Do More This Weekend
Thank the Internet and Pinterest for the renaissance of the handmade era. There was a period in our lives when anything handmade was bypassed in favor of cookie-cutter precision machine-made stuff, but not anymore.
Nowadays, it's not uncommon to bump into women wearing hats, scarves and clothes they've made themselves or to sport tote bags with prints of their own making. We've rounded up some of Manila's most creative crafters and how you can do more with your weekend by taking a fun workshop with them. Not only will you learn a cool, new skill, you'll also get to hang out with new friends.
Mansy Abesamis, Hey Kessy
Hey Kessy is an online store selling rolls of washi tape, a Japanese invention of printed rolls of paper tape that stick to any surface without leaving any marks. Hey Kessy is run partly by resident crafter Mansy Abesamis, who is also a master paper-cutter (see her photo of a hand-cut paper reproduction of an Ilocano lullaby which took a week to make). Her workshops will teach you the art of paper-cutting as well as how to make washi jewelry and other accessories. Photo courtesy of www.heykessy.com
Alessandra Lanot, Life After Breakfast
Graphic designer/restaurateur/artist Alessandra Lanot learned art at a very young age and loved the experience so much that she's made it her goal to spread the love of art with her regular "crafternoons." Workshops offered include rubber stamp-carving, watercolor (her most popular), calligraphy, leather crafts, with more added every couple of months. Photo courtesy of www.lifeafterbreakfast.com
Mikko Sumulong, I Try DIY
Though she has a day job, crafter Mikko Sumulong keeps her hands busy with her friendship bracelets, handmade jewelry and paper crafts. She was one of the authors of the The Friendship Bracelet Book (published by Summit Media) which showcased different patterns for bracelet-making. Photo courtesy of www.itrydiy.com
Trey Ajusto, Gantsilyo Guru
Who says crocheting is for home economics class or for our grandmas only? "Gantsilyo Guru" Trey Ajusto shows you what a great and cheerful addition crocheted pieces are to the home and yes, even to weddings (she makes customized crocheted bridal bouquets and cake toppers!). Join one of her workshops to learn (or relearn) basic crochet techniques as well as how to make amigurumis or cute crocheted dolls. Photo courtesy of www.gantsilyoguru.com
Marielle Nadal, CraftMNL
Marielle Nadal is one of the creative folks running CraftMNL, a workshop hub and shop for one's crafting needs. Some workshops include paper quilling, screenprinting, bookbinding, decoupage and many more. Photo courtesy of http://craftmnl.com
Fozzy Castro-Dayrit, The Fozzy Book
Calligrapher Fozzy Castro-Dayrit is behind the sumptuous-looking calligraphy art prints sold at Heima. She also does typography for weddings and other projects and holds the occasional workshop when her schedule permits it. She also does calligraphy for tattoo designs. Photo courtesy of http://thefozzybook.com
