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A scarlet macaw flies through the azure sky, greeting his jungle neighbors. A yellow giraffe and a blue elephant enjoy the verdant landscape. By Balvina Huaytalla, this handcrafted cosmetic bag showcases the traditional Andean art of arpillerÃa. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and embroidered by hand. The reverse side is solid black cotton.
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The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Balvina works with two Peruvian art forms to create her highly-graphic colorful decor and fashion accessories. Growing-up in Ayacucho, she learned the traditional embroidery style of that region from her mother and grandmother. During the Peruvian reign of terror, her family fled to the mountains around Lima where she learned arpillerÃa, the traditional Andean form of applique. Balvina often incorporates both embroidery and applique into her work, creating unique contemporary designs with traditional techniques.
Balvina is an artisan in the early stages of growing her workshop but one with the mindset to succeed. She thinks of herself as an entrepreneur and has moved from needing help to helping others. Although she does not yet have any full-time helpers, she hires other artisans in her community to help her fill her orders.
When Balvina began to work with Novica, she was cleaning houses to survive. Now she is able to earn a living from the art she loves. She is able to provide for her son. A steady income has brought her a sense of empowerment and a bright future no longer seems a distant dream.
Balvina has tried to have her son's father help with the cost of his education but he refuses. She struggles to cover the costs of her son's schooling and is deeply committed to paying for his education on her own.
Balvina is a fighter. She is a single mother determined to be successful in her work and a great mother to her son Roberto. She has found her strength and is determined to raise her son alone.
Balvina was recently interviewed for the Peruvian television show "Mujeres Empresarias." She confesses that she is still too shy to watch her own interview.
Balvina's work was featured in a recent Novica catalog. The resulting sales led to her hiring several part-time workers to help her complete her orders.
Balvina is a single mother and is determined to give her son her best.
This is great and very well made. It draws attention as soon as I take it out.
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I got this for my adult daughter to use in her purse to organize things. She loves giraffes and loved this bag.
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I purchased this bag from the artist to be used as a gift. The colors are bright and cheerful and I love the whimsy of the animals. I also appreciate that it came with free gift wrap that includes a tiny worry doll adorning the ribbon bow. I now a practical attractive gift that I know will be appreciated.
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06/24/2017
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This makes an outstanding gift. Love it!
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I bought two of these to give A gifts. They are very well made and lots of fun!
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I bought this for my adult daughter to use at school. She loves it!
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"I want to share Peru's beauty so that it is never forgotten. For me, this art is a way of sharing what I left in Ayacucho, the lovely land where I was born…."
Karen
Melbourne / Victoria / Australia
