Discovering The Handmade Community

As I mentioned on my previous post, I went to the 10A Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair last Saturday. They hold the fair several times a year for two consecutive days at an old house in Quezon City where many different local artists and crafters come together and sell their handmade goods. It was my third time being there and every single time I go I have a lot of fun. The atmosphere is always festive and people are very friendly. I remember going for the first time early this year and meeting so many great and creative people, I instantly fell in love with the handmade community. It’s probably one of the things that made me get into crafts more seriously this year. It’s not just about making art. It’s also the people you share what you make with and the privilege of learning from each other. That’s what I discovered at 10a Alabama.

I make it a point to go every time there’s a bazaar but this time, I was also able to join Craft Mla’s Print Lab, which is a one hour session where you can try out screen printing, blind debossing, rubber cutting/carving and stamping. It was not a formal workshop but the people from Craft Mla were there to show you how things are used and guide you through it. You were allowed to create things and use their gadgets as much as you can but only within an hour. So I tried my hands at everything and it all was new to me. I actually didn’t do very well. I wish I had produced nicer stuff but it’s okay, because I really had fun. I’m also thankful to the people of Craft Mla who answered all my questions and let me try everything over and over. (You guys are great!) It was really just a taste of what they teach more extensively at their workshops but it was a good chance to get more familiar with the different crafts and art tools. If you want to know more about Craft Mla and their upcoming workshops, go to www.craftmla.com.

  

DIY manual screenprinter

Trying out the blind debosser (letterpress without the ink)

Tried to carve out my own rubber plate in 15 minutes (I had so little time!). Didn’t turn out so well but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I also discovered that rubber printing is an entirely different ball game from rubber stamping. Check out Marielle of Craft Mla’s awesome craft bird!

After the Print Lab, I went around the fair and found many unique and interesting things. Bravo to all the sellers! The products are getting better every time. Here are just some of the cool things I found at the fair:

  

I love these colorful leather goods by bags by rubber tree. Check out their products here.

Art by Jamie Bauza

   

These miniature canvas paintings by Jamie are so pretty!

Paper goods everywhere!

Got my baby girls these cute animal shaped pillows by Silly Monkey Clothing. I really like the fabric patterns and they’re so cheap too!

Angel, who easily became my friend, owns My Gilded Nest and she makes these leather cuffs and feather pendants. She also makes other leather goods and accessories made of semi-precious stones. I adore her and her stuff! I got only a few pieces from her (as shown above) but now I regret not getting more! Visit My Glided Nest here.

The Craft Mla Workspace is at The Collective in Malugay St in Makati. The first time I went there was not for a workshop but for the Paper Pop Up a month ago with Kayo and the kids. They opened shop and sold various types of  paper products from different artists and brands. Aside from the art prints, gift tags, postcards and stationery, there were also boxes of washi tapes, stamps, stamp pads and many other cute and crafty things. That’s also the first time I met all these cool people of Craft Mla, who I saw again last week at the fair.

Piles of crafty things, including Junk Studio‘s charming book lockets.

Kayo chatting with the Paper Popup people over some craft beer being sold next door

In fact, tonight, Nov 15, is the Bloom Arts Festival at The Collective and Craft Mla will be having a pop up called Pocket Party: A Popup of Small Crafty Things. Once again, artists and crafters from all over Manila will be coming together to share art and also raise funds to help the victims of Yolanda. So if you’re not doing anything tonight and would like a taste of the Manila’s art scene, and also want to contribute to helping those in need in our country, head out to The Collective tonight and join the festival. Meet people, appreciate and purchase art, enjoy the vibe and maybe you’ll also want to be part of this inspiring community of creatives.

Art by Anjo Bolarda