Jiap Rojjana

Jiap Rojjana handcrafted cotton handbags

"I was born in 1973 in a province north of Bangkok. Although my parents are poor farmers, they worked very hard to send my two sisters, my brother and myself to school. They wanted us to have a good education and to be able to achieve more than they did. However, I knew it would be too heavy a burden for them to send us to university. Upon hearing that finding a job in the northern region of Thailand was very easy compared to my modest village, I set off to see after getting my high school certificate. I managed to find work in sales. A few years went by and I met my husband. I resigned from my sales job and began helping him with paperwork for his construction business. Although both of us were working, we still struggled very hard to make ends meet.

"The idea working with textiles came about after visiting a silk shop. Such a wide range of beautifully colored, intricate cloth patterns mesmerized me! I bought some cloth to make myself a dress. With the scrap pieces of silk I made a few cushions and gave them to a friend of mine, who liked them surprisingly so much that she wanted to buy some from me to give to her friends. So it started, making clothes, wall hangings, table runners, cushion covers and various items with beautiful, diverse silk and cotton. I became enthralled with the whole process, I was doing something I loved to do and it was starting to bring in an income. My husband's business was not going well due to an economic crisis and the cost of living was rising, so most people were forced to tighten their belts for food and everyday expenses. I began to focus all my attention on my little handicrafts. Because of the low cost of my labor, people were still able to afford a little luxury in these hard times. A couple of years went by with my small venture growing and growing. Eventually I was able to sufficiently support my two children and had enough money left over to send some to my parents, brother and sister. Ironically, it is now my husband who helps me as his construction company fell through a few years back!

"I want to offer as many colors, styles, and patterns as I can and I want my customers to be overwhelmed with the selection and beauty of my handmade cushions."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Chiang Mai, Thailand

"The idea working with textiles came about after visiting a silk shop. Such a wide range of beautifully colored, intricate cloth patterns mesmerized me! I bought some cloth to make myself a dress. With the scrap pieces of silk I made a few cushions and gave them to a friend of mine, who liked them surprisingly so much that she wanted to buy some from me to give to her friends. So it started, making clothes, wall hangings, table runners, cushion covers and various items with beautiful, diverse silk and cotton. I became enthralled with the whole process, I was doing something I loved to do and it was starting to bring in an income. My husband's business was not going well due to an economic crisis and the cost of living was rising, so most people were forced to tighten their belts for food and everyday expenses. I began to focus all my attention on my little handicrafts. Because of the low cost of my labor, people were still able to afford a little luxury in these hard times. A couple of years went by with my small venture growing and growing. Eventually I was able to sufficiently support my two children and had enough money left over to send some to my parents, brother and sister. Ironically, it is now my husband who helps me as his construction company fell through a few years back!

"I want to offer as many colors, styles, and patterns as I can and I want my customers to be overwhelmed with the selection and beauty of my handmade cushions."

Thailand Artisan Empowerment Hub

In Thailand, artistic skills and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. As you explore our Thailand Collection you will discover handwoven silks and hand embroidered textiles, celadon and benjarong pottery, teak carvings, lacquerware and exquisite jewelry. All are handcrafted in traditional and contemporary designs by talented Thai artisans.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

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Alternate image for Handmade Striped Cotton Shoulder Bag Antique North

$34.99

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Handmade Striped Cotton Shoulder Bag 'Antique North'

$34.99

Alternate image for Cotton handbag Starburst

$29.99

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Cotton handbag 'Starburst'

$29.99

(2)

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Nancy The color of the bag itself is great, but the embroidery is colorful and just gorgeous! I get compliments whenever I use it.

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Alternate image for Handcrafted Hill Tribe Patchwork Sling Bag Hmong Tradition

$59.99

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Handcrafted Hill Tribe Patchwork Sling Bag 'Hmong Tradition'

$59.99

Alternate image for Hand Made Cotton Shoulder Bag Red Elephant Luck

$39.99

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Hand Made Cotton Shoulder Bag 'Red Elephant Luck'

$39.99

(1)

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L Lynn Tried to a review this many times, but site did not function and I could not write or post on it. I Contacted Customer Service which asked me to write my review and they would post it, but what happened to it is a mystery. I only mention this because I loved the purse and wanted Jiap to know that as soon as I received it.She is a very creative and excellent seamstress. By the way, I Iadded beads and tassels for extra fun.

Alternate image for Cotton Blend Shoulder Bag Black Vermilion from Thailand Thai Elephants in Vermilion

$39.99

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Cotton Blend Shoulder Bag Black Vermilion from Thailand 'Thai Elephants in Vermilion'

$39.99

Alternate image for Unique Cotton Shoulder Bag from Thailand Siamese Blush

$47.99

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Unique Cotton Shoulder Bag from Thailand 'Siamese Blush'

$47.99

(3)

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Jeannette I loved this bag to pieces. Literally. It is a well made bag to have held up for me as it has. I carried it for a very long time. Eventually the inside pocket zipper that was sewn on by hand came undone. Then the button on the front came off. That's when I decided to put it away until it could be repaired. I plan to use it again at some point or pass it to a daughter. The fabric has held up beautifully. I would definitely buy from this artisan again.

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Alternate image for Handmade Blue Cotton Shoulder Bag with Elephant Motif Royal Thai Elephant

$34.99

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Handmade Blue Cotton Shoulder Bag with Elephant Motif 'Royal Thai Elephant'

$34.99

(2)

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Louise Colors on this bag are vibrant! The cotton is thick enough to feel secure but still soft. I’ve had so many compliments when carrying it!

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Alternate image for Cotton handbag Akha Life

$34.99

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Cotton handbag 'Akha Life'

$34.99

(23)

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Mayra this bag has beautiful colors and is very well made, love it.

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Alternate image for Cotton Thai Style Shoulder Bag in Crimson and Black Crimson Wine

$39.99

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Cotton Thai Style Shoulder Bag in Crimson and Black 'Crimson Wine'

$39.99

(2)

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Cynthia I'm delighted with this bag - great size, beautiful colors. Can't wait to show it off!

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Alternate image for Handmade Grey Cotton Shoulder Bag Scarlet Thai

$37.99

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Handmade Grey Cotton Shoulder Bag 'Scarlet Thai'

$37.99

(7)

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Barcia The quality and color combination is outstanding. The fact that the bag can be laundered is really a Plus! It's a good size without being over the top big...Very Pleased and the price is good.

6 more comments