Munira Mendonça

15/04/2026

A year ago, to the day, I was boarding an airplane to visit northern California where I was born and raised. Oakland to be exact. It had been many a year since I was last there under very different circumstances thus this was very exciting!
It was such a delight to meet old/new friends, to visit with what remains of my family, to get to know my great nieces and nephews that I had never met. It was very special. While staying at one of my nieces’ homes, we were able to have a small family reunion and in just this past year two of those present have passed away (may God bless them). I had always wanted to return at least once again to see and meet these people and I am so blessed that last year I was granted that wish.
With friends and family, I was able to visit my old stomping grounds, which filled me with so many bitter sweet memories. Mostly sweet. Lunching and dining at restaurants which still were in business, the schools I had attended, visits to the city, etc. A journey down memory lane.
Then there is the beauty of northern California which moved my heart and brought tears from its sheer magnificence. The flowers, some which were similar to here (Andalucía) were different. The Cactuses were amazing, the Rose Garden, the Redwoods, the lakes…. indescribable. I was able to spend much time in nature which was so rewarding.
Honestly it has taken me this past year to “arrive”. I so wanted to find a way of visiting more often, maybe organizing a show, or giving classes, house swapping thus the first two months upon arrival were spent on that. Alhamdulillah, that desire has evaporated and I know now that I am exactly where I need to be.
Today, here in Granada, is like the first day of spring. No rain, no calimas, no blood rains, no wind; a perfect spring day….like myself, it takes a while to finally “arrive”. A morning spent planting seeds, rearranging pots and planters, cooking and having a delicious lunch on my terraza with a dear friend, surrounded by beauty, sitting in the sun….what more could one ask for?
And look, my Star of Belen has been blooming throughout the day!
Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.

19/03/2026

04/03/2025

The Arabic phrase shown in this piece is pronounced as Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, and is a beautifully poetic phrase which offers both deep insight and brilliant inspiration. It has often been said that the phrase contains the true essence of the entire Qur’an, as well as the true essence of all religions.
Kufic script is the oldest calligraphic form of the various Arabic scripts.

This exquisite piece is hand cut, carved, tooled, stamped and dyed by hand in the traditional granadinian style on natural tanned cowhide.

It is a unique piece and will not appear on our website: www.munira.net
It is handmade in Spain by Munira Leather. It measures 47cm x 47 cm.
DM us if you are interested for more information.

A great idea for an Eid gift!

23/02/2025

Patience….I have been reflecting on this word all week while working on this piece. I have now completed it, last coat of varnish has been applied and now its waiting for a bit of wax. Alhamdulillah! I had actual meltdowns when it came to painting the calligraphy (In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate) as with one small splash of the burdeo colour on the background would have then required a Plan B which I didn’t really fancy. Plus, the fact that this is just how I had visualized it!
There were days when I had drank too much café and my hand was trembling, there were days when I had heard sad news which brought tears and I didn’t want them to fall on the piece. (All of us leather artisans know what that means.) There were days when I just wasn’t focused. Thus, I took this thing called “time”, quite a luxury nowadays. I am glad I did.
I have just now spent nearly an hour looking up the root of the word patience and sabr and that is a world in itself thus I will end here.
As my grandmother always said to me “Patience is a virtue”….and how right she was!

.mendonca