Karachi, November 27, 2022: With spectators looming, and the match stretching the sentiments of cricket lovers – several thousand enthusiasts diverted their support and passion for handmade at The Crafter’s Expo for its 10th Anniversary event. The venue welcomed the elderly in wheel chairs, young children with excitement ahead, and a diverse mix of family and friends who showed up in cheer for 135 businesses in the spirit of Handmade in Pakistan.
The event opened with a photography exhibition reflective of the Pyaar Baanto campaign by the Karachi Down Syndrome Program. To get into spirits, R Photography conducted a photo booth with countless props to capture memories for the day. The outer activity area was abuzz with foods, demonstrations, integrations by Wah Snacks, Krave Mart, and even Blue Bird Arts. Chacha Bashir, the balloon seller also made his way to the event for an encore presence. Sarwat Gilani’s Arthouse catered to hundreds of creative hands in activities, proceeds of which have been generously contributed to Smile Sunshine. Countless children were engaged with Tiny Tales powered by Wahda Dolls for multiple story segments by local authors and story tellers. Esnaf, the online marketplace offered its offline presence for books by Marzieh Abbas and Fiza Asar, while representing work by Trinkets and Creative Mess.
Some young creatives took full charge and connected with their customers in the gallery curated for children 16 and under. With parents in support, the children had a ball of a time representing their crafts, and garnering appreciation. Firefly (the umbrella under which The Crafter’s Guild has flourished) was represented with vibrant and quirky gifts and lifestyle items. Sulba and Gulela made their mark with traditional crafts in contemporary design. Popular with young people, Rusarte, Artkaari, The Paperbox and She’s Crafty offered a variety of trinkets, stationery and versatile gifts. Traditional crafts represented by Akhtar Channal from Qalat and block printed textiles from Bhitshah were also popular at the event. Croise, a brand specializing in crochet craft had most of its beautiful range of dolls and toys reserved by afternoon.
Aliza Munim, who speaks with her words due to her inability to hear and converse represented her beautiful work with The World of Art. Ubaida Saqib, who to put up her passion was reached out to by gallery owners and offered teaching roles for her meticulous work as a fine artist. Ms Nigar Nazar of Gogi fame was chief guest, and visited countless stalls to converse with creatives and uplift their work. Parivash Hues exhibited for the very first time and shared the response she received for her hand painted gifts was outstanding. Kiosks the likes of Groomers.pk offered unique services to attendees with haircuts and trims — a novel at your doorstep approach for grooming needs and skincare.
Countless food stalls including Sinful Bites, Homemade Wholesome, L’amour Jams among others were sold out for the day. Brands the likes of Gepetto who specialize in luxury leather goods not only made sales but connected with collaborators and potential corporate clients at the feat. Rijjel Artistry by Rida whose work has been inspired by her son over the years, also received a grand response for her detailed resin craft with Sufi elements. Kiosks the likes of Groomers.pk offered unique services to attendees with haircuts and trims — a novel at your doorstep approach for grooming needs and skincare.
Yasir Billoo, of Toy Bricks Pakistan engaged children with cognitive play through lego – keeping away screens and gadgets through his activity by Toy Bricks Pakistan. Hunarghar, beneficiary of the pledged sewing machines by Smile Sunshine and The Crafter’s Guild expressed its gratitude for support. The sewing machines were gifted in honor of the departed individuals who were patrons of the local craft community. Organizations the likes of RLCC, Scinosa, and KDSP (Lehr) were given an opportunity to exhibit the work by members of their community.
Daily Bites, the new talk of town for its popular crepe lasagna also made waves at the event. Coffee Wagera, represented by an energetic team under the leadership of Mush Punjwani also kept visitors engaged throughout the day. Entrepreneurs who had traveled from outside Karachi were content with their sales and footfalls, including Zohra Junaid of Unique Collection specializing in block prints and traditional textiles.
Events the likes of The Crafter’s Expo make impact in communities which project far greater than sales. They inspire bonding, support, and sentiments behind heartfelt crafts. With a houseful by evening, The Crafter’s Expo in terms of support for women led enterprise.
