Cotton shoulder bag, "Joyful Blue"

"I'm Jurairat Yardfung, but everyone calls me by my nickname, Jang. First of all, I would like to say thank you for taking the time to read my story. Previously, I never imagined that it would be published and that I could share my work for people from all over the world to admire. I hope to get a good response.

"I was born in 1978 to a warm family. I am the eldest of two children and my childhood was very happy. I was enrolled in a private school for girls, one of the oldest in Chiang Mai. Our uniforms were outstanding with a rich red skirt, and this made the school looked bright and lively.

"At that time, my dream career was to be a drawing artist. I didn't have any idea how this occupation could earn money. As with all Thai students, when I finished 9th grade, it was time to select the subject I loved. I felt reluctant because I wasn't sure what subject I should focus on, even though my friends went to Lanna Rajamangala Institute to study art.

"After 10th grade, I applied to that same school. I passed the examination and majored in architecture. I didn't even consider how easy or difficult it is, but I made the decision because I love drawing.

"For my bachelor's degree, I attended a university in Bangkok. After graduating, I moved back to Chiang Mai, whereas my friends chose to work in Bangkok because they can earn a higher salary and there were variety of jobs there. I chose Chiang Mai because it's my home town. I wanted to live with my family and wanted to spend my life in this charming town.

"I started working in a small company. After that, I took a job on the side as an interior designer. I loved this more than designing structures.

"As a hobby, I love needlework. I usually spent time shopping for nice patterned fabric for making dolls I made to give my friends on special occasions. I was very happy when I crafted dolls in the shape of different animals. I work carefully and pay attention to every stage, from selecting the fabric and thread color to choosing the small beads that my dolls more interesting. My gifts brought a smile to everyone who received one.

"As time went by, I fell in love with sewing dolls. I started thinking that I should get serious about it. I began studying how to draw patterns and select fabrics in order to create dolls of better quality. This took me two years of trial and error.

"In addition to dolls, I also design bags that can be used in daily life. I choose the fabric myself and craft a sample to make sure if everything is okay. Then I rely on other craftspeople who assist me with the sewing. I'm grateful that they always help me and I hope that we will all grow together.

"Currently, I am still doing some interior design work. My boyfriend, whom I've known since our schooldays, helps me and that makes me happy. So I have time to work on what I love more.

"I hope that all of you will like my designs and support our work. Thank you!"