Our Lady of Guadalupe Tinwork Ornaments

    

Tinwork also called “poor man’s silver” refers to the craft of creating decorated tin folk art items and has been practiced in New Mexico since the 1800's.  The tinwork tradition in colonial New Mexico was most likely introduced from Mexico. Craftsmen would make picture frames, religious ornaments, nichos (niches), crucifixes, candle holders and other items out of tin plate or scavenging it from tin cans. With the emergence of the Santa Fe Trail as a major trade route, imported tinplate became more readily available. It is an art form that saw a resurgence in the middle part of the 20th century and is quite popular today. Last year in a shop in Santa Fe, I saw some lovely Our Lady of Guadalupe image cross ornaments (see photo above) that were in the style of tinwork, though modified to an easier craft form. I thought they would be a great craft to make for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Tinwork makes a lovely holiday ornament and one specifically fitting culturally for this celebration of Our Lady which is so honored in the Hispanic culture. 

Metal sheets for crafting can be found at many craft/hobby stores. I used the soft aluminum sheets (36 gauge) from KS Metals as they most resembled tin sheets. These lightweight metal sheets are extremely easy to cut, stamp and crimp to create stunning designs. In the absence of this crafting aluminum, a very heavyweight aluminum foil used for freezing could be substituted, though more care would be needed to avoid tearing and it would not be as durable for long term use.

Cut out shape of metal desired with utility scissors. I've included a pattern - Download TinCrossPattern - for you to trace onto the metal sheet. Classic tinwork has ornate and rounded edges not straight.

Cut out and glue paper image of OLoG  in center of cross. The tinworkers would have used metal stamps such as these for leather work to imprint designs into the tin/alunimun. If you have those type of tools you could use them, but you can also use a metal stylus (or even a ball point pen without ink) to carefully press and imprint shapes and designs into this soft metal. Choose ornate sequins of various shapes and colors to glue around the image and other areas of the cross. My favorite source of sequins - Cartwright's - has the most amazing shapes and colors. Traditional tinwork wouldn't have had sequins, but it makes a very pretty addition and adds color. I really liked the look.

Punch small hole in upper portion of cross. Using approx. 7 inch piece of wire, double to form loop. Thread a couple beads onto end of loop. Stick ends of loop through hole (with beads above), bend upwards and twist around wire to secure. Slide beads over wire twist.

Hang your ornament and enjoy this little bit of southwestern folk art on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

 

For more ideas to celebrate this feast day in all it's glory see this past post here at O Night Divine and the numerous culinary ideas at Catholic Cuisine.

Comments

[aussieannie]

Your craftwork is always inspirining Mary, thank you for sharing it!

[Mary Ellen Barrett]

It's beautiful Mary. Thank you so much!

[Jennifer]

These are beautiful! This is such a great activity.

[Maria Cunningham]

These are incredibly beautiful and so unique. I try and add a new Christmas ornament craft to our plans each year. This definitely is it!! Thank you Mary for sharing. And what a great gift too for family and friends. I love it!

[Pamela]

I really like these! Thanks for posting them! Our Lady of Guadalupe looks great in the center!

~Pam