Handcrafted Steel Ant Decorative Accents from Bali (Pair), "Happy Ants"

“My name is Ni Ketut Lastini. My friends just call me Nik. I was born in Mas village, located in Ubud in the Gianyar regency of Bali in 1980. I am so proud to have been born in Mas, which is also called the ‘art village,’ since there are many carvers of wood statuettes here. Since I was a kid, I made statuettes with my parents and siblings. I am the fourth child of seven.

“I loved my childhood. I used to go to the rice fields after school. Sometimes, I helped make statuettes in order to earn more money. I usually used the money I earned to buy school supplies and even pay my school fees. I had to work ever since I was a kid because my parents are just farmers and statuette carvers. But, they are hardworking, which has made me who I am today.

“Like other children in my village, I also went to school. I didn’t just complete primary school; I attended all the way through senior high. After graduating from senior high, I began to work. My career started as a salesperson. Aside from promoting things, I also sold fabric back in those days. Eventually, I met an American couple. I worked for them as a shopkeeper in their handicraft shop.

“One day, this American couple wanted to change their shop. They wanted to sell Christmas ornaments instead of handicrafts. Yet, their dream never came true, because the wife passed away. From that moment on, I wanted to carry on their dream.

“Making Christmas ornaments is one of my hobbies. Usually, an idea will come to my mind and then I bring it to life. Because I am still single, I am helped by 12 other people. Aside from making Christmas ornaments I also love to swim, run, and cycle. Due to my hobbies, my friends call me a hardworking and creative person.

“I know about NOVICA because a friend suggested that I join. I hope NOVICA will be able to promote my Christmas ornaments so I can be a part of people’s Christmas joy. Also, I want to recycle things like wood, steel, and aluminum into something better, like Christmas ornaments."