Munano is a creative project born out of love of art, craft, beautiful design and made by one woman and her sewing machine!

 "Being a born collector with an eye for all things kitcsh, kawaii and the down right fun I thought this would be the natural progression...create accessible inspiring objects for all to enjoy. I like stories - you might have noticed that! Also they are quite Japanese like. In the way that they are a bit manga and kawaii so there is a dark side to them too. They all have a story to tell. I don't see them as just toys or objects. I like things that have a history and meaning, share a philosophy, tell a story and offer a glimpse of a fantasy world... so it's pretty possible that a book will follow as my creatures all have little personalities and tails to tell"

Munano has been going officially for over six years now (May 2004) though it's concept has been around for a long time and remained through several incarnations. 

"I've been making strange creatures/soft sculptures since 1984 but I've been weaving in and out of craft disciplines, art and music for... since I can remember. But these creatures I've been making them since 2004. Each piece is hand made in my little studio by me using lovely fabrics, vintage materials, vintage buttons, and most importantly, made with a sense of humor and a little bit of darkness too!"

Munano's creator started off life as a ceramicist. Studying in Portugal and have lived in the states in her early years, spending summer holidays in Portugal and in London for the past 20  has with out doubt influenced and molded her work.

"I was brought up on Hannah Barbera  and Japanese Cartoons so the mix is definitely apparent in my beasties."

In 2008 Deborah Daniel went on to establish and found the Craft Guerrilla a London based collective which now has three sister armies, collaborated with Twisted Thread to showcase a selection of designers at the Knitting & Stitching shows, organizes craft markets in The William Morris Gallery, been featured as the top event to see at the 2010 Art Trail (Craftivista Social Club) and have been sponsored by Etsy and CraftNation.com .

What's next?

Munano will appear as part of the Craft Guerrilla in the "Indie Craft" book by Jo Waterhouse published by Laurence King Publishing.

"I'm so proud to be amongst such talented folk. Being included in this book has really showed me that nothing is impossible and that I'm not the only one with the crazy ideas."

Ah yes, and Craft Guerrilla are also writing a book.

"Keep your peepers pealed...it'll be out in 2011! A mix of craft projects, play lists, party ideas and tutorials. It's been a crazy year but yeah...all good creative fun!"
X
Deborah