NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Coconut shell disks depict stylized flowers that seem to spin like pinwheels. With their organic textures, they cover a handbag by Sasithon Saisuk. More disks form the wide mango wood shoulder strap. A convenient inner pocket and coconut shell trim on the zipper distinguish this cheerful purse. Artisan Info: "Hello. I'm Sasithon Saisuk or you can call me Eaw, my nickname. I was born on April 30, 1968 and have two older sisters. My personality is optimistic, rejoicing, forgiving and never malicious. Although I can get angry easily, I calm down very quickly. When I was young, I was a shy girl and always obedient. "After I finished high school, I worked for a newspaper with my sister, who is a journalist. But we couldn't separate our work and family relationships, so I returned to my hometown. I had a chance to study Thai dance and music, and in 2000 I began working at the school. It focuses on local intellectual methods and here I found an opportunity to do the things I truly love. I performed northern Thai regional dance and in addition I learned to make jewelry. It is the melding of art and local beauty expressed in the combination of materials. "Silverwork is a regional tradition. I design the patterns for this kind of jewelry and adjust it to suit both local and contemporary
