More than thirty years ago Ann Fabricant heard about an arts and crafts shopping village in Sedona, Arizona called Tlaquepaque. She decided to drive there from Denver with her five year old son. Recently divorced, she was looking for some way to make a living.

The developer of this unique property containing shops, galleries, and restaurants was Abe Miller. His dream was to emulate the methods of construction employed by Mexican artisans and builders by incorporating graceful arches, fountains, plazas, and shady verandas. Giant sycamores and stately cottonwood trees provided a relaxing respite from Arizona's sunny days.

Abe agreed to hold a store space for Ann until she could move to Sedona. She credits Abe with saving her life. Once established, she had to work seven days a week and her son, Chris, would give her a break after school. At eight years old he was the first employee.

Today the shop carries a significant collection of art nouveau and art deco estate jewelry, old Indian pawn jewelry, antique and vintage Tibetan beads and pendants, Navajo and Hopi Indian components, Zuni fetishes, shell heishi, locally-made beads, American dichroic glass, Austrian crystal, Czech and Venetian glass, turquoise, pearls, gemstones, porcelain, bone, cinnabar and jade. Being the oldest bead store in Arizona, bead artists seek out the little store in Tlaquepaque village where they know they will find unique items for their creations. Cocopah-designed necklaces and earrings are also available.

One-of-a-kind bead kits ranging in price from $6 to $90 tempt the 4 million yearly visitors to Sedona. Tlaquepaque hosts special events throughout the year, and Cocopah participates by inviting Native American artists to demonstrate. Cocopah also has an amazing collection of specimen seashells, Asian antiques, and baskets. When you visit Sedona, come enjoy the ambience of Tlaquepaque and the special charm of this store.