Made with Soul: Karla Vieira on Fashioning a Life Through Craft
- ARTE.M
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
We first met Karla at the 2025 edition of Mercado Quinhentista, and it was impossible not to stop and admire her work. Her pieces immediately stood out — unique in form, rich in colour play, and radiating the same warm energy as the smiling artist behind the stall.
As we continue working on our blog dedicated to contemporary crafters, we knew right away we had to talk to her. Her work stood out not only for its beauty, but for the story, skill, and soul behind each handmade piece.
So... out of all the crafts in the world, why this one? Did it choose you in a dramatic movie moment, or was it love at first bead?
As a fashion designer with international experience from Paris and Spain, I chose this particular craft as a way to continue my dedication to design after returning to Madeira.
I found a new path in creating custom-made clothing and accessories, a niche I've always been drawn to.
What truly sets my work apart, and something I'm very passionate about, is that I meticulously handcraft every single bead myself. It's a personal touch I wouldn't compromise on.
How long have you and this craft been a thing?
I've been dedicated to this art for over two decades now. My journey in fashion began right after university, working for various companies. It was at 33, when I moved to Madeira, that I truly launched my own brand and began creating independently. So, while my experience spans many years, this specific path as an independent designer is over a decade in the making
Do you think it is a sustainable art? Do you recycle some of the materials? How do you end up with the finished project?
Sustainability is a core principle of my practice. I firmly believe my art is sustainable because I focus on creating exceptionally high-quality, long-lasting pieces designed to be cherished for years, rather than discarded.
My aim is to produce timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends, allowing them to be passed down through generations. This inherent longevity is my most significant contribution to sustainable fashion. Additionally, I actively integrate recycling and upcycling where possible, carefully selecting suppliers committed to ethical practices and continuously exploring innovative ways to incorporate reclaimed or recycled materials into my designs. Each finished piece embodies this holistic approach, merging artistic expression with a commitment to lasting quality and environmental responsibility.
Is this your first time time-traveling to the Middle Ages at Madeira’s Mercado Quinhentista — that amazing medieval fair where crafts meet costumes and history comes to life?
I have been participating since the very beginning. Since 2007 actually, the second edition.
Is this your main job, or more like your favorite thing to do in your free time?
When I first returned to Madeira in 2006, this was indeed my full-time job. The landscape shifted during the COVID-19 period, requiring me to balance my time with other family business responsibilities. However, my dedication to this craft is unwavering; it's my favorite pursuit and something I'm fully committed to maintaining.
Did this love for craft come from deep within… or did someone in the family sneak it into your DNA?
My initial interest in this craft was very much my own discovery, born from a personal drive to create art. However, it was profoundly nurtured by my mother's influence. She was an embroideress and a seamstress, and I spent countless hours helping her as a child. That hands-on experience, deeply rooted in my family, is truly where my passion for making art began.
Ever thought about passing your craft magic to the next generation — or maybe you’ve already played the role of crafty mentor? What’s the trickiest part about getting young folks excited?
Yes, I would absolutely love to teach my craft to younger generations.
I truly believe that motivation is born from passion, and with passion, anything is possible. My hope would be to ignite that same creative spark in them.
Do more people from the city get into your craft than those from the countryside?
From my experience, the interest in my craft tends to originate more from urban areas. In rural settings, there can sometimes be a different perception of the value of handmade goods and the intricate reasons behind their worth. This highlights a crucial need:
we must actively educate future generations on the intrinsic value of handmade craftsmanship, emphasizing its quality, history, and the unique skill it represents.
What’s the hardest part about keeping your slow handmade magic alive in our fast digital world?
In our current digital era, the biggest challenge for my art lies in the inherent contrast between the slow, deliberate process of handmade creation and the fast-paced demands of online visibility. My craft requires significant time and dedication for each piece, which means that dedicating enough hours to building and maintaining a compelling digital presence – whether it's through social media, e-commerce, or marketing – becomes a constant negotiation.
Is social media your best friend or more like a moody helper when it comes to sharing your art?
Yes, social media is an excellent tool for promoting my art, offering unparalleled global reach for my unique handmade pieces. However, the algorithm is a significant challenge. If your content isn't favoured, reaching a wider market organically becomes very difficult.
It demands constant effort to adapt to algorithmic changes and often requires paid promotion for visibility, making broad organic reach a persistent hurdle
Do you have any social media account so we can share your craft with our followers?
Absolutely! That would be wonderful.
You can find my work on Facebook at Karla Vieira Atelier and on Instagram @karlavieira.kv. Both accounts are active and regularly updated with my latest creations.
My website is currently under construction, but I do ship internationally. In fact, I just sent a piece to Germany yesterday!
Article written by Mariana Correia
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