Vida Placer is one of these little shops that's located on a corner and since it's pretty small - it's very easily overlooked. The name certainly doesn't invite anyone in (at least anyone who doesn't speak Spanish), but once you come in - shield your eyes, because they will get a blast of most brilliant color on very original and beautiful artwork on ceramic, metal and other materials, mostly priced low enough not to send you out the door as soon as you walk in.
This place is quaint, but it's got some gorgeous gift ideas. The owner, Maria, is a pleasure to talk to and knows all there is to know about the art and the people who create it. Most of it is imported from high end artisans of Mexico and it's all carefully handcrafted and painted. And the paint work on some items is truly spectacular.
So, if you're looking to decorate your place on a budget or want to buy a very unique, extremely nice and possibly one of a kind gift - that's the place to go.
They also have a web site at www.vidaplacer.com which shows many items and has online ordering.
Currently (through the end of 2006) she also has a 20% off sale on already unbelievably reasonable (read: some items beg to cost more but don't) prices.
Highly recommend it!
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