The Artisan Journal

The Ultimate Guide to Baby Alpaca Wool

Baby alpaca is a grade, not an age — fleece measuring 18 to 22 microns, warmer than wool, softer to wear than most cashmere, and significantly more durable than either. This guide covers what it is...

A Baby Alpaca Shawl: The Winter Gift That Gets Worn, Not Put Away

Some gifts get worn once. A baby alpaca shawl from the Peruvian highlands gets worn until it's soft and familiar and hers.

A Leather Crossbody Bag That Gets Better With Age

Soft tumbled leather, stitched and finished by hand in Lima. The Olivia crossbody — compact, considered, and built for every season. Six colourways. Designed in Australia, made in Peru.

Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind: Why Pieces Like Ours Are Being Recognised

Orange Inca was recently featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly. Discover why handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces are being recognised — and what this moment represents for craftsmanship and consc...

Are Raffia Bags Durable? Junco vs Raffia, and What Actually Lasts

Yes, raffia is durable for a leaf fibre — but the woven bags still going after several years usually aren't raffia. Junco is a reed, and it fails differently.

The Bag That Started It All: The Story Behind the Playa

The Playa was the bag that started it all. Now upgraded with new faux leather straps and matching coin purse, it’s still our most iconic handwoven tote.

The Story Behind Our Gran Fiesta: How a Handwoven Tote Became a Movement

The Gran Fiesta started as a single handwoven junco tote — bold, naturally dyed, made in Peru. Here’s how it evolved into a full collection of totes, crossbody bags, and coin purses, and why the Na...

Wrapped in Alpaca: My Go-To Winter Look in the Blue Mountains

A crisp winter day in the Blue Mountains, layered in baby alpaca. Here's what I wore, why I love it, and how it makes me feel every time I reach for it. - Marcela, founder Orange Inca

Why Invest in an Alpaca Coat This Winter?

Naturally warmer than wool, yet incredibly lightweight — our alpaca coats offer breathable warmth without the bulk. Hand-finished in Peru using mostly alpaca and a touch of wool for structure, they...

Baby Alpaca in Winter: What Makes It Different

Baby alpaca is a winter fibre in the best sense — warmer for its weight than standard wool, soft enough for direct skin contact, and durable enough to look good at the end of a full season. Here’s ...