cotton applique

Peruvian artisan Maria Ramos Sanchez handcrafts this mini shoulder bag with an arpilleria style front, in which cotton blend felt is appliquéd and embroidered to create an elaborate scene. The artisan creates an Andean scene with a woman tending her flock in front of her home surrounded by flowers and trees under a sunny sky. This lovely, brightly-colored scene is on a saffron-colored background, and the back and lining of the bag are black. The single compartment is secured with a zipper and a long, colorful strap makes it easy to carry the bag over the shoulder or across the body.

A Peruvian villager enjoys a sunny day in the Andes while caring for her animals in the hand-embroidered scene on this coin purse. Designed by artisan Balvina Huaytalla, the charming arpillería purse is crafted from a colorful cotton blend with a blue and white gingham cotton lining.