High in the Andes Mountains of Peru, entire families carry on the old artistic customs of knitting and gourd-carving. Creating intricate, charming toys and ornaments not only keeps cultural and ancestral traditions alive but also helps these families survive. Our dedicated partners at Peruvian Designs have created a market for these creations and are committed to empowering the artisans to help themselves, their families, and their communities. Many of these skilled crafters are mothers struggling to support their children. Working from home gives them the opportunity to be with their little ones while also tending to their animals and gardens, and the income they earn empowers them to have stronger voices within their families and communities. Although life within these mountainous agricultural communities is not always easy, a cheerful and industrious spirit prevails, and the delightful handmade toys and ornaments produced there vividly portray the joy of the men, women, and families who create them.