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The process takes several weeks and goes through many elaborate stages. First, black and white clay is combined with water in tubs and then filtered to eliminate any type of impurities from rocks to roots. The resulting dough is then passed to wooden crates where it is kneaded with the feet.  During this process more water is added and again filtered which further reduces the clay by 50 percent.  Once the clay is moldable, the artisans pass it to the potter's wheel to give it the shape they want.

The molded pieces are then set out to dry and after a few days are transferred to an oven and baked at about 850 degrees centigrade.  When they come out of the oven they are known as "jahuete".  Before painting, the pieces must be bathed in a mixture of silica, piloncillo and tin which is used to crystalize the jahuete. Upon drying, the craftsman must then use all his creativity to paint the designs on the pieces.

All materials used to make Talavera are natural. Even the brushes used to paint it are made of mare's hair because the natural mineral paint does not adhere well to normal brushes. Once the design is painted, the piece is again returned to the oven for further baking at temperatures above 1200 degrees centigrade. Upon cooling, it is ready to be admired and enjoyed by all. 

If you look at several Talavera pieces of the same design, you will see that although they look identical, in reality they are not. Being 100% handmade, each and every one of them is slightly different and unique and that is precisely what makes them wonderful. If you are lucky enough to own a piece of Talavera pottery, you will hold in your hand a work of art created with love and dedication by artisans who keep alive the tradition of Talavera passed from generation to generation.

A Talavera candle not only sheds the peace of light, but also the historical and artistic richness of the Mexican culture, it's roots and beauty of it's land and people.