handmade bag

Perfect for an impromptu picnic, a trip to the farmer's market or a visit to the library, this cool tote is the original creation of the Ciudad Bolivar artisans in Colombia. They weave the turquoise, yellow and black bag from recycled strips of PET polyethylene, adding a flap and straps of brown faux leather and gold-toned hardware.

With traditional motifs that echo the shapes of the Andes mountains, this 100% alpaca shoulder bag is a standout. The artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco craft it entirely from scratch--raising the alpacas and llamas to obtain the fleece; shearing, dyeing and spinning the wool; and weaving the textile on a traditional waist loom. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

With an authentic talent for wool and suede handbags and accessories, Peruvian designer Lida Evaristo creates this dapper cosmetic bag set, ideal for any trip. The three accessories are made in complementary sizes, allowing you to keep each type of item in a separate space. In addition to their elegant palette of black, white, yellow and turquoise hues, each piece features a suede strap, Inca motifs and a polyester-lined interior closing with a zipper.

Made entirely by hand, this beautiful contemporary bag showcases the ancestral weaving traditions preserved by the women artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. The compact purse exemplifies the incredible time and dedication it takes to produce a handmade work of art. In the highlands they call home, before they can begin to weave the fabric for the bag, the women must first raise and shear the alpacas and llamas to obtain the wool, then dye and spin the fleece before it is ready to be woven into fabric on a traditional backstrap loom. From start to finish, the time taken to produce each bag spans the seasons. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

La Guajira is a magical Colombian region blessed by the sun, which keeps the natural landscapes illuminated for long hours, making the daylight longer. Inspired by this phenomenon, designer Lorette Menjura works with local artisans to create an acrylic coin purse featuring a colorful design in honor of the shiny Guajira sun, all made with handmade tufting techniques. The accessory also comes with a zippered closure, a little braided strap, a green pompom and a polyester lining.