Designer Showcase: The Heart of San Miguel de Allende

I love hearts! I can’t hook enough of these beautiful icons, for many reasons. First of all, as an icon they can be incorporated in any genre of art. Hearts have become an established visual form or communication. No matter where you go during your day, you will most likely encounter this icon. Secondly, they are so fun and easy to incorporate into your work.

San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its seven churches, the most renowned being La Parroquia de San Miguel, constructed with pink sandstone and located in the center of town. It can be viewed from everywhere, day or night. If you get lost, you just head toward the “pink church”!

The key to these pieces is that they are mostly spiritually decorated as a tribute to the religious cultural history of the town. Many are displayed with angel wings. I had so much fun going from shop to shop, and, of course, I had to buy a few. Last fall, I had independently created 15 8" x 8" rug-hooked hearts from a variety of materials and embellishments. I used sewing notions, trim, and old costume jewelry and bobbles, as well as some newly acquired pieces. I wanted to write an article about my crazy hearts, but when I traveled to San Miguel de Allende, I knew the “art gods” were telling me that I had to include these.