Photo album, 'Elephant Calf'

Product Review

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. The cover of this truly elegant photo album is an inviting combination of plaid cotton and the rich texture of saa paper. Nikom crafts beautiful items with natural materials. This unique piece features an aluminum medallion embossed with an elephant calf, contrasting exquisitely with the deep and soft tones of the work. Embedded in the sheets of saa paper are natural cosmos leaves and petals. Each side of the eighteen pages has slots for one photo measuring 4 in x 6 in. Artisan Info: "You used to know me through Wicharn Wongkham, a very skilled painter who worked with me. But now that he has left for greener pastures, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Nikom Boontunjeen and I was born in northern Thailand in the early 1960s. I grew up in a village known for their saa paper parasols. I enjoyed a peaceful childhood. I was a regular and filial country child, and often helped my parents crafting umbrellas. "I studied in Bangkok, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. Then I came back home and set up my saa paper and umbrella workshop in the late '80s. It was a good decision for my parents, my family and the neighboring villagers. "It was also very inspiring to work with family and friends who shared the same interest. We improved the design