Wings of Oaxaca: Meet Manos Creativas, the Heart Behind LUV2BRD’s Alebrijes
•Posted on January 13 2026
At LUV2BRD, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between discerning art lovers and the world’s most talented hidden artisans. While we are based in the East Bay of California, our heart beats in rhythm with workshops across the globe. Today, we want to take you on a journey to the vibrant valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, to meet our primary production partner: the Manos Creativas workshop, led by the visionary master carver Florencio Fuentes Melchor.
The Master of San Martín Tilcajete
Nestled in the small, culturally rich town of San Martín Tilcajete, Manos Creativas ("Creative Hands") is more than just a workshop; it is a sanctuary of Zapotec tradition. For generations, the people of this region have breathed life into wood, but Florencio has elevated this folk art into high-end craftsmanship.
Together with his wife, Paula Sanchez Gomez, Florencio operates Manos Creativas as a true cooperative. It is a family affair where skills are passed down, and community members are taught the intricate discipline of designing, carving, and painting. Their dedication to quality is so profound that the workshop has received national presidential recognition in Mexico, a testament to their role in preserving cultural heritage.
The Magic of the Copal Tree
The art pieces you see in the LUV2BRD collection—whether it’s a fusion rooster or a mystical dancing horse, or a Christmas tree ornament—begin as a humble branch of the Copal tree.
The process is arduous and requires a steady hand and infinite patience. Florencio and his team use machetes and small knives to carve the wood while it is still fresh and soft. This is a race against time; as the wood dries, it hardens, making the intricate details impossible to achieve later. Many of our larger pieces are carved from a single, continuous piece of wood, a feat of structural engineering as much as art.
Crucially, Manos Creativas is deeply committed to sustainability. Understanding that their art relies on nature, the workshop actively participates in reforesting Copal trees in the region, ensuring that this tradition can survive for future generations without stripping the land.
A Kaleidoscope of Color
Once the carving is dried and sanded to a smooth finish, the transformation truly begins. This is where the "alebrije" spirit comes alive.
The painting process at Manos Creativas is mesmerizing. Using agave thorns, brushes, and natural pigments, the artisans apply thousands of tiny dots and Zapotec symbols—symbols representing mountains, rain, fertility, and the underworld. No two pieces are ever identical. When you purchase a piece through LUV2BRD, you aren't just buying decor; you are acquiring a unique narrative written in color and wood.
A Partnership Built on Respect
Our relationship with Florencio and Manos Creativas is built on transparency and mutual respect. In a world of mass-produced goods, LUV2BRD is proud to support a system where the artist is celebrated and fairly compensated. We visit the workshop, break bread with Florencio and his team, and witness the labor of love that goes into every curve and brushstroke.
When you display a LUV2BRD alebrije or ornament in your home, remember the hands that made it. You are connected to Florencio, to Paula, and to the rich red earth of San Martín Tilcajete. You are keeping a magical tradition alive.
Visit our online shop at LUV2BRD.com to see the beautiful creations of Manos Creativas.