"Celebrate the arrival of spring with a touch of traditional Andean artistry. Crafted by artisan Balvina Huaytalla of Peru, this practical coin purse combines refined alpaca, acrylic and wool yarns in each of its spring-themed details. With each embroidered motif made on a chic magenta base hue, this floral design completes its charm with a handy zipper closure."
"This is a medium of expression for me to show the world how beautiful nature is, especially in the Peruvian Andes. I know it so well – my roots are there, and my work depicts our traditions, customs and landscapes.
"I'm Balvina Huaytalla Paquiyauri and I was born in Ayacucho on February 5, 1979. I lived in the sierra until I was four. During the time of terrorism, my parents and brothers had to escape. We left our animals, farms and houses, and fled to Lima but we had nowhere to live. We settled on a mountainside in order to get ahead.
"I learned my art at an ONG workshop in Pamplona Alta. I wasn't able to study past fifth semester of middle school, so I thank God for this workshop. They made beautiful things in arpillería, a traditional Andean appliqué art. I found a special satisfaction learning more to be able to help out at home. I remember I began making cards, belts and wall hangings, all in arpillería. As time went by, my work got better as I worked harder on the final details of each piece. I really enjoy fabric art, putting the pieces together. The landscapes are incomparable.
"The first time I made an oven mitt, it was enormous – large enough for Manolo, the tallest man in Peru who measures seven feet nine inches. A friend told me I should make the gloves small enough to fit her, and so I learned each part of this art. I want to show a style of my own.
"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, where I ran and played in the fresh air. I wish so much we could have stayed.
"My greatest challenge has been to make a good life for my son, the struggle to raise him by myself.
"I hope you like my work. I create each piece with great love."
This coin purse is very lovely. It's colors are so vibrant and pretty. It's very well made. I liked it so much I bought two; a purple one and turquoise one. They're very lightweight so they don't weigh down my purse which is a plus. Would highly recommend.
This little coin purse is so very cute! Your workmanship is beautifully done and the scenes you make with your designs are perfect. Thank you for the beautiful sewing you do.
This lottle purse is very well made and is so cute. I am going to save it it to gift as a present fpr one of my nieces. Your workmanship is beautiful. Thank you.
I so appreciate your beautiful, unique, colorful work, Balvina Huaytalla, I am the proud owner of 3 of your coin purses. Thank you for your lovely, detailed work.
The exquisite work that went into making this beautiful, useful piece is very impressive. Thank you Balvina Huaytalla for your artistic eye and detailed work. I am honored to own this piece.
This little charming bag really embodies the spirit of the Andes to me - bright and cheerful and what is important - the land, the animals and the people! Beautifully done, charming and happy! Thank you for this gift of your land!!
This is one of the nicest & well made ones I've seen. I purchased one for a dear friend & one for myself. Compliments galore whenever I take mine out when I'm with others. The colors are so beautiful & the appliques are well placed. It's a WINNER.
I love these bags--all the designs. They are so colorful and cheerful. I purchased a number of them to give as Christmas gifts in December. But I did not forget to get one for myself too!
I love these bags--all the designs. They are so colorful and cheerful. I purchased a number of them to give as Christmas gifts in December. But I did not forget to get one for myself too!
I love these bags--all the designs. They are so colorful and cheerful. I purchased a number of them to give as Christmas gifts in December. But I did not forget to get one for myself too!
I love these bags--all the designs. They are so colorful and cheerful. I purchased a number of them to give as Christmas gifts in December. But I did not forget to get one for myself too!
I bought this to give to my little Granddaughter to keep her rosary in. She was thrilled and never forgets where her rosary is now. It is well-made and the perfect size to fit in her coat pocket.
The beautiful Appliqued Christmas Stockings are basically 'one of a kind' and OH SO INTRICATELY DESIGNED. They will grace our Christmas fireplace mantle in the coming years and, some day, there will be one to pass along to each of our two daughters to display in their homes at Christmas.
I love having everyday, utilitarian things be beautiful. This bag is well made and makes me smile.Makes me smile twice to think my purchase helped support an woman artisan in a difficult part of the world.
This is an adorable coin purse, that has stood up to wear over time and stayed looking nice. It has such character, kind of quirky handmade look but that is what I like, something that stands out as unique.
This coin purse is going to be a birthday gift for the 9 year old daughter of a friend. She loves colorful accessories and I know she is going to love this!
I gave this little card to a friend for her birthday and I am so delighted, it is very beautiful, so many delicate and tender details, the spectacular colors as the colors of our land.
I bought this beautifully crafted purse as a gift for my mother and she simply adores it and has made use of it for her small everyday items. Many thanks for this wonderful treasure!
This is a good sized coin purse - it would even be used as a small cosmetic bag. It's also very pretty with the felt scenes. You can't beat the price for what you get.
All my favorite colors in this petite coin purse! It is extremely well-handmade even with the zipper. Very useful for keeping a little emergency money aside in your purse. I will purchase again from this talented artist Balvina Huaytalla.
This is a beautiful and cute purse. The level of detail is amazing. And my toddler loves it too... Especially when it's cold and snowing and it reminds us to hang in there for the spring :)
This was chosen as a gift for a dear sister. She loves the bright colors and intricate, cheerful Andean llama farm inspired design. And I really liked the convenience of the free gift wrap.
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.
I purchased this bag from the artist to be used as a gift. The colors are bright and cheerful and I love the beautiful, colorful flowers and bright midday sun. 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.
I purchased this bag from the artist to be used as a gift. The colors are bright and cheerful and I love the wonderful butterflies cruising over the field of flowers. I also appreciate that it came with free gift wrap that includes a tiny worry doll adorning the ribbon bow. I now have a practical attractive gift that I know will be appreciated.
I found myself drawn to the meticulous detail in the zippered bags and coin purses by this artist. I chose to purchase several for gifts for some special people, including this one with a young Peruvian tending her animals. I also appreciate that this coin purse came with free gift wrap that includes a tiny worry doll adorning the ribbon bow. I now have a practical attractive gift that I know wi... read more
I found myself drawn to the meticulous detail in the zippered bags and coin purses by this artist. I chose to purchase several for gifts for some special people, including this one with a young Peruvian tending her animals. I also appreciate that this coin purse came with free gift wrap that includes a tiny worry doll adorning the ribbon bow. I now have a practical attractive gift that I know will be appreciated.
October 23, 2025
★★★★★
Serena I
Gorgeous coin purse. The colors are so vibrant and it's gotten so many compliments every time I take it out. It holds my credit cards and ID perfectly when I want to go minimalistic.
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"This is a medium of expression for me to show the world how beautiful nature is, especially in the Peruvian Andes. I know it so well – my roots are there, and my work depicts our traditions, customs and landscapes.
"I'm Balvina Huaytalla Paquiyauri and I was born in Ayacucho on February 5, 1979. I lived in the sierra until I was four. During the time of terrorism, my parents and brothers had to escape. We left our animals, farms and houses, and fled to Lima but we had nowhere to live. We settled on a mountainside in order to get ahead.
"I learned my art at an ONG workshop in Pamplona Alta. I wasn't able to study past fifth semester of middle school, so I thank God for this workshop. They made beautiful things in arpillería, a traditional Andean appliqué art. I found a special satisfaction learning more to be able to help out at home. I remember I began making cards, belts and wall hangings, all in arpillería. As time went by, my work got better as I worked harder on the final details of each piece. I really enjoy fabric art, putting the pieces together. The landscapes are incomparable.
"The first time I made an oven mitt, it was enormous – large enough for Manolo, the tallest man in Peru who measures seven feet nine inches. A friend told me I should make the gloves small enough to fit her, and so I learned each part of this art. I want to show a style of my own.
"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, where I ran and played in the fresh air. I wish so much we could have stayed.
"My greatest challenge has been to make a good life for my son, the struggle to raise him by myself.
"I hope you like my work. I create each piece with great love."
"This is a medium of expression for me to show the world how beautiful nature is, especially in the Peruvian Andes. I know it so well – my roots are there, and my work depicts our traditions, customs and landscapes.
"I'm Balvina Huaytalla Paquiyauri and I was born in Ayacucho on February 5, 1979. I lived in the sierra until I was four. During the time of terrorism, my parents and brothers had to escape. We left our animals, farms and houses, and fled to Lima but we had nowhere to live. We settled on a mountainside in order to get ahead.
"I learned my art at an ONG workshop in Pamplona Alta. I wasn't able to study past fifth semester of middle school, so I thank God for this workshop. They made beautiful things in arpillería, a traditional Andean appliqué art. I found a special satisfaction learning more to be able to help out at home. I remember I began making cards, belts and wall hangings, all in arpillería. As time went by, my work got better as I worked harder on the final details of each piece. I really enjoy fabric art, putting the pieces together. The landscapes are incomparable.
"The first time I made an oven mitt, it was enormous – large enough for Manolo, the tallest man in Peru who measures seven feet nine inches. A friend told me I should make the gloves small enough to fit her, and so I learned each part of this art. I want to show a style of my own.
"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, where I ran and played in the fresh air. I wish so much we could have stayed.
"My greatest challenge has been to make a good life for my son, the struggle to raise him by myself.
"I hope you like my work. I create each piece with great love."
Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.
Balvina is a single mother and is determined to give her son her best.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
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 through the sale of her wood crafts..
Maker BadgeJob Creator
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.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
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 arpilleria, the traditional Andean form of applique. Balvina often incorporates both embroidery and applique into her work, creating unique contemporary designs with traditional techniques.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
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.
Maker BadgeMoving On Up
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.
Maker BadgeMedia Featured
Balvina was recently interviewed for the Peruvian television show "Mujeres Empresarias." She confesses that she is still too shy to watch her own interview.
Maker BadgeEmpowering Women
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Balvina Huaytalla has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $300 and the most recent for $300. Proceeds were used to build up her stock of fabric pieces for her patchwork.