Leonor Quispe

Leonor Quispe applique wall hangings and decor

"I'm Leonor Quispe Urbano and I was born in Ayacucho where I grew up. But terrorism was terrible in those parts of the Andes, so we moved to Lima.

"When I was a girl, I loved to make doll clothes. I'd spin wool from our sheep to make tiny dresses and many other things. When I discovered the art of arpillería, or patchwork, I realized this was what I'd always wanted to do.

"For as long as I can remember, I've liked to craft things. Besides, necessity forced me to be creative. I realized that I could express my creativity with every scrap of fabric and bring my memories of Ayacucho to life. My work is quite meticulous, but filled with love and the traditions, culture and history of the Peruvian Andes.

"Once I knitted some sweaters and, even though I worked hard and delivered them on time, I was never paid for them. To this day, I haven't received a cent for them, but that experience sowed yet another seed of love for textile arts in my heart. Despite the sacrifices, I continue to create whatever comes to mind.

"I enjoy my work because it's a lovely way to make a living. I give thanks to God for giving me this life, for health, and for blessing my hands with this talent.

"My greatest challenge is to have enough work to send my children to school so that they'll have the ability to defend themselves in life.

"Thank you for appreciating our art This motivates me to continue working, and to improve every detail of each design."

Leonor Quispe's textile work has been exhibited in a number of Peruvian venues, including the U.S. Embassy.

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace PE

"I'm Leonor Quispe Urbano and I was born in Ayacucho where I grew up. But terrorism was terrible in those parts of the Andes, so we moved to Lima.

"When I was a girl, I loved to make doll clothes. I'd spin wool from our sheep to make tiny dresses and many other things. When I discovered the art of arpillería, or patchwork, I realized this was what I'd always wanted to do.

"For as long as I can remember, I've liked to craft things. Besides, necessity forced me to be creative. I realized that I could express my creativity with every scrap of fabric and bring my memories of Ayacucho to life. My work is quite meticulous, but filled with love and the traditions, culture and history of the Peruvian Andes.

"Once I knitted some sweaters and, even though I worked hard and delivered them on time, I was never paid for them. To this day, I haven't received a cent for them, but that experience sowed yet another seed of love for textile arts in my heart. Despite the sacrifices, I continue to create whatever comes to mind.

"I enjoy my work because it's a lovely way to make a living. I give thanks to God for giving me this life, for health, and for blessing my hands with this talent.

"My greatest challenge is to have enough work to send my children to school so that they'll have the ability to defend themselves in life.

"Thank you for appreciating our art This motivates me to continue working, and to improve every detail of each design."

Leonor Quispe's textile work has been exhibited in a number of Peruvian venues, including the U.S. Embassy.

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 BadgeEmpowering Women

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

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Leonor Quispe has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $600 and the most recent for $750.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

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Alternate image for Peruvian Folk Art Cotton Christmas Scene Tree Skirt Nativity Scene

$167.99

Item Detail

Peruvian Folk Art Cotton Christmas Scene Tree Skirt 'Nativity Scene'

$167.99

(6)

Comments

Mary I have received so many compliments about the tree skirt. It is one of the most beautiful items I now own. I want to display it all year!Leonor Quispe is one of my favorite artisans and I look for her items before looking at other artisans.

5 more comments

Alternate image for Peruvian Christmas Tree Applique Wall Hanging Happy Nativity Scene

$99.99

Item Detail

Peruvian Christmas Tree Applique Wall Hanging 'Happy Nativity Scene'

$99.99

(3)

Comments

Gayle We have displayed our Christmas Tree nativity for a couple of years now and it still looks like the day we received it. We love the detail of the figures, and how it relates the story of the nativity.

2 more comments

Alternate image for Cotton Blend Applique Christmas Tree Skirt of Andean Scene Holiday Excitement

$159.99

Item Detail

Cotton Blend Applique Christmas Tree Skirt of Andean Scene 'Holiday Excitement'

$159.99

Alternate image for Andean Patchwork Christmas Star Wall Hanging Christmas Star Nativity

$89.99

Item Detail

Andean Patchwork Christmas Star Wall Hanging 'Christmas Star Nativity'

$89.99

Alternate image for Large Arpillera Wall Hanging Ancash Vista

$349.99

Item Detail

Large Arpillera Wall Hanging 'Ancash Vista'

$349.99

Alternate image for Handcrafted Andean Christmas Pine Tree Applique Wall Hanging Andean Christmas Pine

$79.99

Item Detail

Handcrafted Andean Christmas Pine Tree Applique Wall Hanging 'Andean Christmas Pine'

$79.99

(3)

Comments

Blanca Beautiful

2 more comments

Alternate image for Handcrafted Andean Christmas Tree Applique Wall Hanging Andean Christmas Tree

$84.99

Item Detail

Handcrafted Andean Christmas Tree Applique Wall Hanging 'Andean Christmas Tree'

$84.99

(2)

Comments

Edward A beautiful blend of the secular (a Christmas tree) and the sacred (a Nativity scene). Every figure is handmade and exquisitely done. Everyone who sees it, admires it.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Applique Wall Hanging Andean Folk Art A Spring Day

$174.99

Item Detail

Applique Wall Hanging Andean Folk Art 'A Spring Day'

$174.99

(4)

Comments

Brenna Beautiful, vibrant colors and wonderful attention to detail. I love this piece!

3 more comments

26 Reviews for

October 7, 2023

R Roxanne

Absolutely stunning. More beautiful than the picture! The detail, the colors, the immense amount of love that went into this Christmas tree skirt is so very appreciated. We will think of you when we look at it!

Reviewed item

January 2, 2023

M Mary

I have received so many compliments about the tree skirt. It is one of the most beautiful items I now own. I want to display it all year!Leonor Quispe is one of my favorite artisans and I look for her items before looking at other artisans.

Reviewed item

April 8, 2022

B Betsy

This stocking enriches my holiday decorations! It's a privilege to support the artisan.

Reviewed item

December 16, 2021

B Blanca

Beautiful

Reviewed item

November 26, 2021

J Julia

This is the most wonderful Christmas tree skirt. I can’t wait to get it out every year!!

Reviewed item

July 4, 2021

C Cynthia

The picture on the website does not do justice to this gorgeously crafted wall handing. The texture is wonderful with the people, donkey blankets, and flower petals popping off the background. The colors are brilliant. This stunning piece of work exceeded my expectations by a country mile.

Reviewed item

March 16, 2021

G Gabrielle

I purchased this to replace my husband’s old stocking. It is beautifully crafted. Not very large so perfect for an adult.

Reviewed item

January 16, 2021

H Harriette

I bought this Christmas tree skirt as a gift for my sister, and she absolutely loves it! The craftsman ship is perfect, the design is clever, and the colors are cheerful. She will enjoy this Christmas tree skirt for years to come! Thanks for offering such unique gifts.

Reviewed item

October 18, 2020

K Kathleen

Gorgeous. A cherished Christmas item.

Reviewed item

September 13, 2020

S Susan

Joyful gift to give to my granddaughter for her first Christmas tree.

Reviewed item

December 17, 2019

B Brenna

Beautiful, vibrant colors and wonderful attention to detail. I love this piece!

Reviewed item

October 31, 2019

C Cheryl

This beautiful wall hanging is a treasured piece that I look forward to for the holiday season. The piece is handcrafted and attention to detail is high. I will enjoy this throughout the holiday season this year and many years to come.

Reviewed item

October 25, 2019

M Melissa

When my colleague & friend was expecting her baby, I knew I wanted to get something special that they could enjoy together. Today her daughter is 3 years old and they still tell me how much they enjoy looking at the wall hanging and making up stories about the animals.

Reviewed item

October 14, 2019

W William

Beautiful will become a family heirloom.

Reviewed item

February 13, 2019

E Edward

A beautiful blend of the secular (a Christmas tree) and the sacred (a Nativity scene). Every figure is handmade and exquisitely done. Everyone who sees it, admires it.

Reviewed item

July 30, 2018

C Caroline

I bought this for my mom for Christmas as she loves Christmas. The workmanship is wonderful and she loved it.

Reviewed item

July 30, 2018

S Sally

I have purchased this item many times! Well sewn and meticulously created.

Reviewed item

February 15, 2018

P Patricia

I purchased a Christmas stocking that is absolutely beautiful. The work is incredible. Detailed, materials used are lovely and varied. There is nothing ordinary about this stocking, it is special in every way. I want to order more throughout the year.

Reviewed item

February 5, 2018

G Gayle

We have displayed our Christmas Tree nativity for a couple of years now and it still looks like the day we received it. We love the detail of the figures, and how it relates the story of the nativity.

Reviewed item

November 22, 2017

C Cheryl

I bought this to hang on my wall for Christmas and it was larger than I expected when I received it (which is good!). The colors are bright and cheerful and the there's great attention to details. Looking forward to hanging it during the holiday season!

Reviewed item

November 15, 2017

M Mairi

I just received the "Happy Nativity Scene" wall hanging and it is breathtaking! The colors, the design, the craftsmanship are all marvelous. I can't wait to display it as part of our holiday decorations. Thank you!

Reviewed item

August 28, 2017

P Pat

Vivid colors, beautiful attention to detail, very well made. This will be a treasure for years to come.

Reviewed item

May 3, 2017

A Awilda

This is a beautiful handmade piece of art work. I was looking for a wall hanging that had bright colors for the Spring and Summer seasons. This piece has the colors that I was looking for. It has a colorful, happy scene.

Reviewed item

May 3, 2017

N Nanette

The detail of this piece is truly amazing. It is gorgeous and I love it.

Reviewed item

April 7, 2017

B Bonnie

This applique wall tapestry is so much more vibrant than the picture represents. The artist's use of color and fabric choice to depict the humble nativity juxtaposed against the affluence of the wise men is excellent. There is a lot of detail in this piece that genuinely reflects the confluence of all creation for the birth of Christ. I am so glad that I purchased it. Thanks to the artist for thi... read more

Reviewed item

October 21, 2016

S Salwa

It is a very beautiful piece made with creativity

Reviewed item

April 7, 2017

B Bonnie