Why we love handmade
For many decades, the move to get everything in an instant has kept picking up speed. From the mass-produced Temu version of everything to even mass-produced content (thanks to AI), the culture of getting something for little time and effort has become so prevalent that the enduring presence of handmade products during this time makes total sense. We recognize that there’s craftsmanship, beauty, and character in each handmade item. They often carry traditions and stories from each maker or artisan who took the time to master their skills. Here are just some of the brands in Common Room that keep showing us why handmade is worth it for the maker, the buyer, and even the environment.
Project Nova | Upcycled outdoor gear
When a group of kayak touring guides was faced with the environmental question of what to do with discarded kayaks and gear, they turned to upcycling. As the material of the kayaks and outdoor gear were weatherproof and tear-resistant, they knew that those same properties would prove useful to make durable outdoor accessories. (Recently, Project Nova has also started accepting household plastics, eg. detergent containers, oil containers, and bottle caps for additional materials.)
The Bohol-based enterprise also worked with a local community and artisans skilled in traditional nipa weaving. After the kayaks and gear are broken down, the parts are selected for specific styles and hand-stitched into bags, wallets, pouches, and more. And as with any handmade items, each piece has its own individual character.
Available at Spatio
Chibi Cravings | Miniature food
We know you can’t buy happiness, but whenever we get a hold of one of Chibi Cravings collections, we’re convinced you can at least get a pocket-sized version of it! From beloved Pinoy breakfast spreads to comforting bowls of ulam, the handmade polymer clay miniature versions from Chibi Cravings always look real enough to eat. They come as charms, earrings, keychains, and sometimes you might even find them in a mini sari-sari store or carinderia!
Available at Spatio and The Atrium branches.
Punique | Woven fashion accessories & flower arrangements
Puni, the traditional art of weaving knots or braiding leaves, is at the center of this social enterprise that aims to provide a sustainable source of livelihood to women weavers and artisans in Bulacan as they create unique, handcrafted accessories. Each Punique piece—from woven earrings, brooches, bracelets and necklaces to even wedding bouquets—are meticulously crafted and intricately detailed.
Available at The Atrium branch
Maria Mnl | Accessories, leather goods & sashiko patches
We love it when a brand shows us that there are many ways to rework and reuse fabric scraps. While Maria Mnl started out making leather goods and handmade earrings that have found their way in runways, it has also for quite some time been upcycling Philippine weave and leather scraps—turning them into handsewn statement earrings with beads and seed pearls.
They’ve also been using Sashiko stitching technique (some taking as long as 20 hours!) to work on denim pouches. In the recent Common Room Pabitin Party, Maria Mnl had hand stitched sashiko patches on reclaimed denim. Use them to cover up permanent stains or tears on your favorite tops and pants or even just to give an old outfit a new look.
Available at Spatio and The Atrium branches
Popjunklove | Plushies
We know that handmade takes more time and effort but often we don’t realize just how much time and effort are put into making one item. For almost two decades, Popjunklove has been creating upcycled trinkets and handmade plushies using rescued scrap fabrics. Its recent ‘tiraso’ collections include Pinoy street food and desserts, Baguio-inspired food items, and marine animal plushies. They’re sewn together with care through patchworks of retaso that show us each time how every small piece can still hold promise for something beautiful.
Available at all Common Room branches