Behind the Curtains: PJ Valenciano
I am designer, lover of arts and handmade products.
As a child, I’ve always wanted to become involved with activities that would give me an opportunity to express my creative side. Back then, I looked forward to our grade school’s art and home economics classes. I enjoyed every bit of those moments, and coming home after a school day, I would make my own projects. I've many handmade bookmarks and greeting cards with my young hands, which I was able to sell to childhood friends.
I decided to focus on designing and crafting handmade creations through Palamuti. The journey to reach artistic freedom has not come easy. Each and every day offers different sets of challenges. However, I am overjoyed that what I do allows me to continue to be creative while forming meaningful relationships and learning through experience inspired by hope, beauty and change.
Telling Stories: Palamuti
We wanted a brand name that best represents our Filipino Heritage. Thus, we chose “Palamuti”, a Filipino word when translated into English means; trinket, ornament, decoration or accent. Palamuti is a brand specializing in handmade accessories, with designs inspired by the Philippines’ diverse artwork, patterns and crafts.
Our core techniques include basic bead linking, wiring and bead embroidery. We especially focus on hand stitched bead jewelry statement pieces and embellished scarves. As a philosophy, our designs are made in limited quantities to allow us to always produce products with the best quality, while maintaining uniqueness and originality. The time and effort devoted to a single piece is dependent on the level of intricacy of the design and the materials involved. As a result, every piece is a unique work of art and fashion, lovingly made by the hands of highly skilled Filipino women artisans.
Behind the Brand
Our mission goes beyond offering unique hand crafted accessories for the modern woman. We aspire to provide employment opportunities for talented women artisans and to help them lift themselves from poverty-stricken environments.
We see Palamuti as a setting where growth flows to motivate our artisans. We are involved with our their artistic development every step of the way. We assign them to tasks to sharpen their skills and maximize their potential. Someday, they will become designers, teachers and entrepreneurs in their own rite.
Palamuti’s goals include incorporating materials from Filipino suppliers. For a number of years, Philippine production has fallen behind significantly.We aim to preserve traditional craftsmanship by providing a platform to build appreciation and patronage for handmade Filipino products.
To show our support for independent artists, we have opened an online shop to serve as marketplace for independent artists who are looking for their niche on a global platform. With every purchase of our handmade accessories, you are supporting a passion as well as helping to improve and change the lives of these talented craftswomen.
