Thimblecap, for the love of craft

Q&A with Miwi Yam: arts and craft hobby grows from blog to biz

WHEN we think of arts and craft, we think of hobbies and pastimes. But Miwi Yam, a local crafter, went further, turning a preoccupation to while the time away into one happy business. She called it Thimblecap.

Of course, being in such a field requires plenty of patience and artistry, but Miwi’s passion saw her through. Now she has various products that are handmade, such as bags, coin purses, shirts, mini notebooks, and jewelry, all at really affordable prices. Get to know more about Miwi and her business in this Q&A.

How did you get into this business?

I’ve always been into making things, then I started a blog, boredandcrafty.com. Eventually the readers wanted to buy my items, so I decided to sell these. Before, I just made things just to put content into my blog. And the things I made like bags and dresses, if there’s no more space in my room, I sell them.

Is the handmade business a passion or need?

I‘d say both. I need to make things like every day. I cannot not make things kay di ko mapakali.

What was your first output?

When I was a kid I started the way crafters usually start, like making wind chimes and jewelries. I was 11 or 12.

What inspires your designs?

I like cute things and vintage.

Do you have a particular place where you can really work in?

No. For instance, because I do carve my own stamps, sometimes I bring my carving kit into a coffee shop and I work there. It depends on what I feel. That’s what I do when making stamps.

Where do you sell your crafts?

At 032 Assembly in JY Square, Lahug, at The Chillage near Cebu Doctors University in Mandaue City, a studio in Manila, and on my online store thimblecap.com.

Plans for your business?

For now, my immediate plans are distribution, and I would love to display my creations in other places. And I guess in a public store or studio, because I started conducting craft workshops. The first was in Alps Café where we did stamps. The second one was in Anthill Fabric Gallery. (Jedidaiah del Mar & Nimrod Aro, USJ-R Masscom Interns/Contributed photos)