
Hardwood Round Folding Table with Handtooled Leather 'Andean Birds' Item ID: 2675254997
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"I have been crafting fine leather products since the age of 16. Initially, I began by helping my older brother Hector 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 wonderful art of leather work – a craft 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 home. 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 designs are now being seen all over the world.
"Before I began to work with you, 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 you.
"Today, I have become a prosperous small businessman, and my children are educated professionals who work with me. Since I began working with you, I´be been able began to sell more and to expand 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 you. 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."
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Abel Rios tooled leather furniture and decor accents
"I have been crafting fine leather products since the age of 16. Initially, I began by helping my older brother Hector 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 wonderful art of leather work – a craft 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 home. 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 designs are now being seen all over the world.
"Before I began to work with you, 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 you.
"Today, I have become a prosperous small businessman, and my children are educated professionals who work with me. Since I began working with you, I´be been able began to sell more and to expand 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 you. 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."
"When I was 23 years old I decided to become an independent artisan. I opened my own workshop in my home. 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 designs are now being seen all over the world.
"Before I began to work with you, 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 you.
"Today, I have become a prosperous small businessman, and my children are educated professionals who work with me. Since I began working with you, I´be been able began to sell more and to expand 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 you. 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."

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub
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.
Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities
Abel is determined to give back - to share the good fortune that he has found. He employs two people who have thrived in the supportive environment his workshop provides. His assistant is intellectually challenged and one of his wood carvers is profoundly deaf.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
"At the age of 16, I joined my brother's workshop to learn to work with leather. At 21, I set up my own workshop and began to create the wood and leather designs that I am known for. I love the history that I am able to bring to my work. Since colonial times, leather and wood have been combined to create many practical and decorative pieces of furniture and art. My style is distinct and detailed. I use motifs from Peruvian culture and my workshop is known for quality. I love this art and enjoy teaching my workers the skills that were generously taught to me. Many of my workers have gone on to open their own workshops. This gives me pleasure. This is how we keep the art alive."
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
"I have found great success with Novica. I am now an established artisan and my work is sold around the world. I have the life I once imagined but, most importantly, I have made my family secure. My children are educated and they work with me - together we bring our love of Peruvian history and craft to a respected family project."
Maker BadgeMoving On Up
Abel no longer shares the rented patio with his chickens - the site of his first workshop. Today, the Rios family has bought that house and built a four story workshop on the adjacent land. They employ other artisans to help meet the international demand for their handcrafted products.
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