When Maple of
northstaralpacas sends out her Etsy packages, there's a little treat included in addition to the luscious handspun yarn and cozy handknit hats. The unexpected surprise that awaits each customer? A photograph of the specific alpaca from which the item originated. The handmade movement has always been about the person behind the product, but northstaraplacas and
other fiber artists on Etsy are taking this one step further: crediting the animal behind the product, too.
Maple appreciates the gift these animals provide her, and in exchange, nurtures them, above and beyond commercial responsibilities. On her blog,
Alpaca Granny, Maple tells the story of one baby alpaca (
cria), named Spot for the light patch on the top of his head, who was having trouble nursing from his mother, Ariana. Maple saved this little guy by bottle-feeding for his first few weeks.

Just this week, Maple posted a triumphant update about Spot's progress: "He will have absolutely nothing to do with his bottle and is a little aloof to me now. I'm so amazed that after 3 weeks he is figuring out the instincts that he should have had at birth. And thank you, Ariana, for being so patient with him."

It's inspiring to see this symbiotic relationship succeed. I hope Spot will reciprocate the love!
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