Abel Rios

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."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"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.

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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 BadgeJob Creator

Abel now has several full-time assistants.

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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Alternate image for Hardwood Round Folding Table with Handtooled Leather Andean Birds

$264.99

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Hardwood Round Folding Table with Handtooled Leather 'Andean Birds'

$264.99

Alternate image for Peruvian Animal Themed Leather Wood Folding Table Octagonal Birds of Paradise

$269.99

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Peruvian Animal Themed Leather Wood Folding Table 'Octagonal Birds of Paradise'

$269.99

Alternate image for Unique Wood Leather Brown Accent Folding Table Bird of Paradise

$154.99

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Unique Wood Leather Brown Accent Folding Table 'Bird of Paradise'

$154.99

Alternate image for Nature-Inspired Leather and Wood Ottoman from Peru World of Nature

$217.99

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Nature-Inspired Leather and Wood Ottoman from Peru 'World of Nature'

$217.99

Alternate image for Artisan Crafted Tooled Leather Wood Side Table Set of 3 Bird of Paradise

$599.99

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Artisan Crafted Tooled Leather Wood Side Table Set of 3 'Bird of Paradise'

$599.99

(3)

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Deb These nesting tables are so beautifully crafted and very sturdy. They have become a centrepiece of our living room. They arrived promptly and were packed very well. I will definitely shop on this site again! Thank you so much!

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Alternate image for Bird-Themed Leather and Wood Ottoman from Peru World of Birds

$209.99

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Bird-Themed Leather and Wood Ottoman from Peru 'World of Birds'

$209.99

(2)

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June My 2nd piece from Abel Rios.......so wonderful!

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Alternate image for Set of 5 Accent Tables Handmade from Wood and Leather Firebirds

$839.99

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Set of 5 Accent Tables Handmade from Wood and Leather 'Firebirds'

$839.99

7 Reviews for

December 8, 2022

J June

My 2nd piece from Abel Rios.......so wonderful!

Reviewed item

October 24, 2021

D Deb

These nesting tables are so beautifully crafted and very sturdy. They have become a centrepiece of our living room. They arrived promptly and were packed very well. I will definitely shop on this site again! Thank you so much!

Reviewed item

April 17, 2021

C Cheribriskey@Icloud.Com

I needed a foot stool in my guest room and this one is beautifully made. It is the perfect size. I am very happy with my purchase.

Reviewed item

March 16, 2021

R Ramona R

Adds a very interesting and unique touch to playing dice. Very nicely made. I enjoy telling game-night guests where it came from and the symbolism behind the decoration.

Reviewed item

September 13, 2020

S Susan

Senor Rios and his family's work is so wonderful. I've collected it and given it for years. As a retired metalsmith and fine arts artist I am delighted to see his lifework has made him as happy as mine has me.

Reviewed item

January 29, 2019

E Ellen Elizabeth

My adult Grandson (22 yo) and his Mom think this is awesome---cool to look at, fun to use. It's great to have a non-plastic, very cool thing, to give to a guy.

Reviewed item

July 30, 2018

C Carol

These nesting tables are absolutely beautiful. I have one at one end of our sofs and two on the other end. The workmanship is colorful and the detail is so beautiful. I love seeing them in my home.

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Abel Rios

Abel Rios

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