Indie Artist Spotlight: Alina Bunaciu of hanaletters

In a small corner of the second-hand bookshop she runs with her fiancé in Arad, Romania, Alina Bunaciu of hanaletters works her needle and felt magic to create her very own enchanted fairy tale world.

Inspired by her love of illustrated children’s books, vintage postcards, dolls, miniatures, and Korean pop culture, Alina has tapped into the very essence of “kawaii” cuteness with her sweet and whimsical doll characters and wee forest friends.

Nerdy Teddy

Ever since Cornelius first spotted Alina’s Nerdy Teddy a few months ago, we’ve been smitten with her handmade brooches and necklaces. We definitely have a thing for animals wearing glasses and adorable/slightly cheeky girls donning animal hats and mustaches.

Simple lines, bright colors, charming details, and a feeling of innocence define Alina’s creations. She named her business, “hanaletters,” after the Japanese word for flower. She designs, cuts and sews everything herself, and there’s a flower growing in a hidden place on each of her brooches. ✿

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