Asunta Pelaez

Asunta Pelaez reverse-painted glass mirrors and trays

"My passion for art comes from the depths of my heart. It's in my DNA. From childhood, I attended all the drawing and painting classes at school. I spent many hours there and I learned well. Once I had mastered the paintbrush and colors, I loved to set my creativity free. I really enjoyed my art classes. My time was spent in school, in art workshops and at home.

"A short time later, disaster stuck. I lost my parents when I was still a girl and it was devastating to me. We five children stayed with our aunt and uncle, and other close relatives helped look after us. We eventually moved to Lima where we tried to go on with our lives. Our goal was to become the best we could be and overcome life's obstacles in memory of our parents.

"In Lima, I began studying accounting while visiting workshops and helping my aunt and uncle. At school there, I met the man who would become my husband, my best friend and life teacher. He courted me through his art. He taught me what he knew about reverse painted glass and suggested I collaborate in his workshop.

"When I went to his workshop, I hadn't the slightest idea of what would happen or if my work would be good enough. But I thought back in time and remembered how I was good at drawing and painting. Then I felt more secure and was happy to learn this traditional Andean art form with techniques that have been handed down over generations.

"I fell in love with this beautiful work and the lovely designs we're able to create. I was really impressed. Since then, I've spent my whole life doing what I love most. Reverse painted glass isn't only my work. It's become a way of life. I strive to do even better by studying every detail and to become a master artisan so I can be the best I can be, together with my family.

"I originally began to learn thanks to the influence of my husband's family. But over time, we've unified our abilities and work. Little by little, I learned to design and paint. It's so satisfying to be able to dedicate myself fulltime to what I enjoy most.

"I follow a meticulous process, carefully shaping the wood to give it a pleasing form. This whole process demands incredible patience and attention to detail. The motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes, which are inlaid onto the mirror frames, trays and decorative boxes.

"My designs are inspired by nature, and by typical scenes from my town and region. I feel very proud of the works that I create, and I look forward to sharing them with more and more people around the world."

"When you began purchasing my designs, you brought about a great change in my life, economically, of course, and personally as well, because I really value your recognition of my work. You make me feel good about myself, and encourage me to keep moving ahead. Some of you post testimonials saying how happy you are with my designs and how wonderful you find my work.

"Reverse painted glass won't make anyone wealthy, and making a living through art isn't easy. However, thanks to your support, today I can offer employment to others, including women who otherwise have few sources of income.

"In recent years, I've had some problems with my health while our expenses increased and, for a moment, I felt the situation was getting the best of me. Sales were affected and I had to make a drastic decision. I decided to shut down my workshop.

"This was so hard for me. But shortly after resolving our problems, I listened to my family who urged me to return to my workshop. 'It's what you enjoy most,' they said. 'Don't abandon this dream.' So I got my courage together and opened it again. I looked for the people who had collaborated with me and we made a new beginning together.

"Little by little, things got more normal and we continue working with the people who have always been there for me, standing with me and valuing my designs from the very beginning. I hope to continue offering you the best of me — not only today but always.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work. I'm proud of my designs and want to share them with even more people, and I'm sure I will."

Asunta Pelaez' work has been featured in Faith and Family magazine.

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"A short time later, disaster stuck. I lost my parents when I was still a girl and it was devastating to me. We five children stayed with our aunt and uncle, and other close relatives helped look after us. We eventually moved to Lima where we tried to go on with our lives. Our goal was to become the best we could be and overcome life's obstacles in memory of our parents.

"In Lima, I began studying accounting while visiting workshops and helping my aunt and uncle. At school there, I met the man who would become my husband, my best friend and life teacher. He courted me through his art. He taught me what he knew about reverse painted glass and suggested I collaborate in his workshop.

"When I went to his workshop, I hadn't the slightest idea of what would happen or if my work would be good enough. But I thought back in time and remembered how I was good at drawing and painting. Then I felt more secure and was happy to learn this traditional Andean art form with techniques that have been handed down over generations.

"I fell in love with this beautiful work and the lovely designs we're able to create. I was really impressed. Since then, I've spent my whole life doing what I love most. Reverse painted glass isn't only my work. It's become a way of life. I strive to do even better by studying every detail and to become a master artisan so I can be the best I can be, together with my family.

"I originally began to learn thanks to the influence of my husband's family. But over time, we've unified our abilities and work. Little by little, I learned to design and paint. It's so satisfying to be able to dedicate myself fulltime to what I enjoy most.

"I follow a meticulous process, carefully shaping the wood to give it a pleasing form. This whole process demands incredible patience and attention to detail. The motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes, which are inlaid onto the mirror frames, trays and decorative boxes.

"My designs are inspired by nature, and by typical scenes from my town and region. I feel very proud of the works that I create, and I look forward to sharing them with more and more people around the world."

"When you began purchasing my designs, you brought about a great change in my life, economically, of course, and personally as well, because I really value your recognition of my work. You make me feel good about myself, and encourage me to keep moving ahead. Some of you post testimonials saying how happy you are with my designs and how wonderful you find my work.

"Reverse painted glass won't make anyone wealthy, and making a living through art isn't easy. However, thanks to your support, today I can offer employment to others, including women who otherwise have few sources of income.

"In recent years, I've had some problems with my health while our expenses increased and, for a moment, I felt the situation was getting the best of me. Sales were affected and I had to make a drastic decision. I decided to shut down my workshop.

"This was so hard for me. But shortly after resolving our problems, I listened to my family who urged me to return to my workshop. 'It's what you enjoy most,' they said. 'Don't abandon this dream.' So I got my courage together and opened it again. I looked for the people who had collaborated with me and we made a new beginning together.

"Little by little, things got more normal and we continue working with the people who have always been there for me, standing with me and valuing my designs from the very beginning. I hope to continue offering you the best of me — not only today but always.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work. I'm proud of my designs and want to share them with even more people, and I'm sure I will."

Asunta Pelaez' work has been featured in Faith and Family magazine.

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 BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

In 2016, Asunta was diagnosed with a serious throat disease. She has no health insurance and uses her earnings from NOVICA to fund her treatments. She also has a husband and her workers who depend on her. Through all this, she has shown such perseverance and strength and continues to work hard and balance her responsibilities.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

In addition to the artisans she employs full time, Asunta works with one temporary artisan - another NOVICA artisan who helps Asunta with the most physically demanding parts of her work because of her illness.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Asunta uses the traditional Peruvian technique of reverse-painted glass. Brought to Peru during the colonial period, every detail is done by hand, requiring great skill and patience. She teaches the technique to others through her workshop and hopes they will continue to practice and pass down the traditional technique to keep it alive for future generations.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Asunta's sales are critical to supporting herself, her elder husband and her workers along with their families. Her personal health situation makes each sale that much more important.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Asunta's sales have increased more than threefold since she joined Novica. When Asunta first started out, she had a small workshop with two part-time assistants. Now she is able to rent a larger space close to her home and provide work for more people.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Asunta Pelaez has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1800 and the most recent for $2850. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of wood, paint and lacquer for production.

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Alternate image for Black Reverse-Painted Glass Decorative Box with Butterflies Midnight Garden

$117.99

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Black Reverse-Painted Glass Decorative Box with Butterflies 'Midnight Garden'

$117.99

(2)

Comments

Linda Purchased two--as gifts for my two sons' girlfriends. This has been on my list for awhile and it didn't disappoint. It took a while for it to arrive but it was worth it.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Handmade Reverse Painted Glass Wood Glass Folding Table Scarlet Delight

$284.99

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Handmade Reverse Painted Glass Wood Glass Folding Table 'Scarlet Delight'

$284.99

(2)

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Karen The tray is beautiful and it and the stand arrived quickly and were very well packed.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Reverse Painted Glass Butterfly Decorative Box in Cyan Butterfly Jubilee in Cyan

$67.99

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Reverse Painted Glass Butterfly Decorative Box in Cyan 'Butterfly Jubilee in Cyan'

$67.99

(2)

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Lisa This is a beautiful item. It was a gift and very much appreciated. Thank you so much.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Hand Painted Glass Tray from Peru Birds of Dawn

$129.99

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Hand Painted Glass Tray from Peru 'Birds of Dawn'

$129.99

Alternate image for Unique Red and Gold Reverse Painted Glass Wall Mirror Floral Crimson

$99.99

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Unique Red and Gold Reverse Painted Glass Wall Mirror 'Floral Crimson'

$99.99

(3)

Comments

Linda This is beautiful and arrived in perfect condition. It really is an outstanding work of art and I am thrilled every time I look at it. The colors and details are lovely and the slightly raised section circling the mirror adds dimension.

2 more comments

Alternate image for Handmade Black Reverse Painted Glass Serving Tray Floral Muse

$99.99

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Handmade Black Reverse Painted Glass Serving Tray 'Floral Muse'

$99.99

(3)

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Janet Very handsome. Functional and decorative. I was nervous that it might be damaged during shipping but arrived in perfect condition. Gave it as a gift and she loved it!

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$279.99

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Mirror 'Modern Daisy'

$279.99

(2)

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Kevin This beautiful mirror put the finishing touch on our newly remodeled guest bathroom. We have received many compliments from guests. everyone wanted to know where we got it!

1 more comment

Alternate image for Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box Chest with Mirror Celestial Blue

$109.99

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Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box Chest with Mirror 'Celestial Blue'

$109.99

(3)

Comments

Sheila The box arrived well-padded to avoid breakage. The colours are so beautiful. My sister loved the designs on the box. She was very pleased to have received such a special and unique birthday gift!! Thank you very much!!

2 more comments

Alternate image for Hand Made Reverse Painted Glass Bird Mirror Verdant Spring

$209.99

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Hand Made Reverse Painted Glass Bird Mirror 'Verdant Spring'

$209.99

Alternate image for Reverse Painted Glass Serving Tray Crimson Garden

$69.99

Item Detail

Reverse Painted Glass Serving Tray 'Crimson Garden'

$69.99

Alternate image for Hummingbirds Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box from Peru Flying Hummingbirds

$144.99

Item Detail

Hummingbirds Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box from Peru 'Flying Hummingbirds'

$144.99

Alternate image for Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box Silver Blossoms

$97.99

Item Detail

Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Jewelry Box 'Silver Blossoms'

$97.99

Alternate image for Collectible Floral Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Mirror Red Star

$99.99

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Collectible Floral Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Mirror 'Red Star'

$99.99

Alternate image for Reverse Painted Glass Butterfly Decorative Box in Off White Butterfly Jubilee in Antique

$64.99

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Reverse Painted Glass Butterfly Decorative Box in Off White 'Butterfly Jubilee in Antique'

$64.99

(6)

Comments

Alicia We love this box, which my daughter uses for pencils on her desk. Extremely authentic.

5 more comments

Alternate image for Fish Themed Reverse-Painted Glass Box Ocean Harmony in White

$64.99

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Fish Themed Reverse-Painted Glass Box 'Ocean Harmony in White'

$64.99

(2)

Comments

Suzanne This is a true treasure, so artfully done and beyond my expectation! Since I am a Pisces, the two fishes symbol is perfect and I am displaying it proudly. The box is well made and even a little larger than I thought it would be, and the painted lid is exceptional - Truly a high quality purchase!

1 more comment

Alternate image for Hand Made Reverse Painted Glass Mirror Black Star

$119.99

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Hand Made Reverse Painted Glass Mirror 'Black Star'

$119.99

Alternate image for Reverse Painted Glass Decorative Box with Butterflies Purple Winter Butterflies

$117.99

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Reverse Painted Glass Decorative Box with Butterflies 'Purple Winter Butterflies'

$117.99

Alternate image for Aged White Reverse Painted Glass Wall Mirror from Peru White Colonial Wreath

$49.99

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Aged White Reverse Painted Glass Wall Mirror from Peru 'White Colonial Wreath'

$49.99

(2)

Comments

Marylyn I gifted this to my son who lived across the United States and I didn't see him often, but he had moved into a new home. When I saw it for the first time, I had forgotten it and I asked "where did you get that beautiful mirror?" Truly an outstanding piece of art work.

1 more comment

85 Reviews for

September 14, 2023

L Lisa

Special thanks to Asunta Pelaez for creating this masterpiece! It arrived today and it is so much more beautiful than I anticipated. Wow. It took my breath away. I was so excited that I gave it to my mom right away! It was supposed to be a birthday present for March. No way I could keep it hidden for so long! This is a truly beautiful piece of art work. I love it! Thank you, thank you, ... read more

Asunta Pelaez

Asunta Pelaez

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