After years of packing for international travel there are certain things I just don’t travel without. Earplugs to save me from snoring airline passengers and screaming babies, flip flops because I do not trust hotel room floors even in 5 star establishments and a notebook to jot down addresses, blog ideas, restaurant names and directions. And since getting my first pair of earrings from Táctil designs, I always have at least one pair in my jewelry case, if not two or three.
Táctil earrings are made out of very light materials like leather and feathers meaning they don’t weigh you down, the designs are bold and colorful which helps to brighten up my fairly monochromatic travel wardrobe and nearly every time I wear them, I get a compliment on them. That’s one way to start up a conversation when you’re traveling alone!
Brenda Delgadillo Canett is the owner of Táctil designs, and when I realized her earrings were high on my “must pack” list and and that others often asked where I got them, I asked if she’d answer a few questions about her jewelry line, her creative inspiration and her travel style… she kindly agreed.
Q. Your earring line is called Táctil – how did you choose that name?
A. I’m Mexican American and grew up on the Mexicali/Calexico border exposed to both cultures. It was important for me to give my project a name that people could understand in both Spanish and English. I enjoy making things, working with my hands, and I have a fascination for experimenting with materials in order to handcraft beautiful objects. So, Táctil was born.
Q. How would you describe the style of Táctil?
A. Tactil is fun, uncomplicated, unique, authentic, edgy, elegant and sexy.
Q. Have you always been the creative type?
A. My mom really encouraged me to draw and craft when I was a kid. I had more coloring, paint by number and pop-up story books than toys. I would build structures to play in with my brother using chairs, boxes, towels, anything we could carry and my parents would let us take outside.
Q. How did you start designing these beautiful pieces and how did you decide to work with leather for your jewelry?
A. The idea for making earrings happened when I came across some snake print leather scraps. I’m not one to wear animal print but the texture and colors were so cool, I though they’d look great as jewelry/earrings. Having an education in architecture has given me a unique perspective on pattern, shape, design and detail. Using the exact blade was something I was familiar with during my college years. The materials I use, like leather, are easy to cut by hand which makes experimentation simple. There were times when I would make a new pair of earrings every time I went out!
Q. Any plans to expand to other jewelry pieces (necklaces or bracelets)?
A. Yes! I’ve been thinking about it as several people have been asking for them recently.
Q. Where do you get your design ideas?
A. I draw inspiration from people, cultures, clothing, textures, patterns, materials, color, details and sometimes from mistakes that transform into new ideas.
Q. Every time I see you, you look so put together. How do you stay stylish when you travel?
A. I try to keep it simple; comfortable clothes that I dress up with accessories, jewelry, scarves and hats.
Q. Where’s your favorite place to travel? And where are you dying to visit?
A. My favorite place to travel is Mexico. I love the warmth of the people, the food and the culture. It’s rich in architecture, tradition, music, arts and crafts. It is very inspiring. I’m dying to visit Machu Picchu as it seems like a magical place. I would also love to take a trip to Milan and Japan for the culture, style, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Q. If you could choose one celebrity to wear your jewelry, who would it be?
A. The singer, Lila Downs. She’s beautiful, has great style and isn’t afraid to rock bold jewelry!
Q. Where can people order your earrings?
A. I have an Etsy shop, but I deal mostly with custom orders. People can view pictures of earring styles on Flickr or Facebook and send me a message.
