Craftsmith and CraftMNL Workshop Manager (among so many other things)!
All around Superwoman Nikki Abelardo is the brains and the hands behind Junkstudio’s upcycled curios. Starting as early as in her college days, she’s since adopted handcrafting as a way of life. At CraftMNL she’s our workshop manager, and daily infusion of creative excitement. She’s also one of the most experienced local online sellers we know, having been able to successfully bring her passion and craft to the largest international commerce site for handmade. She’ll be giving a session on how to Get Listed this Saturday at the workshop. You can check out the details here.
How long have you been crafting? What got you started?
I’ve been crafting since childhood. I’ve always loved working with my hands. I consider it liberating and therapeutic. Imagining something and willing it into existence through our hands — now that’s something magical.. Don’t you think?
How cool is that? Vinyl record clocks!
What’s your favorite medium? Why?
Discarded Objects!! Because I love seeing the potential in mundane things.
Tell us about your favorite projects.
I’m loving my line of vinyl record products. I’ve been playing around with this material a lot. So far I’ve repurposed this obsolete object into 4 things: bookends, bags , bowls and clocks.
Got your vinyl record bag yet?
What’s the one crafting skill you’ve always wanted to master/learn?
I’d like to believe I was a blacksmith in my past life … haha. Yep, I want to learn metal works and welding. ..and maybe later I can learn how to use a jigsaw or a chainsaw.
What are you currently working on?
Well currently I’m stocking up for the two fairs I’ll be joining this summer: 10a Alabama arts & crafts fair :april 13 & 14 & Sta Elena’s Balik Bukid on April 28.
What’s your dream project? What have you done to make it happen so far?
Opening another Etsy shop focused on folk art inspired pieces 🙂 I’m still sketching my designs x crossing my fingers x hopefully i’ll be launch it after summer.
Wear the tools of the trade around your neck, why don’t you. 🙂
Aside from crafting what else do you do?
Besides crafting I also ‘pretend’ to be a good cook. By pretend I mean I try to come up with something appetizingly pleasant, if It’s not good enough.., I told you, I’m only pretending. Haha.
Food was my first love, and I will never let go of my culinary past. Every now and then I try to please myself (and other volunteer friends a.k.a guinea pigs) by whipping up delicious meals. I like feeding people ^___^
Also..I started playing the drums again recently.. it’s been really helpful with stress management :))
How does creativity influence the other areas in your life?
Since I’m obsessed with upcycling, I tend to hoard a lot of stuff. Tansans, film canisters, empty beer bottles –you name it! My studio is literally a Junk Shop! {I just called it Junk Studio to make it sound more refined. Haha seriously -___- .}
Before I throw something away, I consider the idea of extending its life by repurposing into something new. It pushes my imagination and it encourages me to be more resourceful, which is a good thing because resourcefulness leads to prosperity. You really save a lot when you throw less.
A bit of organization in the upcycled way of life.
Any advice for other aspiring crafters?
Persevere, persevere, persevere… Don’t let anyone slow you down just because they think you’re ridiculous for what you’re doing –even if they’re family.
What do you do to beat a ‘creative block’?
I beat a creative block simply by taking a break from making things. Sooner or later I’ll bounce back with a great idea or two.
Give us 3 crafting essentials you must have in your toolbox at all times.
Scissors, glue gun, pliers! –and I’m solved. With these tools I can Mcgyver my way out of anything. Lol.
Why should people get their hands busy (and start crafting)?
Almost everything we do nowadays involves the technology. It’s nice to take a break from it and go back to basics. The best machines are our hands.
Don’t forget the fun in crafting.
Where can we find your work?
My works are currently consigned at Backstage & Echostore at Serendra and 98 B, Escolta.
HI,
Thank you for the article! I am desperately trying to get in touch with Nikki – have tried Facebook! to no avail. I bought some of her work, in DEcember 2012, when visiting friends in MAkati City. Having been invited to sell goods at the GLobal Women in Business Forum in London, 7-9th MArch, I am Very very keen to add Nikki’s book lockets (at least) to my stall. Regards, KAren Marr, arts futures@gmail.com
Hi Karen! You can try contacting her through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/junkstudiocrafts 🙂 Hope that helps!