Annapurna

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I was born in 1970 in Jaipur. People describe me as creative, caring and hardworking. Life is not always a bed of roses; there are ups and downs but I’m a very positive thinker. When things are not going well, I focus on work since it keeps me engaged and is also very rewarding.

I have been interested in crafting leather-bound journals since I was a child. This art involves recycling materials to convert them into beautiful notebooks.

"My aunt taught me and, to master this craft, I had to practice a lot but I've never gotten bored or felt like giving it up.

"We use cotton shreds discarded by garment factories. We cut the shreds into smaller pieces and convert them to pulp to recycle as handmade paper. Creating paper without cutting down trees gives me immense satisfaction.

"I derive inspiration by reading about women who have achieved big things in their lives. This motivates me to work harder. We started with nothing but my interest in crafts, and my workshop was very small at first. Today, I am able to benefit the artisans who have helped me keep going.

"I work with my son and with skilled women who create unique and original designs. We train and employ women living in the surrounding areas, which enables them to earn a decent livelihood and support their families.

"I want to keep innovating, creating designs that people love."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.