Hamaila

Designer and metalsmith based out of Arcosanti, Arizona. I'm obsessed with shapes and stories - so I

10/06/2026

Things that kept me creatively fulfilled in September 🥰
1) New designs and experiments in the studio
2) Hip Hop dance classes with Chuck Bledsoe
3) PIERCING AGAIN. Being at Citrine Body Piercing has brought so much joy to my little heart
4&5) Assistant Teaching for Azadi Folk School
6) Sewing!! I’m still very much a beginner and figuring out my machine (which is really Fatima machine)
7&8) Metalsmithing for Piercers. This class, taught by Alan , was the highlight of the month for me. I made the tiny dark blue bezel set cab in pic 8 and cannot wait to start making basics for the shops I love
9) Baingan bharta. Cooking was my first creative medium and it’s always a like coming back to an old friend

09/29/2026

Thank you, Alan, for bringing us together and sharing your knowledge. I can’t wait to apply and share everything I’ve learned but I’m still in disbelief that this class even exists and honored that I was part of the first cohort

What the hell

09/11/2026

Chicago, I’m back and doing piercings again thanks to Citrine Body Piercing and Madeline Kelso 🥰🥰🥰

For now, I’m there one day a week. I’m mainly focusing on learning all I can and finishing up my apprenticeship - which means I’m looking for people to practice on.

If you would like a free septum piercing (just pay for jewelry) on September 17th, send me a message and I’ll get you on the books 🥰

09/06/2026

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

I’ve made square bangles before, but this one feels ✨right✨ The right size, the right weight. I wear it almost everyday now.

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

When I was in Oaxaca, Evelyn wore a necklace similar to this to Matamoros 404. I couldn’t find the maker or anything similar, so I made one for myself. Beads aren’t usually my medium, but it was fun to explore something new

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

I made this dress in 2020, but I dyed it with indigo a few weeks ago. It feels like it’s brand new and I’ve been reaching for it constantly

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

My bestie Kash visited at the beginning of the month and requested Koshary. So she got Koshary. It took my hours to make + all the dishes in the kitchen, but it’s worth it. It was also the start of one of the most memorable nights of the summer

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

I’ve been trying to slow down and appreciate music differently. To seek it out, break it down and hear it differently. I’ve never been one to intentionally make playlists, but I put a few together this month that I keep going back to. Hoping to keep adding to them over time.

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

I made my brother’s wedding band with my own two hands. Enough said.

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

Me and Nabi took 4 days to drive from Anchorage, Alaska to Olympia, Washington. It was a reset and allowed me time to slow down and work on my crafts. It also allowed me to be back in nature, where I feel most whole

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

For our roadtrip, I pulled out my old Sony Alpha 5100. For years, this camera would go everywhere with me but I haven’t used it properly since Covid. Maybe I’ll get real wild and start making postcards out of my photos again

Things I made in August that filled my cup:

I made and dyed these pants and I’m obsessed with them. I will re-dye them this week to see how the indigo changes.

08/06/2026

This Saturday, August 8th, is the Summer Creatives Market at the South Asia Institute in Chicago.

The South Asia Institute is such a special place - I don’t think I’ve ever been to a place that was solely dedicated to the art of South Asia before. I highly recommend it - whether you have South Asian heritage or not.

I’ll be there from 12-5 on Saturday. It’s in South Loop, so come out, see some art, and say hi

08/01/2026

Things I made in July that filled my cup -
1. Matar keema. I thought I had no groceries at home, but still whipped this up in less than an hour
2. I made this top the day before I went to Oaxaca, but I dyed it with onion skins once I returned. I’ve been wanting to get into natural dyeing for years, so this was a joy
3. Pasta alla nerano with zucchini from Rod Yoa garden
4. I had 2 beef short ribs in the freezer, so naturally I spent all day making birria
5. keen got me into making ice cream a few months ago. This was a spiced vanilla custard with a thick strawberry compote swirled in
6. I bought these earrings in Pakistan 13 years ago but they broke years ago and the metal hurt my ears - a few days ago, I completely redid them in gold fill and fell in love with them all over again

Please tell me what y’all have been making lately as well. I want to celebrate every little win 🥰

07/25/2026

I forget how chaotic the Artist Girl Summer Market season can be. Can’t wait for Artist Girl Fall Hibernation 🙂‍↕️
Art on the Glen today and tomorrow. Wilmette next week

07/19/2026

☀️summer markets☀️

The next 6 weeks will be hectic

07/11/2026

It’s been 2 weeks since Sur o No Sur ended and it truly feels like yesterday. Andrea’s wisdom has stayed with me and changed the way I walk through the world. Saul’s exercises made me more comfortable in my own body and in proximity to others.

And then the cohort. The cohort itself was a work of art; lovingly curated across different disciplines to create something beautiful. Every single person brought tenderness, creativity, talent, and an openness that I am so grateful for. I can’t wait to see these connections and relationships grow and evolve over time. For now I cherish the meals together, the walks, the dance parties, the adventures, and especially the laughs.

Gracias por todo
Memories lovingly captured by

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Chicago, IL

Website

https://hamaila.com/

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