One of the things I love best about living in Puerto Peñasco is the great people I meet by chance, and the great people to whom I am led as a result of those chance meetings. A number of years ago I met a charming young man as I shopped in a furniture store, and we became friends. I hope you will have the good fortune to get to know Eddie Wharez, who is one of the most diverse and talented people I know. Eddie wears several hats, one of which is that of decorator extraordinaire, and he can often be found in his wonderful Rodeo Drive store, “Diseños Casa y Jardín.”

 

My chance meeting with Eddie resulted in his introducing me last year to Alejandro Cárdenas Madrid, a very talented carpenter, actually an artist, who solved a furniture dilemma by building a remarkably beautiful and functional custom piece for me. I dropped by Alejandro’s shop one day, and was blown away by Alejandro’s photos of work he has done in the past. I was so wowed by the images in the photos that I wanted to see more of his work in person. What I learned is that, while the majority of his work is located in the western USA, a few examples are in private homes here in Puerto Peñasco, so we went on tour. Hand-carved & curved crown mouldings perfectly fitted into bovedas, absolutely gorgeous sliding plantation shutters for Arcadia doors, beyond-beautiful kitchens, bars, and dining alcoves, carved columns with intricate detail…every single thing a work of art, all designed and created by Alejandro.

 

Born in Hermosillo, Alejandro was carving wood at an early age at the knee of older brother Javier. He helped with cabinet making and furniture building, after school and during breaks, and kept carving. His expertise led him to Seattle where he was cabinetmaker to yacht builders, while continuing his education. After earning an Associate’s Degree in Business at Seattle Central Community College, where he also polished his English skills, Alejandro was lured to Las Vegas, where he supervised the creation and installation of all things wood – paneled walls, cabinets, and ornamentation – in a number of the loveliest casinos in the city. Moving ever southward, Alejandro opened his own cabinetry and custom furniture business in Phoenix, finally returning to Mexico 3 years and many happy clients later.

 

Alejandro’s custom carpentry shop is located on Calle Revolución (the street many of us know as “the old Cholla Bay road,” that crosses the railroad tracks and becomes Rodeo Drive) next door to the dental office of Dr. Abraham Estrada on the north side of the street. His services include custom cabinetry, custom furniture building, refinishing, and carving. Alejandro can be reached on his cell phone at (044-638) 104-0862; call before you go so you don’t miss him – he might be out solving someone’s unique storage dilemma, and you don’t want to miss meeting this really talented, really nice man. I am so glad that Eddie introduced me to Alejandro, and I hope you will make time to meet them both.