NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. Graceful and beautiful, this glittering shoulder bag comes from Brazilian designer Neide Ambrosio. She shapes it with a mesh crafted of golden zipper pulls linked to one another with aluminum rings. The bag is lined with satin and closes with a secure hook clasp. Ambrosio names this design Akualtune, in honor of an African woman warrior, leader of Palmares. In Brazil, November 20 is celebrated as the Day of the Black Conscience. Artisan Info: "I began to crochet four years ago when I was looking through a magazine and I was enchanted with a piece all made of beautiful stitches. I practiced making some experimental models and suddenly I was creating my own designs. Then, when participating in an arts-and-crafts fair, I saw some pieces made of recycled materials and I thought of incorporating them into my designs. I set to work and soon the first models appeared. I loved them! It's wonderful when you get to transform an idea into a real object. What started as a hobby makes my day. I am never able to lay my crochet hooks aside. Wherever I go, they are with me and I take advantage of every free minute to elaborate new stitches. "Such delicate work requires a lot of patience, dedication and attention. Perfectionism is fundamental to creating quality items. I am happy exhibiting my works and I feel great satisfaction with each compliment I receive. I am very happy
