In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
For those lucky enough to be as inherently imaginative as craft materials enthusiast Orawee Choedamphai, the whole world is a canvas, and inspiration exists everywhere—from the tiniest budding twig outside your bedroom window to the faintest shade of violet in the evening sunset—just waiting to be acted upon. But for the rest of us whose creativity is still blossoming, thankfully there’s Squish-n-Chips: Orawee’s meticulously curated emporium of painted paper botanicals and handmade stationery sets designed to stimulate your inner artist.
Explore the Squish-n-Chips collection
A stickler for quality, Orawee hand picks each intricate petal and sheet of looseleaf in her Bangkok-based supplies shop, prioritizing items with a rich look and feel that’s guaranteed to spark the senses. “Choosing the right combination of colors and textures is very important to me,” explains Orawee, a passionate craftswoman in her own right, who fashions vibrant floral hairpieces from her collection of miniature poppies and roses. “I want my customers to feel inspired to make things with their hands,” she says, “and most importantly, to enjoy the process of making.”
Read on to discover how Orawee finds big creative potential in the tiniest of objects, and shop the Squish-n-Chips collection.
You’re a prolific crafter yourself. How did you end up in the supplies business?
I’ve been making things since I was a child because my mom was always encouraging us. Even if she was just baking, she might give us a little bit of dough so we could make our own version of bread. Now, I can’t not be making things, so of course I have lots of supplies in my studio, and after a while I started selling them along with my own designs.
What is it about creating something with your own hands that’s so special?
I think exploring things in three dimension makes our brains work differently. It gives us freedom to experiment and leaves room for trial and error. My workspace is always full of clutter, and I prefer it that way. When I’m working on a project, it’s important for me to be surrounded by objects of different textures, colors, sizes, and forms. I don’t plan—I just like to put things together and see how they go, so being able to see and touch different materials is key. I often get much better results when I work with my hands as I’m coming up with an idea, and I hope my supplies inspire my customers in that same way.
How does that sense of touch come into play in your line of work?
I’ve always been drawn to textures and love running my hands over them. Generally, I won’t use a material if I don’t like how it feels, and I’m very picky. It’s like with clothing; I have to touch the fabric before I’ll buy anything. In my opinion, you can easily tell if items are well-made or not by the touch. That’s why I like the handmade paper that you find in Thailand. It’s made from mulberry tree bark, so it has texture and rich, interesting imperfections.
You have over 850 items in your shop—that’s incredible. How do you select your inventory?
I was up to 1,000 at one point! I do test the waters quite a bit—I’ll get some of this and some of that, and just see what sells. In Thailand you can get really good handmade supplies, so I mostly just choose things that I like. Usually, if I really like something, it sells.
What role does color play in your selection process?
Often it’s the color that draws me in. If I’m making a flower crown or hairpiece, I like to lay the flowers out on the table and work out interesting color combinations. I love the way playing with harmony and contrast can give off different energy, whether it is energizing, cheerful, or calm. I don’t really work with moody colors unless requested, because I find that adding a tiny bit of contrast can create a depth of emotions.
When did you start designing handcrafted hairpieces?
I wanted to wear one to a fancy party, so I made myself an elaborate piece out of leaves, like I was a tree or something. I also spend a lot of time swing dancing, so I’ve designed flower hair clips and crowns for my swing dancing friends and their performances. Swing dancing events are lively! People usually dress up in beautiful and colorful outfits, and wear fabulous vintage hairstyles. Now they’re asking me for bigger flowers—fabric ones that are durable enough for when they’re sweating and moving fast.
Let’s talk more about your customers. What are they looking for when they come to your shop?
I think people like that I sell in small amounts and that they’re able to mix and match various items. Lots of customers have a certain project that they’re working on and know exactly what they want, but others just want to play around and might be overwhelmed trying to pick out individual items from my large selection. In those cases, my curated gift sets are great because you don’t have to choose all the pieces and wonder if they will go together.
What types of projects are your customers working on?
Some make miniature gardens out of the flowers, and I also have tiny pots, so they’ll do a flower arrangement, or maybe something for a dollhouse. Some use the flowers to make hair accessories. And for weddings, they might use my paper for cards and some of the bigger flowers for centerpieces. I really love when customers send me photos of what they’ve made. They don’t do it enough!
What are some ways that you’ve collaborated with your customers?
My favorite thing is when a customer comes to me with a sourcing request—like a different color or a specific shape—and I try to find it. Someone asked for small little flowers made of clay, so that’s in the pipeline now. I’ve also done custom floral designs for weddings; I help them with decorations or I’ll make a corsage or a boutonniere, or a hairpiece for the bride. The challenge of custom orders is making sure that we understand each other. You never know what’s in other people’s minds. Every time I create something custom I always get a little bit nervous, like, is it good enough? Will they like it? When you get good feedback it’s a relief.
Besides texture and color, where do you find inspiration?
Traveling and architecture also spark my creativity. When I went to Stockholm a few months ago, I fell in love with well-crafted old doors and couldn’t stop taking pictures of them. At the same time, I also love nature. Every year, I go to a swing dance camp in a remote town of Sweden and stay there for a few weeks, being surrounded by positive energy, lively people, jazz music, and nature.
What’s next for you and your shop?
I’m not the sort of person who has a plan for what’s going to happen in the next five years. Right now I’m just planning my annual holiday. At the moment, I’m happy with what I have. It’s pretty perfect.
Follow Squish-n-Chips on Facebook and Instagram.
Photographs courtesy of Squish-n-Chips.
52 comments
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 1 year ago
Great story and nice pic's. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the very best on your future endeavors.
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Wow so pretty. Love the shop. Congrats on the feature.
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 1 year ago
Beautiful creations, Orawee! All the best!
Petra from House96 said 1 year ago
I love flowers, in all forms and shapes. This Floral Hair Comb is amazing.
Anzhelika Grigorieva from SudarushkaShop said 1 year ago
I love flowers, beautiful shop!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Your flowers are so beautiful! Congrats on the feature and wishing you much success!
IOANNA GEORGIADOU from SosaniArtCrochet said 1 year ago
Beautiful.Love the shop.
cherryZO from cherryZOvintage said 1 year ago
Always LOVED your shop ! Congratulations on the feature !
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 1 year ago
Beautiful work!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 1 year ago
wow! Beautiful shop!
Rosita from pillowlink said 1 year ago
Very inspiring story behind these awesome creations. Very cozy pictures. Wish you best luck here around on Etsy!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 1 year ago
So beautiful & delicate pieces. Congratulations on the feature!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 1 year ago
So sweet ~!~ What intricate little gems. Cheers to much continued success ❣
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 1 year ago
Beautiful works! I love your shop and your art work. Congrats on the feature!:)
Luybi Arctium from ArctiumStudio said 1 year ago
It's amazing!
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 1 year ago
It is something unbelievable! I like your flowers very much! They are so tiny and tender! Wish you to find your inspiration in all things around and have many kind customers.
Elena from ElenaAndFlowers said 1 year ago
Вдохновляющий магазин. Красивые работы.
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 1 year ago
oh so pretty!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 1 year ago
So Beautiful! very creative, great feature
Olga from VereskBridal said 1 year ago
So gentle and bright flower accessories)
Eugenia from JennyCANDLES said 1 year ago
Very beautiful! Only magic hands can turn ordinary paper into such beauty! Bravo!
Elena Golovina from DressEmbroideredRU said 1 year ago
This is a miracle! Incredible flowers ... Very elegant and feminine ...
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 1 year ago
Perfect for spring. Those flower wreaths conjure images of a bohemian bride in a spring wedding. Congrats on the feature and your marvelous shop!
Ann Capistrano from HomedivaDesigns said 1 year ago
Wow! Your flowers are really nice :)
Danny N. from ShirtCandy said 1 year ago
Love your shop! :)
Dan Neto from Materniteees said 1 year ago
my wife loves flowers and some of these items would be great for her.
Katrina McIntosh from PottedPeachCeramics said 1 year ago
Her work is absolutely gorgeous. You can tell that a lot of heart and soul goes into her work.
Yunie's from Yunies said 1 year ago
It's lovely! Beautiful shop! I'm now a fan of your shop! 💞
Anastasia from WildJewelleryDesigns said 1 year ago
Beautiful!!!(^^) I love flowers!
Anastasiia Farforuk from Farforuk said 1 year ago
Oh, how realistic it is! A perfect example of eco-friendly jewelry. Thanks for sharing.
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 1 year ago
Beautiful flowers and shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Kasia from FromKatesStudio said 1 year ago
Fun and romantic:). Very fragile and unique.
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle said 1 year ago
Beautiful creations!!
Anastasii from Anastasiiart13 said 1 year ago
I love flowers, nice shop.
Nadiia Grypich from eNGiJewelry said 1 year ago
Looks like real!
Marina from HouseFlowerFairy said 1 year ago
Remarkable history! Very beautiful products!
Liudmyla from LudovicToys said 1 year ago
It is a magic! Very beautiful and delicate flowers. It is hard to believe that it is made of paper. I received a lot of pleasure and inspiration. Thank you.
Olga Konovodchenko from DollsByBaliMermaid said 1 year ago
I love your handmade flowers! It looks like real! Well done!
Olga Flora from OlaFlora said 1 year ago
It's beauty! 👍 flowers always inspire me!
Tetyana from TetyanasPhotoProps said 1 year ago
You have very lovely items! 850? Well done! )
Uliana from RizhikToysForHome said 1 year ago
how incredibly cute and beautiful! great idea and magical photos)
Marina from LittleAngelWaikiki said 1 year ago
Very beautiful content!
jami ham from HamiamFinds said 1 year ago
i LOVE Squish n chips style love
Victoria from LetemendiaJewelry said 1 year ago
That's really amazing! The flowers look so real! You are very talented!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 1 year ago
Beautiful flowers!
Lertpan Pathamavuthikan from orientaltribe11 said 1 year ago
Beautiful shop ✨🎉
Ksenia Butakova from LantanaWatercolorArt said 1 year ago
The flowers are beautiful! I love flowers!
Morgane C. from PrintableWordsFR said 1 year ago
I just love all of this flowers (& the kitty!) Thank you for sharing
Juice Young from JuicyCute said 1 year ago
Amazing!!!I love flowers, beautiful shop!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
So pretty. Congrats on the feature.
Aalyah from AalyahsGallery said 42 days ago
You are incredible! It’s hard to believe your medium is paper!
chadli hassan from Trndycalifornia said 7 days ago
I love flowers, beautiful shop!