Saturday, 6 July 2013 00:00
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Facebook is possibly the next best thing after Google. Not only does it make communication between loved ones that much easier, it has also become a key platform for start-ups to showcase their products and call for attention.
Now, it doesn’t take more than a couple of seconds to find out the best baker in town and read customer reviews under each product. It has become that much easier to be updated in fashion and to get the latest trends delivered to your doorstep. Facebook has managed to create a lifestyle on its own and made it possible for many talented individuals to come forward and showcase their abilities and to be duly recognised. There are many projects that have started from Facebook and have achieved success over the years.
Sithmini Jayanga’s ‘Arty Crafts’ is a similar affair. Having launched in March last year on Facebook, her work has been popular on the social media network because of its unique nature. Operating from Kurunegala where she resides, Jayanga has built herself a steady customer base of those who love to present exclusive and special gifts for their loved ones. Her work is neat and beautiful; each creation holding special magic that is bound to transfix the receiver.
Following are excerpts of an interview with Jayanga:
By Cheranka MendisQ: How did it all start – was this something you always wanted to do?
A: It started as an extension to my hobby. In 2011 I had to quit my job because I was ill and return back home to recover. To keep myself occupied I started making crafts. Some of my friends suggested that I should go on making cards and sell them until I recover and find a permanent job.
I really enjoyed what I was doing as I was able to make my own decisions and be my own boss. I realised I wanted to follow craft making as a career when I was called for an interview and felt strongly that I didn’t want to go. I made this decision in October 2011. It was all very sudden. I would never have thought of it (or pursued it) if I hadn’t left my job in the first place.
Q: Were you always interested in arts and crafts?
A: Yes, always! It probably would have started when I was about six to seven years old. I was always interested in the concept of a card and used to collect cards. As a result I have a whole stack of it with me in a box. My mother says that I was always scribbling on the wall. My favourite program was ‘Art Attack,’ which really sparked my imagination. I would recreate all that was made on the show. This TV program really gave me the chance to experiment and be creative. So yes, it seems like I have always been interested arts and crafts.
Q: Do you have any of your childhood creations with you still?
A: My earliest recollection of handwork was when we made figures using clay during one of the art lessons. I still have what I made! Art was my favourite subject back in school. I used to really look forward to it.
Q: What are the products that are being projected under Arty Crafts?
A: The two main product lines are journals and greeting cards. Most of my products are custom made and I make them in accordance to the various specifications, whims and fancies of my clients. I do not have pre-made products available except during seasonal time periods such as Christmas and when I have exhibitions. Some of my other products include pop up cards, wedding invitations; Coptic bound journals, gift boxes, gift bags, organisers, diaries. I recently started on photo albums and paper cut arts as well.
Q: How do you come up with these products and ideas?
A: I get a lot of inspiration from the craft books that I read as well as from the various materials available on internet. When you are into craft making suddenly an idea just pops into your head, then it’s just a matter of putting it into action. I also get a lot of inspiration from my clients. Their ideas and requirements are sometimes challenging to carry out but it forces you to think outside the box and experiment.
The journals and photo albums I make are great examples of this. When customers initially requested these products, I did not have any experiencing in making anything of the sort. However if the client is willing to give me time to master the art I will always give it a shot and deliver. I have a long list of new ideas that I can’t wait to try out!
Q: What are the new products you’ve tried out this year?
A: Coptic bound journals, photo albums and paper cut art are some of the most recent varieties of products that I have been making. I also experimented successfully with screen printing which I now use to print my logo. I have realised that I can use screen printing and do so much more with it. Most likely I will have some products from that technique too in the future.
Q: What is the most difficult craft you’ve made so far and why?
A: It’s a difficult question to answer. When you start on something new it’s always difficult until you get the hang of it. I am a perfectionist so that makes it doubly difficult at the start. I would have said photo albums about two weeks ago, but that seems much easier compared with my most recent venture which is called Coptic binding. It is a special but very labour intensive book binding style. It has been the most difficult technique to master so far. You need a lot of patience. Hopefully, with more practice, I will be able to perfect the method.
Q: Any favourites from your creations?
A: Oh yes! Paper cut art and glass paintings are a couple of my favourites, but I’m yet to introduce them as a products.
Q: Do you use recyclable material as well?
A: Sometimes I do, yes. If I don’t have the material that I’m looking for I try to do with what I have. I use dried flowers and recycled paper (that I make on my own), old wrapping paper and left over fabric; but mostly I use recyclable material to organize my craft room. I am looking to use more and more recycled materials as it seems to simply be the right and responsible thing to do. It is also a sustainable approach.
Q: What plans for the future?
A: In the near future I hope to introduce paper cut art as a new product. I am quite curious to see what the response will be like for it. I also have a whole range of ideas for other new products like leather journals, painted rocks, glass painting, decoupage and marble paper to name a few. So the future seems to be all about experimenting with new crafts and expanding my product line.
I am always open to trying out new products so if anyone is interested in anything else that I have not listed here, I will entertain their ideas if they are willing to share them with me.
