For those who don't know, I have a crochet page/business. And guess what? It became a part of the showcase of Katha Pilipinas for ArteFino Festival last August 24-27!
Katha Pilipinas is a micro creative social value enterprise that showcases and supports products handmade by Filipino artisans. They cater from visual painting, handmade crafts, homeware, and even furniture design!
ArteFino Festival is a movement that supports Filipino artisans through this event where various local craftsmen/artists launch or sell their products. ArteFino also aspires to encourage Filipino artisans and promote sustainable livelihood for communities.
As a lowkey starting artist, this opportunity came as a surprise for me. I mean a collab? With Katha? For ArteFino? Isn't that crazy!?
Okay, backstory...
I first met Daianne, the founder of Katha Pilipinas, during the Sunday Fair at Through Habit Cafe last March 2023. She visited my booth and we got to chitchat for a while. She briefly shared something about Katha Pilipinas, and at the end of our conversation, she told me that we should do a collab one of these days. That invitation alone made me super kilig, but part of me thought it could be just a passing idea. I mean, there are a lot of talented crochet artists out there, so there's a high probability that they would meet someone "better"(?) I know, I know, self-sabotage. he he
But lo and behold, last June 2023, Dai messaged me, asking, "Would you be interested to join us as a guest artisan for ArteFino this coming August?" I remember reading that message in the lounge area at work, and I was super kilig and happy, but wasn't sure if I was already allowed to share the good news to my friend colleagues. Imagine me, trying to contain my excitement. Hahaha
A week or so after, I went on a solo day trip from QC to Baguio to purchase yarns in person. I peviously shared about that experience! If you wanna read it, you may check it out here.
There was a target number of pieces to be made by each artisan under Katha, and as a solo artist who makes everything by hand by myself, I initially was kind of doubtful I would finish all. But I didn't want to backout without trying. We gotta fight our negative thoughts, right? haha And after a little over a month of non-stop crocheting, I surprisingly finished 8 halter tops, 11 skorts, 3 skirts, and 17 scrunchies!!!!
I was totally amazed by how fast I was able to produce those pieces, and I am genuinely grateful to God that I didn't experience any wrist/arm damage.
I visited our booth at Artefino during the last day, and it felt sooo goood to see my creations side by side other beautiful handmade pieces by other talented local artisans. What a blessing. What an experience.
I am forever grateful for the trust and appreciation that our Katha Creative Tribe has given me and for the talent and dream that God planted in my heart. ❤️
And I also want to thank all of those who continue to cheer on me! You guys are filling my bucket day by day. ❤️
Stay sane and safe!
Let's spread happiness.
❤
