To celebrate the 10th anniversary of equalto, we held an event in August 2024 that featured an exhibition showcasing the brand’s world and a series of talk shows.

Among the various activities we held at the event, the workshops were a great success. Participants of all ages, from children to adults, enjoyed the hands-on crafting experience. In this report, we will share the details and highlights of these workshops.

The workshops were held over four days, offering participants the chance to create two of equalto’s most popular items. Let’s start by showcasing the Patchpatch workshop.

Patchpatch Crafting Experience

Patchpatch, a popular lucky keychain, is a charm carefully crafted by hand. During the workshop, participants could combine facial features and create unique names and personalities for their own Patchpatch.

We invited the Type B Work Continuation Support facility ‘studio753,’ which creates Patchpatch, to lead the workshop. They taught participants the process and shared some useful tips.

There are three main production processes for Patchpatch

From selecting parts to decoration, naming, and assigning personalities, everything is up to your imagination!
‘What kind of Patchpatch should I create?’

▲All the materials for Patchpatch are ready. Let’s create together!

Let’s make a unique Patchpatch, just for you!

First, choose your favorite Patchpatch base from the prepared bodies. Each base, made from assorted fabric scraps, has a unique look and feel, giving your Patchpatch a distinctive character depending on your selection.

▲The fabric used for the front and back is different, giving each Patchpatch a unique appearance.

‘I don’t know which one should I choose?’ ‘This one is so cute!’ The participants’ voices filled the venue, making the selection process an enjoyable moment.

Once you’ve chosen the base, the next step is to create the face. You can choose from a variety of colorful parts such as beads, ribbons, buttons, felt, and sequins, and attach them with glue

Depending on the combination, it can have a completely different look. Everyone was deeply focused, experimenting with various arrangements.

▲Decorated with fringe. It’s so cute.

Some participants added faces to both the front and back, enjoying different expressions. It’s a delightful moment of crafting, where you can freely bring your imagination to life.

Finally, give it a name and personality to complete your Patchpatch.

Some participants said, ‘Giving my Patchpatch a name and personality was surprisingly challenging!’ However, the process of thinking deeply about it made them grow attached to their unique creations.

▲He named it “Chitaro” the kitten. It’s so adorable.

Each actual product also comes with a unique name and personality given by the Type B Work Continuation Support facility ‘studio753.’

Many ‘one-of-a-kind lucky keychains’ were created!”

Attach it to your bag or backpack and let it be your personal charm.

Next, let’s take a look at the My Diffuser workshop, which is also popular as an interior decoration.

My Diffuser Crafting Experience

Each ‘My Diffuser’ aroma diffuser is meticulously handcrafted.

This time, participants experienced making felt balls and then chose their favorite colored felt balls, prepared by the facility, to create their own unique diffusers.

With guidance from the Yokohama Hikari Center, the Type B Work Continuation Support facility that creates My Diffuser, participants proceeded with the workshop.

First of all, let’s start by making felt balls.
The creation process involves the following four steps:

More challenging than expected: Making felt balls

With guidance from the staff at Yokohama Hikari Center, we got started.

Choose your favorite wool, then place it into an empty capsule. Add hot water and detergent, and shake for 5 minutes until it forms a ball.

Some participants found that shaking for 5 minutes was quite challenging when they actually tried it. However, this process is essential for creating beautifully shaped felt balls. The instructor advised, ‘The key is to shake it mindlessly!’

▲It turned out to be a very beautiful shape.

After 5 minutes, take it out and shape it by rolling it gently. During the actual production process, it would be left to dry overnight to complete, but in the workshop, participants took their creations home to dry.

Let’s create a cute, round-shaped My Diffuser!

Next, let’s assemble the My Diffuser.
Here are the three steps to follow:

First, choose your favorite colored felt ball from the ones provided.
The dyed wool creates an artistic texture. Each felt ball is unique, and combining them can result in a completely different look.

Next, use a special tool to make a hole in the felt ball, then thread it onto a bamboo skewer. Finally, apply glue to the tip and let it dry, and your diffuser is complete!”

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the felt ball, and you can enjoy it as an aroma diffuser.

After finishing, everyone enjoyed chatting together.
Participants shared comments like, ‘It was more challenging than I expected!,’ and ‘I gained a new appreciation for the amazing skills of those who make these regularly.’

The workshop was held over a total of four days.
We sincerely thank everyone who participated.

equalto products are born from the power of design and the craftsmanship of the creators.
We hope this workshop gave you an insight into the behind-the-scenes of our production process.

Instructor Collaboration
Patchpatch Manufacturing Facility/the Type B Work Continuation Support facility: studio753
My Diffuser Manufacturing Facility/Social Welfare Corporation Le Pli (Yokohama Hikari Center)