Hand-Painted Bone and Amethyst Feather Dangle Earrings, "Antique Feathers"

"I was born in Bali in 1989, the second of two children. In my village, many of the villagers work as bone carvers. My father works as a driver in Bali. Like other children in my village, I went to school and graduated from senior high school.

"After high school, I married my husband. He is a great bone carver. He introduced me to the art of bone carving. After learning the technique and practicing a lot, I started making jewelry from bone. At first, I made earrings and hair pins. Later, I made necklaces and bracelets. Cow bone is not the only material I use; I use water buffalo horn and wood, as well.

"My husband and I are happy and we are blessed with three children. Being a parent is a great feeling for me. Raising children is a lot of hard work, but there is also a lot of joy. Many things have changed. I learned how to be more patient and responsible. I also train myself to be a better person so I can be an example for my kids.

"Being a mother means not having much time to enjoy myself, but I can still do my simple hobbies. I love gardening and reading. I love these things because I don’t have to spend money or time away from my family.

"Although my life now seems happy, there were times when I felt low and even dead inside. The time my mother passed away was really shocking and made me sad. Also, when my youngest child was sick, she had a fever and convulsions until she fainted. Those moments really made me sad. Thank God, my children are now all healthy and happy.

"Sometimes life is not easy and, when going through hard times we need to keep telling ourselves that we can do it. I have words that always get me through: 'Do the best, as hard as you can, and results will follow.' When I made my first earrings, I tried to make a great pair. I used the best material, pictured the design, then combined it with gemstones to make it even greater.

"I am inspired mostly by nature and the culture that surrounds me. I am helped by four artisans. I create my design first and they copy what I make. The materials I use are not hard to get in Bali, and the equipment I use is not complicated. I use saws, grinders, polishing machines, etc.

"I met Novica through friends who were already Novica-featured artisans. I hope to introduce my jewelry and increase my sales so that I can provide good meals, good education, and good healthcare for my family."