Azahares.  Zapata 810, near the Zapata monument. This large and colorful Mexican crafts store features a wide variety of traditional hand-painted Talavera and Majolica  ceramics, from pots to plates, as well as rustic, wood Mexican colonial  furniture and blown glass. Mario Solis and his wife Rufina are the cordial and informative hosts. Tel. 317-0132.

Bio  Art. Diaz Ordaz and Alta Tension, one block from Las Quintas hotel. A treasure trove of Mexican handicrafts, from accent pieces for the home to furniture sets one of the best in the country. Here you will find an exceptional selection of truly unique creations in wood, clay, ceramics, glass and textile, as well as some authentic antiques. Tel. 314-1458.

Ceramica Santa Maria. Zapata 900. Well-known for their fine hand-painted pottery,  expert craftsman Jose Sanchez and his family have been creating new techniques and designs for more than 37 years. Workshop open to visitors. Tel.  313-0670.

La Casa de Las Campanas . Opposite the Cathedral. One of the city's oldest and most  exclusive shops offers original Mexican handicrafts and traditional Mexican  apparel for women. Movie actress Manola Saavedra is the owner.

La Casa del  Barro. Gutemberg 216, downtown. An interesting shop selling traditional handmade ceramic tiles, pots and decorative items from the city of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. It also stocks ceramic building materials used in Mexican  colonial-style homes.

La Puerta del  Sol . Reforma 401, corner of Teopanzolco, in Colonia Reforma. An emporium of finely hand-carved, antique-style furnishings, as well as decorative items for the home, including woven rugs, wrought iron, equipale and blown glass. Tel. 313-9095.

Grupo Con  Angel. San Jeronimo 410-A, in Colonia Tlaltenango. A unique interior design boutique specialising in original decorative and gift items, all environmentally friendly, many with an angel motif. You'll find the Con Angel Collection of  curtains, upholstery and pillows in natural fabrics, wood furniture, rugs and  accessories for the home on display in the beautiful colonial home of interior designer Patricia Edelen. Also exports to all parts of the world. Open 10 a.m.  to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, by appointment only. Tel./Fax 313-2208.