From the “Gold of the Andes” to pieces full of tenderness: the process behind our alpaca figures

High in the Peruvian Andes, where the air is pure and traditions remain alive, a fiber is born—one that has captivated the world: alpaca wool. Known as the “Gold of the Andes” for its softness, natural shine, and strength, this noble material takes on new life at Alpaca Kapchy, where it is transformed into small figures that blend art, tenderness, and cultural identity through a process filled with dedication and respect.

The beginning of a story: selecting the fiber
It all starts with the careful selection of the finest fiber—100% baby alpaca wool, obtained from the animal’s first shearing, celebrated for its softness and purity. This noble and sustainable raw material marks the beginning of every creation, reflecting our commitment to quality and nature.

Shaping tenderness: felting and modeling
From either yarn or carded fiber, our artisans begin shaping each figure using the needle felting technique. With a special barbed needle, they compact and sculpt the wool little by little until the silhouette of a small alpaca takes form around a handmade mold. Each figure is created from scratch, point by point, in a process that can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on size and details. It’s during this stage that patience and skill transform into art.

The details that bring them to life
Once the main body is shaped, the artisans add the tiny details that make each alpaca unique—ears, eyes, little mouths, tails, and that sweet expression that defines them. Every gesture, every curve, is the result of the artisan’s expert eye. Though our alpacas may look alike, no two are ever identical; each one carries the mark and the heart of its creator.

Finishing and quality review
In the final step, the artisans refine the figure, adjust proportions, and ensure the felt’s firmness. Each piece undergoes a meticulous quality check—not only to guarantee durability, but also to preserve its essence: to convey warmth, tenderness, and identity.

Behind every Alpaca Kapchy figure is a woman with a story. Artisans who find in their craft a source of independence, growth, and pride—within an environment that values their talent and respects their rhythm. Here, art and family intertwine in harmony, giving life to a community that grows with every creation.

Thus, a simple fiber becomes something much greater: a piece with a soul, born from hands that work with passion and care, traveling from the Andes to homes around the world—carrying with it a little piece of Peru.