I am a retired art teacher. I tried to teach my students the value of handmade arts and crafts. I always took in items that I purchased to enhance my cultural art lessons. While not all children were going to grow up to be great artists - they all could appreciate art and BUY ART.

I have one son who also appreciates art. He has several works of art that I made for him proudly displayed in his home. We also share a passion for fish-keeping. We both have large freshwater aquariums. My son also has a saltwater aquarium.

My husband teaches high school English and has many art prints in his classroom.

I love helping artisans around the world. I am a long time supporter of Fair Trade. What I really like about Novica is that I know who made the items that I purchase. I save all of the name cards that come with my purchases. My purchases come beautifully wrapped, too.

I like reading the stories the artisans have to tell. Many of my purchases were made after reading their story.