Core 77 turns us onto “EL Vochol” Mexican art.

Combine the iconic Mexican culture expressions of the psychedelic Huichol and a Volkswagen Beetle or El Vocho as Mexicans have nicknamed it—and you get El Vochol, a beaded VW bug. This dynamic manifestation of indigenous folk art is being used to promote the artisan heritage of the indigenous Mexican communities to an international audience.

El Vochol was first commissioned by the Association of Friends of Museo of Arte Popular in Mexico City to elevate the work of traditional artisans in the public sphere both nationally and internationally. The project took on a greater message to the world: indigenous work is not to be forgotten, and in fact, celebrated. Sonya Santos of the Museo says, “People all over the world are responding in a fabulous way….They are all surprised by the magnificent work.”

After the jump, watch a video tour of the beaded VW Beatle.

Stacey Lee Webber is a Philadelphia-based artist who finds unique ways to recontextualize objects from blue collar neighborhoods. Her recent work is to be featured in two exhibitions – the Smithsonian’s 40 Under 40:Craft Futures opening in July 2012 and the Cehongju International Craft Biennale opening next week. For the Smithsonian, Webber crafted “Penny Shovels” and her “Silver Keyhole Saw” will feature in Korea.

A full look at both objects after the jump.

Brandon Michael Barker, based in Indiana, spends his free moments rendering his favorite comic books in stained glass. His work sells for $300, through his own Man Or Monster? site, and gives an inkling of what the Purdue University BFA student may produce in the future – work inspired by childhood upbringing in the Catholic Church and days spent flipping through the very best titles from Marvel and Capcom. (via Animal).

Japanese craftsman Hideki Higashino is keeping the centuries old tradition of native robotics, Karakui, alive. This video shares the artists work.

Boat building and bicycles don’t often go hand in hand. Don’t, however, tell that to Sueshiro Sano who comes from a long lineage of shipwrights. In 2008, he was inspired to transfer lessons from the docks to road worthy vessels, and the results are exquisite. The bikes are built of mahogany to the saddle, making for a glorious natural finish. For the full story please visit Cool Hunting.

View more Sanomagic bikes after the jump.

From Lil Snob – “The Original Tree Swing is hand made out of reclaimed Elm wood. The slab of wood is wrapped in 20 ft of the best 3/4 natural fiber rope available. It’s kiln dried, sanded and has a light coat of mineral oil to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. It was first created to fulfill the wishes of a couple of kids who wanted a swing. Now happy kids everywhere can enjoy the wonderful classic activity of swinging under a summer tree. ”

Check the swing in action after the jump.

M-tone® Guitars are hand made by Matt Proctor in Portland, Oregon. Matt designs and builds a very limited number of solid body electric guitars each year.

Matt trained as a sculptor and spent over 15 years making large-scale works out of steel, wood and cast metals before turning his attention to guitar design. His work as a sculptor is unmistakable in the fluid body shapes, two-tiered headstocks, and abstractly layered finishes.

M-tone guitars are made of steel, brass, aluminum and bone instead of the usual plastic parts for better feel and better sound. Each M-tone features a unique 16-gauge steel pickguard. and are finished with a very thin layer of water-based lacquer allowing the wood to vibrate freely. Additionally, Matt hand carves every neck until it feels exactly right.

Take a look at more guitars after the jump.

An avid outdoorsman, John Manikowski hand crafts knives worthy of museum exhibition from his Minnesota home. With a massive collection of bone at his disposal, Manikowski gives hand-sharpened steel slicers magnificent decorative handles – the knives fit for use in the field or the kitchen. Using the knives as decoration, even if suited for heavy work, isn’t out of the question.

View some of Mnikowski’s magnificent knives after the jump.

Proving proficiency in multiple mediums, Studio Dunn’s Cumberland Lamps share the same sound base in simplicity as the firm’s furniture. The design is hand blown in a hot glass studio, and emits a pleasant ambient light. Given the nature of production, each lamp has individual quirks – like a small bubbles or slight color variation.

More looks after the jump.

From Lil Snob – “You can’t help but giggle and feel a lil warmth when first seeing this sweet little Rocking Sheep. Originally made as a tongue-in-cheek gift for the artist’s niece as a reminder of her parents rural up-bringing, your kids can now fall instantly in love with this unique, hand crafted toy, covered in soft, genuine lambswool. The rocking sheep are produced in small runs in order to preserve the highest quality standards.”

Head to Lil Snob for full looks.