Desert Shopping: El Duende

One of our favorite things about living and hosting in Joshua Tree is being surrounded by creative people who are doing things differently — intentionally, beautifully, and with respect for the earth. El Duende is one of those places.

Just minutes from our properties, El Duende is a boutique born of the desert, created by artists Buffy and Meri. Together, they’ve built a space that blends old and new in imaginative ways — celebrating handmade, reworked, and thoughtfully sourced pieces that invite you to slow down and reconnect with the things you wear.

Inside, you’ll find garments and goods that have been lovingly reimagined: hand-dyed linen sets in sun-faded hues, vintage Levi’s restored by hand, and delicate tops made from antique embroidered linens. Their signature hand dyed snake bandanas are a local favorite — each one worn-in and infused with desert soul.

We especially appreciate their ethos — not just sustainability, but continuity. Rather than discard or replace, they invite you to repurpose, reimagine, and repair. You can even bring in your own well-worn piece for a custom dye bath or mending session, giving it a second life in the most personal way.

This ethos is something we deeply align with at Stay With Terra. Just as we restore original homes to their natural beauty, refinish timeworn furniture, and honor the landscape in our design choices, Buffy and Meri bring the same care and creativity to clothing and textiles. Their boutique is a reflection of what we love most about this area — creativity, intention, and a grounded sense of place.

Give Buffy and Meri our love when you stop in to El Duende for your desert shopping needs. And don’t forget say goodbye to the tortoises on your way out!