In our commitment to celebrating the artistry behind the creations at Greydient Store, we had the privilege of hosting Aim, the founder of SamSam by Hands, for an exclusive Q&A session. This insightful exchange delves into her creative journey, uncovering the inspirations and craftsmanship that define SamSam by Hands’ crochet pieces distinct design ethos.
1. When you first started SamSam by Hands, did you have a vision or mission in mind for the brand?
“I started crochet without thinking that I would make a sale or anything from it.”
I started SamSam just last year. Before starting SamSam, I simply took up crocheting as a hobby and was self taught. Eventually I created this really big bag in a single colour. When I showed it to my family, they encouraged me to try selling it. But I didn’t want to sell them in just one color. So I designed another bag with a combination of three colors in every piece made, and that became my first product – Dinolays.
“One event lead me to another event and another event”
I wasn’t expecting anything from starting SamSam until this February, an organizer contacted me if I was interested in having a pop-up booth at the Bangkok’s Central embassy. It was my first time having a pop-up booth but through it I’ve managed to gain exposure for SamSam and established a supportive community from there on.
2. How has your design philosophy evolved since starting SamSam?
So after my first pop-up event, it led me continuously to other following events. Through those opportunities, I also realised that my designs across SamSam curations have evolved over time too. At the beginning, I only looked at colours for inspiration, but now I find myself browsing through more interior designs for inspiration. I personally find the combination of colors in interior designs to be very well done—comfortable, harmonious, and pleasing to the eye.
3. What does being creative mean to you? How do you constantly maintain your creative energy so you can come up with more products and color combinations?
“It’s actually from the people, and communities I have met throughout my crocheting journey…”
For product inspiration, I draw suggestions and inputs from the people I’ve met in new communities through various events. They often share ideas with me, like, ‘Why not try this one?'”
Back in May, I had a pop-up at GalileOasis. There, someone suggested that I make a water bottle holder as not many people in Thailand were making it at that time. That instance motivated me to try something new. Conveniently, my next event focused on sustainability, so I named my water bottle holder ‘Wabo Sabi’—a play on the Japanese term ‘Wabi Sabi,’ which embraces beauty in imperfection and impermanence while promoting a mindful and resourceful approach to consumption and design.
4. Can you walk us through your typical design process, from initial concept to final product?
I will first start with something basic. For example, the DinoLays Sling bag started off with simple double crochet stitches. Afterwards, I would then add some fun elements to it, such as more colours, or varied zigzag stitches. However, I prefer to focus on the colour aspects of my products more.
5. If you had to look back over the past year, was there any design or project that you are the most proud of or something that is really special to you?
“ …Every time I go to events, I gain a new community…”
It actually surprised me that every time I set up a booth at a pop-up event, I find myself connecting with a new community. It’s as if the organizers create a safe space for emerging artists. Usually, I go in not expecting to make many sales but simply to meet new people. Through these pop-ups, I’ve gained many new friends
6. What is one advice or one thing you would give or say to aspiring designers like you?
“Anyone could be an artist…”
SamSam started out as a hobby. At the time, I was simply going with the flow, taking on any opportunities that came my way and keeping an open heart to new possibilities. I never really considered myself artistic compared to those around me. However, after starting Sam Sam, I realized that not creating the same type of art as others doesn’t mean you can’t create. I believe anyone can be an artist, regardless of their background. You could have a degree in engineering and still be an artist.
SamSam By Hands is a creative crochet studio known for their vibrant crochet accessories, celebrated for their distinctive prints and intricate patterns. A curated selection of these exceptional creations are available for purchase through the Greydient Store.
