Heart-Shaped Floral Cactus Crocheted Cotton Home Accent - Love Cactus

Artisan Organization: Marleny Chajon

Country: Central America

"I was born and raised in the beautiful little city of Antigua. It's a wonderful place to live — you can perceive the art in every corner of the town. I find inspiration in its landscapes, its streets and its people.

"My mother was always my example of perseverance and struggle. All her life, she was a hard worker. She wanted to give me the best and make sure I never lacked anything I needed, and I feel grateful with all my heart. Thanks to my mother, I was able to finish school, as my aunt looked after me while Mom worked.

"My aunt crocheted and I liked to watch her. By the time I was ten, I wanted to learn and asked her to teach me. My aunt was delighted and taught me very patiently as I learned the process. Of course, I was absolutely fascinated with everything I could do with my crocheting.

"I began selling small crocheted items as a hobby. But I left it for three years after receiving the greatest gift God has ever given me — my son, Carlos Alberto. From the moment I first held him in my arms, I felt an intense need to give him the best of me, just as my mother did for me.

"That's when I took a job to help my husband with the household expenses. But I realized I was neglecting my home, so I decided to work from home. I began crocheting again and rediscovered my passion for the art.

"Crochet also lets me personally take care of my son and be with him during his most important stages of development. I thank God that there are so many people who have faith in my skills. Little by little, my husband and I have been getting ahead. He is my support and my greatest admirer.

"My dream is to continue giving my son the best. I want to give him the schooling he needs and I want him to become a good man who can give something back to society like my husband and I do. My husband and my son are the greatest motivation I have each day.

"I'm sharing some small designs with you that were crafted with much love. They're the result of the many years it's taken to perfect my technique but this has let me offer you quality work. Thanks to you, I have dreams and goals.""