Creative Baguio: MAIA Fine Creations, When Art is Passion

When asked how we should refer to the owner of MAIA Fine Creations, whether artist or handcrafter or accessory maker, she found herself wondering about it and realized she hasn’t even thought of it. This is where you know for sure that she just loves what she does and she has nothing but passion for her craft. Pamela “Pam” Balionga LeFeber is a “handcraft artisan” (yes, we finally found a proper title for her which she agreed to go with) who creates unique artisanal accessories made out of copper wires, special stones, and watercolor. It may sound simple but we tell you, it isn’t.

MAIA Fine Creations, the beginning

Pam is a graduate of Music. So you see, it would be safe to say that art runs through her veins but it took some life experiences to get to where she is now in terms of her craft. At one point, Pam taught at a university in Baguio and went as far as Korea in her career as a teacher, but at this point in her life, teaching seems to take the back seat. It isn’t really for her at that moment.

It was then in 2010 that things changed. Her sister-in-law showed her an accessory made out of wires which really caught her attention. Being the artist that she is, Pam thought of her own design and wondered if she could make one. She gave it a try, attended a couple of trainings, and now, she has her own brand that showcases her own style and identity and now holds trainings for others who want to get into the craft as well. It took time and it wasn’t hard. But she says, it was worth it.

Every piece, well-thought-of fine creation done with love

“I was almost done with a neckpiece, and just because of one mistake, I had to throw it away.” This is what Pam said when asked about her creative process. She believes that every piece of accessory is a labor of love. Sure, she can patch a mistake and make it look like there wasn’t any to begin with. But for her, that isn’t what MAIA Fine Creations is all about. It’s about giving the best out of love.

MAIA Fine Creations has everything from wire earrings, neckpieces, rings, and bracelets. They also have handpainted watercolor pendants and rings, and even bookmarks. There isn’t any way to explain the quality of her work. It’s better seen than described. But one thing you have to know, everything you see, is handmade, done with love. Here are just some of her work.

Beyond art

It was just about the right time to ask Pam about what she thinks now that Baguio is UNESCO’s Creative City and how it affects her as an artist. She says that back in 2017, she didn’t feel any change. But recently, she has seen how people now support artists, their products, and most especially handcrafted accessories.

Pam shared that in the past, people often react to the price of her products that would cost P 600 – P1,000 apiece. But with Baguio being a UNESCO Creative City, Pam says it seems people now understand how much work was put into each piece of accessory and are now more open to purchasing them.

For artists, on the other hand, Pam says it is also a call for them to educate more people on their chosen crafts. If they would also help teach their craft to kids in schools hoping that what they do would be passed on to the next generation.

If you are looking for a unique gift for yourself or for people you love, go for handcrafted accessories. Go for MAIA Fine Creations. Visit them on Facebook or log on to Rayon Online Shopping.