Cotton shoulder bag - Psychedelic Pink

Artisan Organization: Ruchira

Country: Thailand

"I took a course on crafting handmade notebooks. I loved it and got an A in that class. I use traditional fabrics from the Lisu hill tribes, which I purchase directly from them. This makes me happy because their traditional crafts can bring in money for food and for their families. I use environmentally friendly materials and feel I'm doing something good for both users and for the world.

"Sawasdee kha! My name is Ruchira Samanasak. Ruchira means "nice and prosperous." But my friends call me Bam. I was born in Chiang Mai on April 18, 1982, the youngest of two children. When I was ten, my father passed away, so I live with mother and my older sister. Mother was a government officer but she is retired now and stays home to take care of us.

"My older sister is my idol. She is a working woman and has taught me so many good things. I'm very proud of her and want to be a smart woman like she is. My mother, my sister and I are very close and spend a lot of time together. When we're not busy, we love to cook together.

"I graduated from Rajamangala Lanna University with a bachelor's degree in art and media. I quit a job I had because my sister needed my help with her venture, and I assisted her with art and design. At that time, I also started creating handmade notebooks. I loved it because I can use my creative thinking. This was a major change in my life and it's so exciting.

"I love creating designs by using many different traditional fabrics and natural materials. I'm also happy because I can work at home. I don't like city life and its stressful. I love the country where we still practice northern Thai traditions and beliefs, where I can go to the temple on all Buddhist holidays and enjoy my neighbors, where I don't have to rush like in the city.

"I think notebooks are nice. We use them as journals and they make us recall memories of all kinds. I write down my good memories and, when I read my journal, it makes me smile.

"Now I am expanding my creative horizons by designing shoulder bags and purses, which I enjoy doing. Hopefully, some day I might start designing clothes too.

"I would like to say thank you to Novica shoppers who know the value of handicrafts. Each one has a history and helps the artist to keep working on something he or she loves.""