Jewelry Making Supplies are our business at Nina Designs but our mission includes supporting artisans in our own community as well as abroad. In 2010 we established a microloan fund to assist women artists in developing countries. Through NOVICA, we have lent to women in four countries, including Ernestina Oppong Asante who creates traditional drums in Ghana. She plans to use her loan to purchase raw materials, a drill machine, jigsaw and sand paper machine.

“I was born in the Eastern region of Ghana on July 23, 1968, and had my early education there. I trained in dressmaking but on completion of the course, I realized that the trade would not do well in my town. I therefore decided to learn a popular trade like carving. I trained under one Kwame Duah and within three years I had perfected the skill and was developing woodcarvings on my own. Since 1995, I have been operating a workshop of my own with four people working under me. Fortunately, my husband David Assante also trained as a carver and so we combine our skills to design and carve the drums with perfection.”

“I love making drums. I believe that there are very bright business prospects for the African traditional drum. Though carving has long been regarded as the preserve of men, I am glad that I have been able not only to infiltrate but to also make an impact on the trade. For the years that I have been in this business, I have never had any regrets whatsoever. It is my fervent hope to carve more interesting drums for you to enjoy.”

Bali Beads are gorgeous works of art. We have championed these tiny masterpieces for decades. Now, through our microloan program, we have the opportunity to give back to the artisans who work so masterfully in silver. Nyoman Sukartini is our first Indonesian microloan participant.

” From the time I was little, my mother taught me how to be a ‘Balinese woman.’ In her mind, a Balinese woman must devote her life to God, her husband and also to society. She taught me how to cook and do housework and also how to make offerings, starting from very simple ones and continuing with the complex offerings, because almost every day is a ceremonial occasion in Bali.”

“At the age of 16, I studied at SMIK (Sekolah Menengah Industri Kerajinan) in Gianyar. In this school, I learned batik, ceramics and other home industries for three years. Back from school, I took an apprenticeship with a silversmith in a village where they specialized in jewelry.

“Today I work together with local silversmiths to promote Bali’s beauty in our own way. We make different kinds of jewelry, mostly with sterling silver, in both traditional and modern styles. I was fortunate to find Novica, a place where small artisans like me can share our new ideas and designs, and have a chance to be appreciated by people from all over the world.”

Silver Pendants make fabulous centerpieces but did you know they fund microloans to artisans in developing countries? It’s true! Nina Designs uses a portion of annual profits to fund a rotating line of credit administered by NOVICA. Our first round of microloans were made to five women artisans, including Francys Ferreira who makes leather maps in Brazil.

“I use fine leather, simple tools and well practiced fire engraving methods to create my works of art. All the lines and shades are burned into the leather, thus rendering it impossible to erase or fade. Natural dyes are injected into the skin to create deeper contrasts and sharpness. The top layer is treated with plant solutions to protect the surface against time and insect infestation. Finally, a natural paste is applied to attain a fine finish.”

The maps are highly decorative, elegant and engaging. They capture the romance and adventure of the age of discovery.  “Since I use hand tools and natural leather, each map is slightly distinct, which attests to its individuality. I make each map with much love and attention to detail.”