Khanittha "I began to feel that leather bracelets have their own charm. I bought some books to learn how to craft my own. I even made a bracelet from my old leather belt." "Sawasdee ka! I'm Khanittha Khew-nga. 'Khanittha' means 'younger sister,' but everyone calls me Tha. I come from Sukhothai, which was a kingdom all its own for two centuries. "I have two older brothers. Many times I had to play like a boy, climbing trees for example. Sometime I got hurt but I had a lot of fun. Whenever we have a chance to get together, we always talk about our childhood. These are really good memories for all of us. "We live with four other relatives, but we have our own house on the property. This is a real Thai family. When children get married, they build their own house in the same area so that they can still take care of their parents. I am very happy that we have such a warm family. We often have small parties and that make us even closer. We always help and support each other. "When I was young, I liked art a lot even though the curriculum set only an hour per week on my study table. So when I had free time, I liked to draw. It was funny that all the students' drawings had almost the same things, for example two mountains with the sun in the middle, a house and a palm tree. But my drawing was special – mine had four houses. "Although art was my favorite subject, I majored in economics. But I wanted to do other things. I happened to meet a woman who wore leather jewelry. She had an attractive bracelet with a simple motif and it looked very classical. I asked her where she got it and also what it had cost – I just wanted to own one. "Then I began to feel that leather bracelets have their own charm because the patterns on them can tell about one's character. I bought some books to learn how to craft my own. I also searched on the Internet. I used simple materials that I can source locally. I even made a bracelet from my old leather belt. I made them not only for myself but also for friends on several occasions. "One day, a friend of mine placed a small order for leather bracelets with me. She sold them at a market. That was the starting point for serious leather designing and crafting. I searched for good quality material to create many more designs. I invested quite a lot because some materials were very expensive and had to order a minimum quantity to get wholesale prices. I didn't have enough money, so I borrowed from my family. They were so kind to lend me what I needed and also helped find customers for me. "Unfortunately, sales weren't good because I live in small town, and not many people here are interested in leather jewelry. So I contacted a cousin who had a boutique shop in Bangkok. She kindly allowed me to rent a small space in her shop to sell my leather bracelets. My sales increased! "I've learned a lot, including quality control. I didn't do it well at the beginning. I faced the problems of shortage of material. Copying designs was another big problem for me. I felt discouraged, but I was very lucky that the people around me came to say good things and asked me to never give up. I didn't. I continue to create my designs and, when I face a problem, I try to find the best solution. "These days, I want to spend most of my time designing new styles and taking care of my parents who are getting older. They need good and healthy food, and I see that they have it. I regularly take them for medical checkups. Every week, we go to the temple together. "I think that I am successful. I'm not rich, but I feel satisfied with what I love to do."

	Customer Reviews
		I ordered two leather bracelets for my step-son by the artist Khanittha, the "Contrast" and the "Ultra Brown Chic". They arrived today. I am pleased! You can't beat the quality, especially at such reasonable prices. The photos of the bracelets on the website don't do the items justice. The bracelets are very well made and I appreciated the care with the packaging. The paper jewelry boxes themselves are worth keeping. Very decorative in a natural, simplistic way. I know my step-son will love his present. I must also comment that the shipping was incredibly fast. I ordered the bracelets on 11/28 and they arrived 12/02. No worries there. I'll definitely shop here in the future. - Kimberly thank you so much Khanittha, this was beautiful and my boyfriend loved it. I love buying from novica and the artistry is always something that makes each gift so interesting. Never see anything like it when i shop. I hope you do very well in your gift of creating. ~~ paula - paula, pittsburgh, pa I have received the "Double Wrap Brown" bracelet for myself, and ordered the "Contrast" for my man : ) I LOVE your work! I couldn't be happier. The simplicity and modern look is what I love so much about these 2 pieces. I look forward to purchasing more of your work!! Thanks so much! - Scarlett I just received my braided leather bracelet and I love it! I can't wait to wear it! It is really well made and the packaging was awesome...perfect for gifts! I love being able to purchase unique items that I know were made with love. Thanks so much! - Jennifer, Hermitage, Pennsylvania, United States Just want to let you know how much I love the men's bracelet I recently recieved. It is simple, classic in design & makes a gentle statement. Wonderful!! - Martha I am so very pleased and satisfied with my leather wristband... And the box and pillow that it came in was just beautiful .... Thank you for the beautiful work that was put into it :) - Donna Hi: I received my GORGEOUS wrist band and I am thrilled with it, you are a fantatic artist. The box container and other enclosures were so sweet. Keep up the good work! On the other had the process I had to go through to send you this well deserved praise really sucked. I have to wonder how many deserved compliments you have missed as happy customers have just given up trying to get to this testimonial page. Stay well, you are a special lady! - Mill Like you, I am attracted to the natural look and texture of leather bracelets. I had been looking for just the right one, in stores and on-line for quite some time. I purchased one last month, from a different artist, as a gift for a friend. Now I purchased this one for me. And I just received the 'Tham Luang Forest' bracelet from your collection I love it. Thank you for your good craftsmanship. The bracelet is delicate and fit for a woman, with all the natural feel and wear of the creativity that inspired it. We have similar backgrounds growing up. I am the youngest, a sister, and was much of a tomboy. Playing sports, learning how to do things usually done by boys and men. Always interested in learning more, gaining new skills, and finding a craft and work I could be good at. I wish you good luck in your future work. And thank you for designing the bracelet which I now wear and am quite comfortable with. - Judith Gorgeous. It's so well made and original. My son will love it. - Jennifer I just got New Age for my son and its beautiful. He will cherish wearing such a unique piece of art that exudes strength and new perspective in its design. Lovely. - Jennifer