Balvina Huaytalla

Balvina Huaytalla patchwork applique

"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."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"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."

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 BadgeCaring for Children

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.

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Alternate image for Llama-Themed Applique Cotton and Acrylic Cosmetic Bag Andean Landscape

$27.99

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Llama-Themed Applique Cotton and Acrylic Cosmetic Bag 'Andean Landscape'

$27.99

Alternate image for Cotton Blend Toiletry Bag with Applique Andean Motifs Llama Sunrise

$49.99

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Cotton Blend Toiletry Bag with Applique Andean Motifs 'Llama Sunrise'

$49.99

Alternate image for Applique Coin Purse Handmade in Peru A Walk in the Fields

$17.99

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Applique Coin Purse Handmade in Peru 'A Walk in the Fields'

$17.99

(6)

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Linda 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.

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Alternate image for Floral Embroidered Alpaca Blend Coin Purse in Black Colorful Mandala

$12.99

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Floral Embroidered Alpaca Blend Coin Purse in Black 'Colorful Mandala'

$12.99

(5)

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Letena I Love this Beautiful purse I use it to store my small pieces of jewelry when I'm not wearing them what a Beautiful change purse you are very Talented

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Alternate image for Embroidered Floral Turquoise Coin Purse Floral Keeper in Turquoise

$12.99

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Embroidered Floral Turquoise Coin Purse 'Floral Keeper in Turquoise'

$12.99

(3)

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Jennifer 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.

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