Abel Rios "With my older brother's generous and providential offer, I learned the wondrous art of leather work – a trade that continues to fascinate me and consume most of my days." Abel Rios is featured in Keepers of the Arts, a beautiful hardcover book available through Novica. "I have dedicated myself to crafting fine leather products since the age of 16. Initially, I began by helping my older brother Héctor in his leather workshop after he asked me to come to work for him. With my older brother's generous and providential offer, I learned the wondrous art of leather work – a trade that continues to fascinate me and consume most of my days. "When I was 23 years old I decided to become an independent artisan. I opened my own workshop in my house. Fortunately, my work has gained considerable popularity, and I greatly enjoy the responses that I continue to receive when people see my creations. "These days, my work consists of cutting, embossing and engraving fine leather with a distinct style and skill that you won't find in many workshops. I design many beautiful Inca and colonial motifs, and emboss those upon the leather. I sell some of my work locally to art shops, but am especially happy and proud that my products are being sold all over the world now through Novica. "Before I began to work with Novica, I had my workshop in the back patio of my home, with no floor, surrounded by the chickens we raised to feed our family. I didn't have the necessary tools. I am proud of what I have achieved during these recent years, all thanks to Novica. "Since joining Novica eight years ago, I have become a prosperous businessman, and my children are now educated professionals who work with me. Eight years go, I brought my work to Novica, and, little by little, began to sell more and to extend my line of designs. This permitted me to better care for my family, and to invest in my workshop. "In time, I was able to rent a house nearby, where I moved my furniture crafting business. I bought equipment and my workshop began to grow. With more orders and customers, I was able to hire helpers, improve my designs, research new techniques, and use better raw materials, always working hand-in-hand with Novica. Eventually I bought the house I had been renting. Three years ago, I bought the land next door, where I built a new three-story workshop. "My son is now 25, with a degree in business administration. My daughter Daisy is 21, and is finishing a degree in accounting. They both help me now. I began my art at the age of 16, and am now 50."

	Customer Reviews
		I just recently received the leather and mahogony table that I ordered from Novica and I must say it is more beautiful than I imagined it would be! It is the focal point of the room and I am sure that I will be getting many compliments on it in the future. - Mary K, Marlton/NJ/United States I received a cedar and leather table created by this artist. It is a beautiful piece, exquisitely finished. We were worried about how difficult it would be to put together but it was actually very easy, with no tools required. Thank you, Mr. Rios !! - Barnali D, USA The tooled-leather bottle case is truly breathtaking. The design is just lovely, and so intricate. My sister and I are planning to give this magnificent case to our father for his 75th birthday after his party guests fill it with handwritten birthday wishes and remembrances. Thank you for creating a piece grand enough to commemorate our father's milestone birthday! - N Z C we purchased the tooled mohogany coffee table it is absolutely beautiful and so unusual we loveeeee it. how fantastic to have something from Abel Rios from Peru - mairead, shelter island NY I just received my Tooled Luxury Ottoman and am very pleased. This is a beautifully crafted piece and I look forward to enjoying it for years to come. Thank you Abel!!!! I am glad I discovered Novica and look forward to shopping here again! - T N, Connecticut, USA I love my leather stool. It fits nicely with my other furnitures.Great craftmanship! Thanks - Gia T, NY,NY I bought three pieces from Abel and the work is absolutely amazing and worth every penny. Quality that you simply cannot find at any store. - Ryan T, Toledo, OH USA Very beautifull stool ! fast shipping, thanks a lot. - Brunet J, France I purchased the tooled leather stool and it was just a work of art. The leather seat is brimming with texture and it seems to exude that feeling of ancient craft. - Armando M, Miami/FL/USA I asked Novica if they would arrange for the Leaves table to be delivered to Florida where I would pick it up. It was so well packaged I just left it - so it has been to the US and the Bahamas before being opened today in the UK! I was so excited to see what it would be like as it was to have pride of place in my front room - we were all absolutely delighted with it - it is such a lovely piece of art in itself. Thank you Abel - we will enjoy your artistry for many years. Thank you also Novica for wonderful service. Regards, Margaret Clare, UK. - Margaret C, UK I have just taken receipt of a Cedar and leather stool, "Inca Memories" by Abel Rios. I am absolutely delighted with it. You cannot buy anything like this in the high street. I was very impressed with the shipment and tracking process. Very prompt. Having stumbled on the Novica website by accident, I will now be a regular visitor and will tell friends and family to do likewise - Linda S, Dumfries, Scotland, UK I love my leather magazine rack, after a long research I could not make a better choice than buy this one from Abel Rios , it is really a unique piece of art. Thank you!!!! - Monica M, new york Craftsmanship is superb on my cedar & leather trays. Nicely wrapped and adequately packed, arrived in perfect condition. I will definitely order more merchandise especially for gifts. Thank you. - Elaine L, Tulsa, Oklahoma Abel, I want to tell you how much we are enjoying the three stack tables we received a couple weeks ago. We are now looking forward to receiving the leather/cedar square table that is being shipped as I write. Thank you. You are very talented. Bill York - William Y, Green Valley, AZ USA I just received my coffee table "Elegance" from Abel Rios. It is stunning. I was so excited that I came to the computer to write my review immediately. The table is truly a work of art. The details are magnificent and the color and texture is wonderful. I am so excited about the piece, after this review I am going to buy end tables as well. I hope Abel reads these testimonials because I personally want to tell him thank you for his talent, gift and artistry...You are truly divinely inspired and I am awed to own one of your inspirations. Thank You - Kareemah E, South Bend, IN