours will be absolutely unique, but similar to the one pictured. Please let us chose one for you.
20May2007
Price $75.00 Each
Close-Up of Front and Side Views
Aztec Guide Dog
Barking excitedly, a potbellied dog with wrinkled skin wags a happy tail. Angel Cerón depicts the itzcuintli, a cheerful, barkless species prized by ancient man. Sculpted in clay as funerary offerings, they accompanied their masters in death to aid the soul in crossing rivers of blood along the road of the dead.
Angel Cerón comes from a family with generations of artisan experience. He received a degree in electrical engineering from the prestigious Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City. However he also learned the family ceramic techniques from his father, Antonio Cerón Orta, a renowned artisan. Angel began a long study of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures and learned the Nahuatl language spoken in ancient Mesoamerica.
First the proper materials must be acquired. Cerón uses clay from northern Oaxaca state, the only clay of this kind in Mexico and perhaps in the world. The unique characteristics of this yellow clay make it ideal for molding. It dries evenly and is especially hard, thus it is resistant to impact and can withstand very high temperatures.
The clay is ground in a mill, deposited in tubs of water and stirred constantly until it acquires a homogenous consistency. This step can take hours. Left to stand for three days, it remains a thick liquid. Cerón strains it and lets it repose one more day, although during the winter this is hard work, performed in the open air. The blocks are divided into smaller portions and dried in the sun for several hours. Only a qualified artisan can determine when the clay has reached the proper consistency. Then it is kneaded by hand, much as one kneads bread dough, and again it is the skilled artisan who can tell when it is ready to be worked.
Cerón then begins to shape his sculptures, some more complex than others. The details are created totally by hand and some figures are so complicated that they are absolutely unique or part of limited editions. Each piece is modeled by hand and the artisan's talent is a crucial factor.
Once shaped, the sculptures dry as long as needed, some for as long as a week. They must dry in the shade because the clay might split and crack in the sun. Once dry, they are adorned with mineral pigments and high-fired at temperatures of up to 2,327º F for eight to twelve hours, depending on the season (the kilns are located outdoors). After firing, the pieces need to stand for six hours, cooling gradually.
Finally, they receive a "bath" of earth to give them their unique antique effect, which features slight cracks.
"Now that I'm retired, I can dedicate my time to my great passion – representing my pre-Hispanic cultural heritage," Cerón says.
25May2007
MSRP: $88.95 SilverCrow Price: $60.00 each
Curandero Cross
More Shrines & Supplies
Milagros
Our Curandero (healer) cross is made of chonta, a wood from the Amazon regarded for its protective power. Each cross is and decorated individually and differently with various amulets, saint’s images and minerals. Some include seeds and other symbols, including Ojos de Dios (God's Eyes). Each is quite different, so please let us choose one fore you. Traditionally these are hung in the home for protection.
Each cross measures about 8 inches high the width and colors vary slightly, as do some of the amulets, charms and talismans and their placement.
13May2007
Price: $11.50 each